JP2019161451A - Information terminal, communication system and terminal control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information terminal, a communication system and a terminal control method which can suppress an unstable communication environment of the communication system.SOLUTION: A first slave unit A1 includes a narrow area radio communication unit 45, a communication control unit 42a and an identification signal control unit 42b. The narrow area radio communication unit 45 is a member to communicate with another terminal X among a plurality of terminals X. The communication control unit 42a controls the narrow area radio communication unit 45 in such a manner that the narrow area radio communication unit 45 performs relay communication. The identification signal control unit 42b controls the narrow area radio communication unit 45 in such a manner that the narrow area radio communication unit 45 transmits an identification signal which includes information to identify the first slave unit A1. The identification signal control unit 42b controls the transmission power of the identification signal on the basis of at least one of the relay counts of relay communication performed and a relay communication time of the relay communication performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an information terminal, a communication system, and a terminal control method.

  The wireless communication system described in Patent Literature 1 includes a plurality of wireless communication devices connected via a wireless communication network. Each wireless communication device includes a transmission unit and a reception unit. The transmission means transmits a search signal for searching for a communication partner to the outside. The receiving means receives a search signal transmitted from the outside. Each wireless communication apparatus includes a changing unit, a specifying unit, and a notification unit. The changing means changes the reception sensitivity to a sensitivity lower than the predetermined sensitivity. The specifying unit specifies a reception state of the search signal by the receiving unit in a state where the reception sensitivity is changed to a sensitivity lower than the predetermined sensitivity. The notification means notifies the specified reception status.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-220737

  However, when communication signals concentrate on a specific wireless communication device among a plurality of wireless communication devices (terminals), the communication load on the specific wireless communication device increases. As a result, the communication signal may not be transmitted smoothly, and the communication environment of the wireless communication system may become unstable.

  An object of this invention is to provide the information terminal which can suppress that the communication environment of a communication system becomes unstable, a communication system, and a terminal control method.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the information terminal is included in a communication system including a plurality of terminals. The information terminal is one of the plurality of terminals. The information terminal includes a communication unit, a communication control unit, and an identification signal control unit. The communication unit is a member for communicating with other terminals among the plurality of terminals. The communication control unit controls the communication unit so that the communication unit performs relay communication. The identification signal control unit controls the communication unit so that the communication unit transmits an identification signal including information for identifying the information terminal. The relay communication indicates a process of transmitting a communication signal from one of the other terminals via the information terminal to the other one of the other terminals. The identification signal control unit controls transmission power of the identification signal based on at least one of the number of relays in which the relay communication has been performed and the relay communication time in which the relay communication has been performed.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the communication system includes a plurality of terminals. The information terminal is one of the plurality of terminals. The information terminal includes a communication unit, a communication control unit, and an identification signal control unit. The communication unit is a member for communicating with other terminals among the plurality of terminals. The communication control unit controls the communication unit so that the communication unit performs relay communication. The identification signal control unit controls the communication unit so that the communication unit transmits an identification signal including information for identifying the information terminal. The relay communication indicates a process of transmitting a communication signal from one of the other terminals via the information terminal to the other one of the other terminals. The identification signal control unit controls transmission power of the identification signal based on at least one of the number of relays in which the relay communication has been performed and the relay communication time in which the relay communication has been performed.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the terminal control method controls the terminal of a communication system including a plurality of terminals. The terminal control method includes a step in which an information terminal that is one of the plurality of terminals performs relay communication with another terminal of the plurality of terminals. The terminal control method is a step of controlling the transmission power of the identification signal of the information terminal based on at least one of the number of relays in which the relay communication has been performed and the relay communication time in which the relay communication has been performed. Is provided. The identification signal indicates a signal including information for identifying the information terminal. The relay communication indicates a process of transmitting a communication signal from one of the other terminals via the information terminal to the other one of the other terminals.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can suppress that the communication environment of a communication system becomes unstable.

1 is a block diagram of a telemeter system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of a server. It is a block diagram of a main | base station. It is a block diagram of a 1st subunit | mobile_unit. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st operation | movement of a control apparatus. (A) It is a schematic diagram which shows 1st communication. (B) It is a schematic diagram which shows 2nd communication. (C) It is a schematic diagram which shows 3rd communication. (D) It is a schematic diagram which shows 4th communication. It is a 1st figure which shows the relationship between transmission power and the flow of a communication signal. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a communication signal. It is a 2nd figure which shows the relationship between transmission power and the flow of a communication signal. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd operation | movement of a control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the 3rd operation | movement of a control apparatus. It is a block diagram of a 1st subunit | mobile_unit. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the 4th operation | movement of a control apparatus. It is a block diagram of an external terminal. It is FIG. 1 of a 1st screen. It is FIG. 1 of a 2nd screen. It is FIG. 2 of a 2nd screen. It is FIG. 2 of the 1st screen.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is not repeated.

[First Embodiment]
A telemeter system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a telemeter system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The telemeter system 100 is an example of a communication system according to the present invention. A communication system is a system that collects information through communication between a plurality of terminals.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the telemeter system 100 of 1st Embodiment is a system which collects the measured value measured in the some measurement place.

  The telemeter system 100 includes a server 10, a center side network control unit 20, a plurality of terminals X, and a first measurement device B1 to an Nth measurement device BN. The plurality of terminals X include a parent device 30 and a first child device A1 to an Nth child device AN. N is an integer of 2 or more. In the first embodiment, N = 5.

  1st subunit | mobile_unit A1 is an example of the information terminal of this invention.

  The server 10 controls each of the parent device 30 and the first child device A1 to the Nth child device AN. The server 10 collects measurement values measured by the first measurement device B1 to the Nth measurement device BN via the parent device 30 and the first child device A1 to the Nth child device AN.

  The server 10 is an example of a central control device of the present invention.

  The center side network control unit 20 mediates communication processing for the server 10 to communicate with the parent device 30. The center side network control unit 20 and the server 10 are connected by wire or wirelessly. The center side network control unit 20 and the parent device 30 are connected to a wide area wireless network N1 such as a PHS network and a FOMA network, for example. The center-side network control unit 20 and the parent device 30 perform wireless communication with each other via the wide area wireless network N1.

  In the present embodiment, the center side network control unit 20 and the parent device 30 are connected by the wide area wireless network N1, but the present invention is not limited to this. The center-side network control unit 20 and the parent device 30 may be connected to each other via a wired IP network and a communication network such as a public network. Further, the center side network control unit 20 and the parent device 30 may be connected by wire. In addition, a plurality of parent devices 30 may be connected to the wide area wireless network N1.

  The center side network control unit 20 is provided, for example, in a public network of a communication carrier. The center-side network control unit 20 controls communication of a terminal-side device such as the parent device 30 and the first child device A1 to the N-th child device AN via the wide area wireless network N1.

  When the center-side network control unit 20 receives a message from the server 10, the center-side network control unit 20 transmits a message to the terminal-side device using a communication method compliant with the communication standard of the wide area wireless network N1. When the center side network control unit 20 receives a message from the terminal side device via the wide area wireless network N <b> 1, the center side network control unit 20 transmits the received message to the server 10.

  The base unit 30 is connected to a center side device such as the center side network control unit 20 and the server 10 via the wide area wireless network N1. The parent device 30 is connected directly or indirectly to each of the first child device A1 to the Nth child device AN via the narrow area wireless network N2.

  The base unit 30 is wirelessly connected directly or indirectly to each of the first handset A1 to the Nth handset AN. In addition, the main | base station 30 may be directly or indirectly wired-connected with each of 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1-Nth subunit | mobile_unit AN.

  When the first slave unit A1 receives a message from the server 10 via the narrow area wireless network N2 and the center side network control unit 20, the first slave unit A1 determines whether the received message is a message addressed to itself. Determine whether or not. When the identification number of the first handset A1 is specified as the destination address of the message received by the first handset A1, the first handset A1 determines that the received message is a message addressed to itself. And 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1 can perform various processes based on the content of the data contained in the received message | telegram.

  Each of 1st measuring device B1-Nth measuring device BN is installed in a consumer, for example. Each of the first measuring device B1 to the Nth measuring device BN includes a meter. In the present embodiment, each of the first measuring device B1 to the Nth measuring device BN measures the amount of supply such as water, gas, and electricity supplied from the business entity to the consumer.

  In addition, the object which each of 1st measuring device B1-Nth measuring device BN measures is not specifically limited. Each of the first measuring device B1 to the Nth measuring device BN may measure physical quantities of the environment such as temperature, air pollution, and earthquake.

  Each of the first measuring device B1 to the Nth measuring device BN is, for example, an 8-bit meter and has a function of communicating with a center-side device using an 8-bit message format.

  The first measuring device B1 to the Nth measuring device BN are connected to the first slave device A1 to the Nth slave device AN, respectively.

  The p-th measuring device Bp outputs a measured value of the amount of supply used measured by the p-th measuring device Bp to the p-th slave device Ap. The p-th measurement device Bp and the p-th slave device Ap are wiredly connected via an electric wire. Note that the p-th measurement device Bp and the p-th slave device Ap may be wirelessly connected. p is an integer of 1 or more and N or less.

  The p-th slave device Ap acquires a measured value of the amount of supply used from the p-th measurement device Bp. As a result, the measurement value of the p-th measuring device Bp is transmitted to the server 10 via the p-th child device Ap and the parent device 30.

  The measured values of the first measuring device B1 to the Nth measuring device BN are collected by the server 10. As a result, the server 10 can grasp the usage amount of the supplies of a plurality of consumers.

  Next, the server 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the server 10.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the server 10 includes a storage unit 11, a control unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

  The storage unit 11 includes a main storage device (for example, a semiconductor memory) such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and may further include an auxiliary storage device (for example, a hard disk drive). The storage unit 11 stores various computer programs executed by the control unit 12. Moreover, the memory | storage part 11 memorize | stores the customer information which matched the identification number of several consumers, and the usage-amount of the supply of several consumers, respectively, for example.

  The storage unit 11 stores management information 11a. The management information 11a is information for managing each of the first slave unit A1 to the Nth slave unit AN. The management information 11a includes, for example, the identification numbers of the first child device A1 to the Nth child device AN.

  The control unit 12 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 12 controls each element of the server 10 by executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 11.

  The communication unit 13 performs wireless communication with the parent device 30 via the wide area wireless network N1. The communication unit 13 is a communication module capable of wide-area communication such as FOMA, for example. The communication unit 13 may perform wired communication with the parent device 30.

  Next, the master unit 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of base unit 30.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the base unit 30 includes a storage unit 31, a control unit 32, an input unit 33, a display unit 34, a wide area wireless communication unit 35, and a narrow area wireless communication unit 36.

  The storage unit 31 includes a main storage device and may further include an auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 31 stores various computer programs executed by the control unit 32.

  The control unit 32 includes a processor. The control unit 32 controls each element of the parent device 30 by executing the computer program stored in the storage unit 31.

  Input unit 33 accepts an instruction to master device 30. The input unit 33 includes, for example, at least one of various switches such as dip switches, buttons, and a touch panel.

  For example, the display unit 34 displays information to be notified to a worker who performs maintenance work. The display unit 34 includes, for example, an LED and a liquid crystal display panel.

  The wide area wireless communication unit 35 performs wireless communication via the wide area wireless network N1 by transmitting and receiving radio waves through an antenna (not shown). The wide area wireless communication unit 35 is a communication module capable of wide area communication such as FOMA. For example, the parent device 30 transmits the measurement value of the first measurement device B1 to the measurement value of the Nth measurement device BN to the server 10 via the wide area wireless communication unit 35.

  When the wide-area wireless communication unit 35 receives a radio wave with an antenna, the wide-area radio communication unit 35 acquires a telegram by decoding the received radio wave. The wide area wireless communication unit 35 outputs a message obtained by decoding to the control unit 32. For example, when acquiring a message output from the wide area wireless communication unit 35, the control unit 32 performs processing according to the acquired message. For example, when acquiring a message output from the wide area wireless communication unit 35, the control unit 32 transfers the message to each of the first child device A1 to the Nth child device AN via the narrow area wireless communication unit 36. I do.

  In the present embodiment, the wide area wireless communication unit 35 is included in the parent device 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The wide area wireless communication unit 35 is included in an external terminal and may not be included in the parent device 30. In this case, communication is performed from the parent device 30 to an external terminal, and a message is transmitted via the wide area wireless communication 35 of the external terminal.

  The narrow-area wireless communication unit 36 communicates with the first slave unit A1 to the Nth slave unit AN by a predetermined wireless communication method by transmitting and receiving radio waves via an antenna (not shown). Do. As the wireless communication method, for example, a specific low power wireless method is adopted. In the specific low power radio system, a 920 MHz band with a higher communication speed is used in addition to the 426 MHz band as a frequency allocation band. The narrow-area wireless communication unit 36 is a communication module that uses, for example, an RF-LSI for 920 MHz band communication.

  An example of a message transmission process of the narrow area wireless communication unit 36 will be described. For example, the narrow area wireless communication unit 36 intermittently transmits a beacon as a search signal for searching for the first handset A1 that is the transmission destination of the message. The search signal includes a radio number for identifying the parent device 30. When receiving the search signal transmitted from the parent device 30, the first child device A1 transmits a response signal. The response signal includes a radio number that is information for identifying the first handset A1. The response signal is, for example, a beacon. When receiving the response signal transmitted by the first slave unit A1, the narrow area wireless communication unit 36 identifies the first slave unit A1 from the radio unit number included in the response signal. And the narrow area | region radio | wireless communication part 36 transmits a message | telegram to 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1.

  Two examples of the message transmission process of the narrow area wireless communication unit 36 will be described. The narrow-area wireless communication unit 36 transmits an activation signal for activating the first slave unit A1 when transmitting a message to the first slave unit A1. And if 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1 returns the response with respect to a starting signal, the narrow area | region radio | wireless communication part 36 will transmit a message to 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1.

  Next, the first slave unit A1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the first slave unit A1. In addition, 2nd subunit | mobile_unit A2-Nth subunit | mobile_unit AN has the same structure as 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first slave unit A1 includes a storage unit 41, a control device 42, an input unit 43, a display unit 44, a narrow area wireless communication unit 45, and a connection unit 46.

  The storage unit 41 includes a main storage device and may further include an auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 41 stores various computer programs executed by the control device 42.

  The control device 42 includes a processor. The control device 42 controls each element of the first slave unit A1 by executing the computer program stored in the storage unit 41.

  The control device 42 includes a communication control unit 42a, an identification signal control unit 42b, a relay calculation unit 42c, a condition signal control unit 42d, and a determination unit 42e. Specifically, when the processor of the control device 42 executes the computer program stored in the storage unit 41, the communication control unit 42a, the identification signal control unit 42b, the relay calculation unit 42c, the condition signal control unit 42d, and It functions as the determination unit 42e.

  The input unit 43 receives an instruction for the first slave unit A1. The input unit 43 includes at least one of various switches such as dip switches, buttons, and a touch panel, for example.

  For example, the display unit 44 displays information to be notified to a worker who performs maintenance work. The display unit 44 includes, for example, an LED and a liquid crystal display panel.

  The narrow area wireless communication unit 45 is a device capable of performing communication within a predetermined range. The narrow-area wireless communication unit 45 communicates with the parent device 30 and other child devices by a predetermined wireless communication method by transmitting and receiving radio waves via an antenna (not shown). The narrow-area wireless communication unit 45 is a communication module that uses, for example, an RF-LSI for 920 MHz band communication. The narrow area wireless communication unit 45 has the same function as the narrow area wireless communication unit 36 of the base unit 30.

  The narrow area wireless communication unit 45 is an example of a communication unit of the present invention.

  1st subunit | mobile_unit A1 is connected so that communication with the terminal X located in the area | region in which the communication by the narrow area | region wireless communication part 45 is possible among several terminals X is possible. In the first embodiment, the first slave unit A1 is communicably connected to the master unit 30, the fourth slave unit A4, and the fifth slave unit A5.

  The connection unit 46 includes one or a plurality of ports for connecting the first measurement device B1. The connection unit 46 is connected to the first measuring device B1 by wire through the electric wire 1. The connection unit 46 acquires the measurement value of the first measurement device B1 through the electric wire 1.

  The second handset A2 to the Nth handset AN have the same configuration as the first handset A1.

  Next, the operation of the control device 42 of the first slave unit A1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 5, and 6A to 6D. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a first operation of the control device 42.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in step S100, the identification signal control unit 42b sets the transmission power of the first slave unit A1 so that the transmission power of the first slave unit A1 becomes the first transmission power. As a result, the identification signal control unit 42b controls the narrow area wireless communication unit 45 so that the narrow area wireless communication unit 45 transmits the identification signal of the first handset A1 with the first transmission power.

  Specifically, the transmission power of the first slave unit A1 indicates the transmission power of the identification signal of the first slave unit A1.

  The identification signal of the first slave unit A1 indicates a signal including information for identifying the first slave unit A1. The identification signal is a beacon, for example. The identification signal may be Bluetooth (Bluetooth (registered trademark)).

  The first transmission power is set in advance. The first transmission power is stored in the storage unit 41.

  In step S110, the relay calculation unit 42c calculates the number of relays that is the number of times relay communication has been performed.

  The relay communication indicates a process of transmitting a communication signal from one of the plurality of terminals X to the other one of the plurality of terminals X via the first slave unit A1.

  The relay communication will be described. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing the first communication. FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram showing the second communication. FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram showing the third communication. FIG. 6D is a schematic diagram showing the fourth communication.

  The relay communication of the first embodiment includes first communication to fourth communication. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6A, the first communication indicates a process of transmitting a communication signal from the parent device 30 to the fourth child device A4 via the first child device A1. As shown in FIG.1 and FIG.6 (b), 2nd communication shows the process which transmits a communication signal to the 5th subunit | mobile_unit A5 via 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1 from the main | base station 30. FIG. As shown in FIG.1 and FIG.6 (c), 3rd communication shows the process which transmits a communication signal from 4th subunit | mobile_unit A4 to 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1 via 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1. As shown in FIG.1 and FIG.6 (d), 4th communication shows the process which transmits a communication signal from the 5th subunit | mobile_unit A5 to 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1 via 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1.

  Below, the communication signal transmitted by relay communication (1st communication-4th communication) is demonstrated.

  6A to 6D, arrows indicate the flow of communication signals. A communication signal shows the signal transmitted via 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1.

  In the first communication shown in FIG. 6A, the communication signal is a signal indicating an instruction to the fourth handset A4, for example. A signal indicating an instruction to the fourth slave unit A4 is output from the server 10, and then transmitted to the fourth slave unit A4 via the master unit 30 and the first slave unit A1. As a result, the fourth slave unit A4 receives an instruction from the server 10.

  In the second communication shown in FIG. 6B, the communication signal is, for example, a signal indicating an instruction to the fifth handset A5. A signal indicating an instruction to the fifth slave unit A5 is output from the server 10, and then transmitted to the fifth slave unit A5 via the master unit 30 and the first slave unit A1. As a result, the fifth slave unit A5 receives an instruction from the server 10.

  In the third communication shown in FIG. 6C, the communication signal is, for example, a signal indicating a measurement value of the fourth measuring device B4. A signal indicating the measurement value of the fourth measuring device B4 is transmitted to the server 10 via the fourth slave unit A4, the first slave unit A1, and the master unit 30. As a result, the server 10 acquires the measurement value of the fourth measurement device B4.

  In the fourth communication shown in FIG. 6D, the communication signal is, for example, a signal indicating a measurement value of the fifth measuring device B5. A signal indicating the measurement value of the fifth measuring device B5 is transmitted to the server 10 via the fifth slave unit A5, the first slave unit A1, and the master unit 30. As a result, the server 10 acquires the measurement value of the fifth measurement apparatus B5.

  The relay calculation unit 42c calculates the number of relays that is the number of times the relay communication shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D has been performed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in step S120, the determination unit 42e determines whether or not a predetermined first condition is satisfied. The predetermined first condition indicates a condition in which the number of relays is equal to or greater than a predetermined number within the first predetermined period. Specifically, the first predetermined period indicates the past first predetermined period from the time when the determination unit 42e starts the process of determining whether or not the predetermined first condition is satisfied.

  Each of the predetermined number of times and the first predetermined period is determined in advance. Each of the predetermined number of times and the first predetermined period is stored in the storage unit 41.

  If the number of relays exceeds the predetermined number within the first predetermined period (Yes in step S120), the process proceeds to step S130. The state where the number of relays is equal to or greater than the predetermined number within the first predetermined period is an example of the busy state of the first handset A1.

  If the number of relays does not exceed the predetermined number within the first predetermined period (No in step S120), the process proceeds to step S140.

  In step S130, the identification signal control unit 42b changes the transmission power of the first slave unit A1 from the first transmission power to the second transmission power. As a result, the identification signal control unit 42b controls the narrow area wireless communication unit 45 so that the narrow area wireless communication unit 45 transmits the identification signal of the first handset A1 with the second transmission power.

  The second transmission power is lower than the first transmission power. The second transmission power is set in advance. The second transmission power is stored in the storage unit 41.

  When the process shown in step S130 ends, the process indicating the operation of the control device 42 ends.

  In step S140, the identification signal control unit 42b holds the transmission power of the first slave unit A1 at the first transmission power. When the process shown in step S140 ends, the process indicating the operation of the control device 42 ends.

  Next, the relationship between transmission power and the flow of communication signals will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a first diagram illustrating the relationship between transmission power and the flow of communication signals.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a communication signal path α is formed based on the communicable range of the identification signal of each terminal X. The communication signal path α is formed between the terminals X that can transmit and receive the identification signal to each other among the plurality of terminals X. By forming the path α, the server 10 is communicably connected to each of the plurality of terminals X via the path α. More specifically, the term “connected” indicates that the communication is established by wire or wireless.

  When one terminal X of the plurality of terminals X is connected to two or more other terminals X, the terminal X having the highest transmission power of the identification signal among the two or more other terminals X A communication signal flows from one terminal X.

  Next, the principle of communication signal flow will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of communication signals.

  As shown in FIG.7 and FIG.8, the transmission power of 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1 is 20 mW, for example. The transmission power of the second slave unit A2 is 15 mW, for example.

  In step S10, a communication signal is transmitted from the server 10 to the fourth handset A4. The communication signal transmitted from the server 10 reaches the parent device 30.

  In step S11, base unit 30 transmits a search signal. The search signal is a signal for searching for a terminal X that can communicate with the parent device 30 among the plurality of terminals X. The search signal is a beacon, for example. Each of the first handset A1 to the third handset A3 receives the search signal.

  In step S12, each of the first slave unit A1 to the third slave unit A3 transmits an identification signal as a response signal to the search signal.

  In addition, each of the first child device A1 to the third child device A3 transmits terminal information indicating the terminal X that can communicate.

  Base unit 30 receives an identification signal and terminal information from each of first handset A1 to third handset A3.

  In step S13, the parent device 30 selects the target child device from the first child device A1 to the third child device A3. The target child device indicates a terminal X to which a communication signal is transmitted from the parent device 30.

  According to the terminal information of the third handset A3, the third handset A3 cannot communicate with the fourth handset A4. Accordingly, the third slave unit A3 is excluded from the candidate candidate slave units.

  According to the terminal information of the first handset A1, the first handset A1 can communicate with the fourth handset A4. Further, according to the terminal information of the second handset A2, the second handset A2 can communicate with the fourth handset A4. However, the transmission power of the first handset A1 is higher than the transmission power of the second handset A2. Accordingly, the parent device 30 selects the first child device A1 as the target child device.

  In step S14, the base unit 30 transmits a communication signal to the first handset A1. The first slave unit A1 receives the communication signal. And 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1 transmits a communication signal to 4th subunit | mobile_unit A4. As a result, the process ends.

  Next, referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, the path of the communication signal when the transmission power of the first slave unit A1 is changed from the first transmission power to the second transmission power in step S130 (see FIG. 5). The change of α will be described. FIG. 9 is a second diagram illustrating the relationship between transmission power and the flow of communication signals.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the first transmission power of the first handset A1 is set to 20 mW. In this case, the communication signal transmitted from the server 10 to the fourth child device A4 is transmitted from the parent device 30 to the fourth child device A4 via the first child device A1 as shown by the thick line in FIG. The Further, the communication signal transmitted from the fourth slave unit A4 to the server 10 is transmitted from the fourth slave unit A4 to the master unit 30 via the first slave unit A1, as shown by the thick line in FIG. . The reason is that the first transmission power of the first handset A1 is higher than the transmission power of the second handset A2 (20 mW> 15 mW).

  As shown in FIG. 9, the transmission power of the first slave unit A1 is changed from the first transmission power 20 mW to the second transmission power 10 mW. In this case, the communication signal transmitted from the server 10 to the fourth child device A4 is transmitted from the parent device 30 to the fourth child device A4 via the second child device A2, as shown by the thick line in FIG. The Further, the communication signal transmitted from the fourth slave unit A4 to the server 10 is transmitted from the fourth slave unit A4 to the master unit 30 via the second slave unit A2, as shown by the thick line in FIG. . The reason is that the transmission power of the second slave unit A2 is higher than the second transmission power of the first slave unit A1 (15 mW> 10 mW). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the load caused by relay communication on the first slave unit A1 and alleviate the busy state of the first slave unit A1.

  In addition, when one terminal X of the plurality of terminals X is connected to two or more other terminals X, and the two or more other terminals X include the first handset A1, two or more other terminals X are included. When the transmission power of each terminal X is compared, the second transmission power of the first handset A1 is set so as not to become the highest. For example, in the first embodiment, the second transmission power 10 mW of the first slave unit A1 is set to be lower than the transmission power 15 mW of the second slave unit A2. As a result, it is possible to bypass the communication signal so that the communication signal does not pass through the first slave unit A1.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, the identification signal control unit 42b controls the transmission power of the first slave unit A1 based on the number of relays. Accordingly, when the number of relays increases and the first slave unit A1 becomes busy, the identification signal control unit 42b reduces the transmission power of the first slave unit A1 so that the communication signal does not pass through the first slave unit A1. It is possible to bypass the communication signal. As a result, since it can suppress that 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1 becomes a busy state, it can suppress that the communication environment of the telemeter system 100 becomes unstable. Moreover, since it can suppress that 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1 becomes a busy state, the increase in the consumption of the battery of 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1 can be suppressed.

  When the communication load on the first slave unit A1 increases, the communication signal is detoured so that the communication signal does not pass through the first slave unit A1, and the communication load on the first slave unit A1 is transferred to another terminal X. Can be dispersed. Therefore, it can suppress that the communication load concerning the telemeter system 100 whole is biased to 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the telemeter system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a second operation of the control device 42.

  The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it is determined whether or not to change the transmission power of the first slave unit A1 based on the relay communication time.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the process shown in step S100 ends, the process proceeds to step S121.

  In step S121, the relay calculation unit 42c calculates a relay communication time that is a time when the relay communication is performed.

  In step S122, the determination unit 42e determines whether or not a predetermined second condition is satisfied. The predetermined second condition indicates a condition in which the relay communication time becomes a predetermined time or more within the second predetermined period. Specifically, the second predetermined period indicates the past second predetermined period from the time when the determination unit 42e starts the process of determining whether or not the predetermined second condition is satisfied.

  Note that the length of the second predetermined period may be the same as or different from the length of the first predetermined period of the first embodiment.

  Each of the predetermined time and the second predetermined period is determined in advance. Each of the predetermined time and the second predetermined period is stored in the storage unit 41.

  If the relay communication time is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times within the second predetermined period (Yes in step S122), the process proceeds to step S130. The state where the number of relays is equal to or greater than the predetermined number within the first predetermined period shows two examples of the busy state of the first handset A1.

  If the relay communication time does not exceed the predetermined time within the first predetermined period (No in step S122), the process proceeds to step S140.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 10, when the communication time becomes equal to or longer than the predetermined time within the second predetermined period, the transmission power of the first slave unit A1 is changed from the first transmission power to the second transmission power. . Therefore, it can suppress that 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1 will be in a busy state. As a result, it is possible to suppress the communication environment of the telemeter system 100 from becoming unstable.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the telemeter system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a third operation of the control device 42.

  The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment and the second embodiment in that it is determined whether or not to change the transmission power of the first child device A1 based on the number of relays and the relay communication time.

  As shown in steps S110 to S122, when the third condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S130. The third condition indicates a condition in which the number of relays exceeds a predetermined number within the first predetermined period and the relay communication time reaches a predetermined number within the second predetermined period.

  In the case where the number of relays exceeds the predetermined number within the first predetermined period and the relay communication time exceeds the predetermined number within the second predetermined period, three examples of the busy state of the first handset A1 are shown.

  If the third condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S140.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 11, when the number of relays exceeds the predetermined number within the first predetermined period and the communication time exceeds the predetermined time within the second predetermined period, the first handset A1 Is changed from the first transmission power to the second transmission power. Therefore, it can suppress that 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1 will be in a busy state. As a result, it is possible to suppress the communication environment of the telemeter system 100 from becoming unstable.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the telemeter system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a first flowchart showing a fourth operation of the control device 42. FIG. 13 is a second flowchart showing the fourth operation of the control device 42.

  The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment to the third embodiment in that the server 10 instructs to change the transmission power of the first slave unit A1.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the process shown in step S100 ends, the process proceeds to step S123.

  In step S123, the relay calculation unit 42c calculates at least one of the number of relays and the relay communication time.

  In step S124, the determination unit 42e determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition indicates at least one of a condition in which the number of relays is greater than or equal to a predetermined number within the first predetermined period and a condition in which the relay communication time is greater than or equal to a predetermined time within the second predetermined period. The predetermined condition includes a predetermined first condition in the first embodiment (see step S120 in FIG. 5), a predetermined second condition in the second embodiment (see step S122 in FIG. 10), and a predetermined condition in the third embodiment. Of the third condition (see step S120 and step S122 in FIG. 11).

  If the predetermined condition is satisfied (Yes in step S124), the process proceeds to step S125.

  If the predetermined condition is not satisfied (No in step S124), the process proceeds to step S140.

  In step S125, the condition signal control unit 42d controls the narrow area wireless communication unit 45 so that the narrow area wireless communication unit 45 transmits a condition signal to the server 10. The condition signal is a signal indicating that a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  In step S200, the communication unit 13 (see FIG. 2) of the server 10 receives the condition signal.

  In step S210, the control unit 12 controls the communication unit 13 so that the communication unit 13 transmits an instruction signal to the first slave unit A1 according to the condition signal. The instruction signal indicates a signal instructing to change the transmission power of the first slave unit A1 from the first transmission power to the second transmission power.

  In step S126, the narrow area radio communication unit 45 of the first slave unit A1 receives the instruction signal.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in step S130, the identification signal control unit 42b changes the transmission power of the first slave unit A1 from the first transmission power to the second transmission power.

  In step S131, the condition signal control unit 42d controls the narrow area wireless communication unit 45 so that the narrow area wireless communication unit 45 transmits a change completion signal to the server 10. The change completion signal is a signal indicating that the operation of changing the transmission power of the first slave unit A1 from the first transmission power to the second transmission power is completed. As a result, the processing of the first slave unit A1 is completed.

  In step S220, the communication unit 13 receives the change completion signal.

  In step S230, the control part 12 registers 2nd transmission power as transmission power of 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1. Specifically, the control unit 12 changes the transmission power of the first child device A1 from the first transmission power to the second transmission power in the management information 11a. As a result, the server 10 can grasp that the current transmission power of the first slave unit A1 is the second transmission power. Further, since the server 10 can grasp the current transmission power of the first slave unit A1, the telemeter system 100 can adjust the path α of the communication signal.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, in step S200 (see FIG. 12), the server 10 receives the condition signal transmitted from the first slave unit A1. In step S210, the server 10 transmits an instruction signal to the first slave unit A1. Therefore, it becomes possible for the server 10 to manage the transmission power of the first slave unit A1.

  Further, when at least one of a condition that the number of relays is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times within the first predetermined period and a condition that the communication time is equal to or greater than the predetermined time within the second predetermined period is satisfied, Is changed from the first transmission power to the second transmission power. That is, when the determination unit 42e determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied, the transmission power of the first slave unit A1 is changed from the first transmission power to the second transmission power. Therefore, it can suppress that 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1 will be in a busy state. As a result, it is possible to suppress the communication environment of the telemeter system 100 from becoming unstable.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the telemeter system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the external terminal 50.

  The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment to the fourth embodiment in that the transmission power of the first child device A1 is changed using the external terminal 50.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the telemeter system 100 further includes an external terminal 50.

  The external terminal 50 is a terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a smartphone, for example.

  The external terminal 50 includes a storage unit 51, a control unit 52, an input unit 53, a display unit 54, and a communication unit 55.

  The storage unit 51 includes a main storage device and may further include an auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 51 stores various computer programs executed by the control unit 52.

  The control unit 52 includes a processor. The control unit 52 controls each element of the external terminal 50 by executing the computer program stored in the storage unit 51.

  The input unit 53 receives an instruction for the external terminal 50. The input unit 53 includes, for example, at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel. In the fifth embodiment, the input unit 53 includes a touch panel.

  The display part 54 displays the screen for changing the transmission power of 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1, for example. The display unit 34 includes, for example, an LED and a liquid crystal display panel. In the fifth embodiment, the display unit 54 includes a touch sensor and functions as a touch panel.

  The communication unit 55 can communicate with the first slave unit A1. The communication unit 55 is a device that performs communication using the same communication method as the narrow area wireless communication unit 45 of the first handset A1.

  Note that the external terminal 50 may perform wireless communication with the first slave unit A1 or may perform wired communication.

  Next, a procedure for changing the transmission power of the first handset A1 using the external terminal 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15 is a first diagram of the first screen 54a.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the display unit 54 displays a first screen 54a. The first screen 54a displays the connection status image Z. The connection status image Z is an image showing the connection status of a plurality of terminals X located near the external terminal 50.

  A first signal indicating whether or not each of the plurality of terminals X is busy is transmitted from each of the plurality of terminals X to the communication unit 55. The busy state indicates that a predetermined condition (see step S124 in FIG. 12) is not satisfied. In addition, a second signal indicating the remaining battery level of each of the plurality of terminals X is transmitted to the communication unit 55 from each of the plurality of terminals X.

  The control unit 52 grasps the busy terminal X based on the first signal. Then, the control unit 52 displays a notification image Z1 for notifying the worker of the busy terminal X on the first screen 54a. In the fifth embodiment, the notification image Z1 indicates an image of the first slave unit A1 with hatched lines. The worker can recognize that the first handset A1 is busy by visually recognizing the notification image Z1 via the first screen 54a.

  When the operator touches the notification image Z1, the control unit 52 switches the screen displayed on the display unit 54 from the first screen 54a to the second screen 54b.

  FIG. 16 is a first diagram of the second screen 54b.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the display unit 54 displays a second screen 54b. The second screen 54b shows a screen for displaying the state of the selected terminal. The selected terminal indicates the terminal X selected on the first screen 54a. In the fifth embodiment, the first handset A1 is selected (touch operation) on the first screen 54a. Therefore, in 5th Embodiment, a selection terminal is 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1.

  Below, the 2nd screen 54b is demonstrated by making a selection terminal into 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1.

  The second screen 54b displays the first information image Z2. The first information image Z2 shows an image of information that cannot be corrected by the operator. The first information image Z2 includes, for example, an image showing the current date, an image showing the number of communications of the first slave unit A1, an image showing the communication time of the first slave unit A1, and the remaining battery of the first slave unit A1. Contains an image showing the quantity. As the first information image Z2, the number of communication times of the first slave unit A1, the communication time of the first slave unit A1, and the history of the remaining battery level of the first slave unit A1 are displayed in units of months or weeks. An image expressed in units may be used.

  The second screen 54b further displays the second information image Z3. The second information image Z3 shows an image of information that can be corrected by the operator. The second information image Z3 includes, for example, a scale image Z31 for adjusting the transmission power of the first slave unit A1. The scale image Z31 shows a screen for changing the transmission power of the first slave unit A1.

  In the second information image Z3, the information image that can be corrected by the operator is not limited to the scale image Z31. The operator may be able to correct the set value of the first slave unit A1 other than the transmission power of the first slave unit A1 via the second information image Z3. Further, an image of information that can be corrected by the operator may be displayed in a list on the second screen 54b.

  FIG. 17 is a second diagram of the second screen 54b.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 17, the change instruction information is input to the external terminal 50 via the input unit 53 when the operator touches the scale image Z <b> 31. The change instruction information indicates information instructing to change the transmission power of the first slave unit A1.

  The change instruction information input via the input unit 53 is transmitted from the communication unit 55 to the first slave unit A1. And the identification signal control part 42b (refer FIG. 4) of 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1 changes the transmission power of 1st subunit | mobile_unit A1 based on change instruction information.

  The operator touches the scale image Z31 to change the scale amount of the scale image Z31, whereby the transmission power of the first slave unit A1 is changed to a height corresponding to the scale amount.

  After the touch operation of the scale image Z31 by the operator is finished, the first screen 54a is displayed on the display unit 54 when a predetermined time has elapsed. Note that the end image may be provided on the second screen 54b, and the screen displayed on the display unit 54 may be switched from the second screen 54b to the first screen 54a by the operator touching the end image.

  FIG. 18 is a second diagram of the first screen 54a.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the display unit 54 displays the first screen 54 a after the transmission power adjustment work is completed. When the busy state of the first slave unit A1 is canceled by the transmission power adjustment operation, the display unit 54 displays the improved image Z4 on the first screen 54a instead of the notification image Z1. The improved image Z4 is an image for notifying the operator that the busy state of the first slave unit A1 has been eliminated. In the fifth embodiment, the improved image Z4 shows an image of the first slave unit A1 on which a mesh-like oblique line is written. The operator can recognize that the busy state of the first slave unit A1 has been eliminated by viewing the improved image Z4 via the first screen 54a. In addition, that the busy state is canceled indicates that a predetermined condition (see step S124 in FIG. 12) is satisfied.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 14 to 18, the identification signal control unit 42 b has the first child based on the change instruction information input via the input unit 53 (for example, touch panel) of the external terminal 50. The transmission power of the machine A1 is changed. As a result, the operator can operate the external terminal 50 to change the transmission power of the first slave unit A1 to a desired height.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 18). However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist (for example, (1) to (3)). In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. In order to facilitate understanding, the drawings schematically show each component as a main component, and the number of components shown in the drawings may differ from the actual one due to the convenience of drawing. Moreover, each component shown by said embodiment is an example, Comprising: It does not specifically limit, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate substantially from the effect of this invention.

  (1) In the first to fifth embodiments, the narrow area wireless communication unit 45 includes a signal indicating the number of relays within a first predetermined period, a signal indicating a communication time within a second predetermined period, and the first The identification signal control unit 42b may control the narrow area wireless communication unit 45 so that at least one of the signals indicating the remaining battery level of one terminal is transmitted together with the identification signal. As a result, the first slave unit A1 can notify the terminal X that has received the identification signal of the first slave unit A1 of the presence of the first slave unit A1, and also informs the operating state of the first slave unit A1. be able to.

  (2) In the fourth embodiment, the server 10 manages the transmission power of a plurality of terminals X. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The external terminal 50 may manage the transmission power of the plurality of terminals X. In this case, for example, in step S200 (see FIG. 12), the external terminal 50 receives the condition signal transmitted from the first slave unit A1. In step S210, the external terminal 50 transmits an instruction signal to the first slave unit A1.

  (3) In the first to fifth embodiments, other slave units (second slave unit A2 to fifth slave unit A5) other than the first slave unit A1 are also transmitted in the same manner as the first slave unit A1. By controlling the power, the communication signal can be bypassed so that the communication signal does not pass through other slave units.

  The present invention can be used in the fields of information terminals, communication systems, and terminal control methods.

10 servers (central control unit)
42a Communication control unit 42b Identification signal control unit 42c Relay calculation unit 42d Condition signal control unit 42e Determination unit 45 Narrow wireless communication unit (communication unit)
50 External terminal 53 Input unit 100 Telemeter system (communication system)
A1 First handset (information terminal)
X terminal

Claims (7)

An information terminal included in a communication system including a plurality of terminals,
The information terminal, which is one of the plurality of terminals,
A communication unit for communicating with other terminals of the plurality of terminals;
A communication control unit that controls the communication unit so that the communication unit performs relay communication;
An identification signal control unit that controls the communication unit such that the communication unit transmits an identification signal including information for identifying the information terminal,
The relay communication indicates a process of transmitting a communication signal from one of the other terminals via the information terminal to the other one of the other terminals,
The identification signal control unit is configured to control transmission power of the identification signal based on at least one of the number of relays in which the relay communication has been performed and the relay communication time in which the relay communication has been performed. . A determination unit for determining whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied;
The predetermined condition is at least one of a condition in which the number of relays is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times within a first predetermined period and a condition in which the relay communication time is equal to or greater than a predetermined time within a second predetermined period. Show
When the determination unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the identification signal control unit changes the transmission power of the identification signal from the first transmission power to a second transmission power lower than the first transmission power. The information terminal according to claim 1.   The communication unit includes a signal indicating the number of relays within the first predetermined period, a signal indicating the relay communication time within the second predetermined period, and a signal indicating a remaining battery level of the information terminal. The information terminal according to claim 2, wherein the identification signal control unit controls the communication unit so as to transmit at least one of the information together with the identification signal. A determination unit for determining whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied;
A condition signal control unit for controlling the communication unit,
When the determination unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the predetermined condition is satisfied for a central control device that controls the information terminal or an external terminal that can communicate with the information terminal. The condition signal control unit controls the communication unit so that the communication unit transmits a condition signal indicating
The predetermined condition is at least one of a condition in which the number of relays is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times within a first predetermined period and a condition in which the relay communication time is equal to or greater than a predetermined time within a second predetermined period Show
When the communication unit receives an instruction signal transmitted according to the condition signal by the central control device or the external terminal, the identification signal control unit changes the transmission power of the identification signal according to the instruction of the instruction signal,
The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the instruction signal indicates a signal for instructing to change the transmission power of the identification signal from a first transmission power to a second transmission power lower than the first transmission power.   The identification signal control unit changes the transmission power of the identification signal based on information instructing to change the transmission power of the identification signal input via the input unit of the external terminal. The described information terminal. A communication system comprising a plurality of terminals,
An information terminal that is one of the plurality of terminals is:
A communication unit for communicating with other terminals of the plurality of terminals;
A communication control unit that controls the communication unit so that the communication unit performs relay communication;
An identification signal control unit that controls the communication unit so that the communication unit transmits an identification signal including information for identifying the information terminal,
The relay communication indicates a process of transmitting a communication signal from one of the other terminals via the information terminal to the other one of the other terminals,
The identification signal control unit controls the transmission power of the identification signal based on at least one of the number of relays in which the relay communication has been performed and the relay communication time in which the relay communication has been performed. . A terminal control method for controlling the terminal of a communication system including a plurality of terminals,
An information terminal that is one terminal of the plurality of terminals performs relay communication with another terminal of the plurality of terminals;
Controlling the transmission power of the identification signal of the information terminal based on at least one of the number of times the relay communication has been performed and the relay communication time in which the relay communication has been performed, and
The identification signal indicates a signal including information for identifying the information terminal,
The relay communication is a terminal control method showing a process of transmitting a communication signal from one of the other terminals via the information terminal to the other one of the other terminals.

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