JP2020178267A - Communication device, communication system, and communication control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a communication device, a communication system, and a communication control method that can prevent time necessary to install the communication device from becoming long.SOLUTION: A master unit 30 includes a wide-area radio communication unit 35 and a control unit 32. The wide-area radio communication unit 35 transmits and receives signals. The wide-area radio communication unit 35 can operate in a first reception state Z1 and a second reception state Z2. The control unit 32 controls the wide-area radio communication unit 35 so that the wide-area radio communication unit 35 is in the second reception state Z2 during the execution of an electric field intensity measuring process. The control unit 32 controls the wide-area radio communication unit 35 so that the wide-area radio communication unit 35 is in the first reception state Z1 when the electric field intensity measuring process is finished.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to communication devices, communication systems, and communication control methods.

The wireless meter reading system described in Patent Document 1 includes an external device, a slave unit, and a master unit. The slave unit has a communication means, an electric field strength measuring means, and a storage means. The electric field strength measuring means measures the electric field strength at preset time intervals. The storage means stores the measurement result of the electric field strength. The operator can identify the cause when there is a problem in the communication of the slave unit based on the measurement result of the electric field strength stored in the storage means.

In the wireless meter reading system as described above, when the master unit is installed, an electric field strength measurement process for measuring the electric field strength during communication of the master unit is performed. In this case, the master unit may operate in the eDRX cycle from the viewpoint of power saving.

JP-A-2010-015486

However, when the master unit (communication device) operates in the eDRX cycle, the standby time of the master unit becomes relatively long (for example, at intervals of 81.92 seconds). Therefore, since the number of times the electric field strength is measured by the master unit per unit time is reduced, the time required for the electric field strength measurement process to be completed becomes longer. As a result, it takes a long time to install the master unit.

An object of the present invention is to provide a communication device, a communication system, and a communication control method capable of suppressing a long time required for installation work of the communication device.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the communication device can be connected to the server via the base station. The communication device includes a communication unit and a control unit. The communication unit transmits and receives signals. The control unit controls the communication unit. The communication unit can operate in the first reception state and the second reception state. In the first reception state, the communication unit is in a state in which signals can be received intermittently at intervals of the first time. In the second reception state, the communication unit is in a state in which signals can be received intermittently at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval. The control unit controls the communication unit so that the communication unit is in the second reception state during the execution of the electric field strength measurement process. When the electric field strength measurement process is completed, the control unit controls the communication unit so that the communication unit is in the first reception state.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the communication system includes the communication device, the base station, and the server.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the communication control method controls a communication device that can be connected to a server via a base station. The communication control method includes a step in which the communication unit included in the communication device is brought into the second reception state during the execution of the electric field strength measurement process. The communication control method includes a step in which the communication unit is in the first reception state when the electric field strength measurement process is completed. In the first reception state, the communication unit is intermittently ready to receive signals at first time intervals. In the second reception state, the communication unit is intermittently capable of receiving signals at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a long time required for the installation work of the communication device.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the telemeter system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a server. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the center side network control device. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a master unit. It is a figure which shows the master unit. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a slave unit. It is a figure which shows the operation of the wide area wireless communication part of the 1st reception state. It is a figure which shows the operation of the wide area wireless communication part of the 2nd reception state. It is a flow chart which shows the 1st example of the operation of a telemeter system. It is a flow chart which shows the 1st example of the operation of a telemeter system. It is a flow chart which shows the 1st example of the operation of a telemeter system. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the display unit when the electric field strength measurement process has not been executed. FIG. (B) is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the display unit when the electric field strength measurement process is being executed. (C) is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the display unit displays the determination result of the electric field strength. FIG. 1D is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the display unit displays the determination result of the electric field strength. (E) is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the display unit displays the determination result of the electric field strength. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a gas meter. It is a flow chart which shows the 2nd example of the operation of a telemeter system. It is a flow chart which shows the 2nd example of the operation of a telemeter system. It is a flow chart which shows the 2nd example of the operation of a telemeter system. It is a flow chart which shows the 2nd example of the operation of a telemeter system.

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

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

The telemeter system 100 is a system in which the server 10, the master unit 30, and the slave unit 40 communicate with each other via the center-side network control device 20. The telemeter system 100 is an example of the communication system of the present invention. The communication system of the present invention is not limited to the telemeter system 100. The communication system of the present invention may have a configuration in which a server and an information terminal communicate with each other via a base station.

As shown in FIG. 1, the telemeter system 100 includes a server 10, a center-side network control device 20, a master unit 30, a plurality of slave units 40, and a plurality of measuring devices 50.

The master unit 30 is connected to the server 10 by wire or wirelessly via the center-side network control device 20. Each of the plurality of slave units 40 is connected to the server 10 by wire or wirelessly via the master unit 30 and the center side network control device 20. Each of the plurality of slave units 40 is connected to the plurality of measuring devices 50 by wire or wirelessly. Being connected, in detail, indicates that the connection is communicable.

The server 10 collects the measured values measured by each of the plurality of measuring devices 50 via the master unit 30 and the plurality of slave units 40.

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

In the first embodiment, the center side network control device 20 and the master unit 30 are connected by a wide area wireless network N1. A plurality of master units 30 may be connected to the wide area wireless network N1.

The center-side network control device 20 is provided, for example, in the public network of a telecommunications carrier. The center-side network control device 20 controls communication of a terminal-side device such as the master unit 30 via the wide area wireless network N1.

When the center-side network control device 20 receives the telegram from the server 10, the center-side network control device 20 transmits the telegram to the terminal-side device by a communication method compliant with the communication standard of the wide area wireless network N1. Further, when the center side network control device 20 receives a telegram from the terminal side device via the wide area wireless network N1, the center side network control device 20 transmits the received telegram to the server 10.

The center-side network control device 20 is an example of the base station of the present invention.

The master unit 30 is connected to a center-side device such as the center-side network control device 20 and the server 10 via the wide area wireless network N1. The master unit 30 is connected to each of the plurality of slave units 40 via a narrow-range wireless network.

The master unit 30 is wirelessly connected to each of the plurality of slave units 40. The master unit 30 can wirelessly communicate with each of the plurality of slave units 40.

The master unit 30 is an example of the communication device of the present invention. The communication device of the present invention may be any device that can communicate with the base station via the wide area wireless network, and is not limited to the master unit 30 of the present embodiment.

When the slave unit 40 receives a telegram from the server 10 via the narrow area wireless network and the center side network control device 20, the slave unit 40 determines whether or not the received telegram is a telegram addressed to its own unit. .. When the identification number of the slave unit 40 is specified as the destination address of the telegram received by the slave unit 40, the slave unit 40 determines that the received telegram is a telegram addressed to the own unit. Then, the slave unit 40 can execute various processes based on the contents of the data included in the received telegram.

Each of the plurality of slave units 40 is connected to the plurality of measuring devices 50 by wire or wirelessly. In the first embodiment, the plurality of slave units 40 are each wiredly connected to the plurality of measuring devices 50 by the electric wire 1.

The measuring device 50 is installed for each customer. The measuring device 50 measures, for example, the amount of water used, the amount of gas used, or the amount of electricity used.

Each of the plurality of slave units 40 corresponds to a plurality of measuring devices 50. Each of the plurality of slave units 40 is connected to the corresponding measuring device 50 and acquires the measured value of the corresponding measuring device 50.

The server 10 acquires the measured values of the plurality of measuring devices 50 via the master unit 30 and the plurality of slave units 40.

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

As shown in FIG. 2, the server 10 has 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.

The control unit 12 includes processors 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 the computer program stored in the storage unit 11.

The communication unit 13 is connected to the wide area wireless network N1 and performs wireless communication via the wide area wireless network N1. The communication unit 13 is, for example, a communication module such as a LAN board.

Next, the center-side network control device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the center-side network control device 20.

As shown in FIG. 3, the center-side network control device 20 includes a storage unit 21, a control unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

The storage unit 21 includes a main storage device, and may further include an auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 21 stores various computer programs executed by the control unit 22.

The control unit 22 includes a processor. The control unit 22 controls each element of the center-side network control device 20 by executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 21.

The communication unit 23 is connected to the server 10 and communicates with the server 10. The communication unit 23 is connected to the wide area wireless network N1 and communicates with the device on the terminal side via the wide area wireless network N1. The communication unit 23 is, for example, a communication module such as a LAN board.

Next, the master unit 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the master unit 30.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the master unit 30 includes a storage unit 31, a control unit 32, an operation unit 33, a display unit 34, a wide area wireless communication unit 35, and a narrow area wireless communication unit 36. It has an antenna 37 and a connecting portion 38.

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 master unit 30 by executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 31.

The operation unit 33 receives an instruction to the master unit 30 from the outside. The operation unit 43 includes, for example, a DIP switch 33a and a push switch 33b. The DIP switch 33a receives, for example, an instruction to switch the operation mode of the slave unit 40 to one of the radio wave intensity measurement mode and the opening mode. The push switch 33b causes the control unit 42 to execute the instruction received by the DIP switch 33a.

The operation unit 33 is an example of the operation unit of the present invention.

The radio wave intensity measurement mode indicates an operation mode of the master unit 30 when the electric field strength of the transmission signal is measured by the master unit 30. The transmission signal is a signal transmitted from the center side network control device 20 at a predetermined cycle. The transmission signal includes, for example, broadcast information for notifying the existence of the center-side network control device 20. In the first embodiment, the transmission signal is transmitted from the center side network control device 20. The electric field strength is represented by, for example, RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) or RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality).

The opening mode indicates the operation mode of the master unit 30 when the opening process is performed. The opening process indicates a process of opening the server 10 and the measuring device 50 connected to the master unit 30. In other words, the opening process indicates a process of causing the server 10 to recognize that the server 10 is communicably connected to the measuring device 50 via the master unit 30.

The display unit 34 displays, for example, information to be notified to the operator performing the maintenance work. The display unit 34 includes, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and / or a liquid crystal display panel.

The wide area wireless communication unit 35 transmits and receives radio waves through the antenna 37 to perform wireless communication via the wide area wireless network N1. The wide area wireless communication unit 35 is a communication module capable of wide area communication such as FOMA or LTE.

When the wide area wireless communication unit 35 receives a radio wave with the antenna 37, the wide area wireless communication unit 35 acquires a telegram by decoding the received radio wave. The wide area wireless communication unit 35 outputs the telegram obtained by decoding to the control unit 32. For example, when a telegram is acquired from the wide area wireless communication unit 35, the control unit 32 performs processing according to the acquired telegram.

The wide area wireless communication unit 35 is an example of the communication unit of the present invention.

The narrow-range wireless communication unit 36 transmits and receives radio waves via the antenna to communicate with the slave unit 40 by a predetermined wireless communication method. As the wireless communication system, for example, a specific low power wireless system is adopted. In the specific low power wireless system, in addition to the 426 MHz band, a 920 MHz band having a faster communication speed is used. The narrow-range wireless communication unit 36 is, for example, a communication module using an RF-LSI for 920 MHz band communication.

The connection 38 includes one or more ports. The connecting portion 38 is wiredly connected to the measuring device 50 by the electric wire 1. The connection unit 38 acquires the measured value of the measuring device 50 via the electric wire 1.

Next, the slave unit 40 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the slave unit 40.

As shown in FIG. 6, the slave unit 40 includes a storage unit 41, a control unit 42, an operation unit 43, a display unit 44, a narrow range wireless communication unit 45, a connection unit 46, and an antenna (not shown). And have.

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 unit 42. The storage unit 41 stores the identification information of the slave unit 40.

The control unit 42 includes a processor. The control unit 42 controls each element of the slave unit 40 by executing the computer program stored in the storage unit 41.

The operation unit 43 receives an instruction to the slave unit 40 from the outside. The operation unit 43 includes, for example, a DIP switch and a push switch.

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

The narrow-range wireless communication unit 45 transmits and receives radio waves via the antenna to communicate with the master unit 30 in a predetermined wireless communication method. The narrow-range wireless communication unit 45 has the same configuration and function as the narrow-range wireless communication unit 36 of the master unit 30.

The wide area wireless communication unit 35 of the master unit 30 can operate in the first reception state Z1 and the second reception state Z2.

Next, the wide area wireless communication unit 35 in the first reception state Z1 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the operation of the wide area wireless communication unit 35 in the first reception state Z1.

As shown in FIG. 7, the wide area wireless communication unit 35 operates intermittently because it is energized intermittently when the first reception state Z1 is reached. The wide area wireless communication unit 35 in the first reception state Z1 alternately repeats the first operation α1 that operates for T1 seconds and the second operation α2 that waits for T2 seconds. The wide area wireless communication unit 35 in the first reception state Z1 is in a state where it can receive a signal every T2 seconds. T1 second and T2 second are predetermined. T2 seconds is an example of the first time interval of the present invention.

When the wide area wireless communication unit 35 is on standby, the wide area wireless communication unit 35 is not energized. As a result, it becomes possible to save power of the master unit 30 to some extent.

The wide area wireless communication unit 35 in the first reception state Z1 is in a state where it can receive a signal while operating for T1 second. The wide area wireless communication unit 35 in the first reception state Z1 is in a state in which it cannot receive a signal while waiting for T2 seconds.

In the first embodiment, the wide area wireless communication unit 35 in the first reception state Z1 operates in an eDRX (extended idle mode Drx) cycle. T1 second is, for example, 0.05 second. T2 seconds is, for example, 81.92 seconds.

Next, the wide area wireless communication unit 35 in the second reception state Z2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the operation of the wide area wireless communication unit 35 in the second reception state Z2.

The wide area wireless communication unit 35 in the second reception state Z2 operates intermittently like the wide area wireless communication unit 35 in the first reception state Z1, but is on standby more than the wide area wireless communication unit 35 in the first reception state Z1. The time is short.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the second reception state Z2 is reached, the wide area wireless communication unit 35 is intermittently energized and therefore operates intermittently. The wide area wireless communication unit 35 in the second reception state Z2 alternately repeats the third operation α3 that operates for T3 seconds and the fourth operation α4 that waits for T4 seconds. The wide area wireless communication unit 35 in the second reception state Z2 is in a state where it can receive a signal every T4 seconds. T3 seconds and T4 seconds are predetermined. T4 seconds is an example of the second time interval of the present invention.

In the first embodiment, the wide area radio communication unit 35 in the second reception state Z2 operates in a DRX (extended idle mode Drx) cycle. The wide area wireless communication unit 35 in the second reception state Z2 may operate in an eDRX (extended idle mode Drx) cycle in which the standby time is shorter than T2 seconds (see FIG. 7).

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the wide area radio communication unit 35 in the first reception state Z1 and the wide area radio communication unit 35 in the second reception state Z2 are compared.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, T3 seconds is, for example, 0.05 seconds. In the first embodiment, the length of T3 seconds is the same as the length of T1 seconds (T3 = T1). However, the length of T3 seconds may be different from the length of T1 seconds (T3 ≠ T1). T4 seconds is shorter than T2 seconds (T4 <T2). T4 seconds is, for example, 1.28 seconds.

Next, a first example of the operation of the telemeter system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 9 to 11. 9 to 11 are flow charts showing a first example of the operation of the telemeter system 100.

The electric field strength measurement process is a process in which the control unit 32 measures the electric field strength of the transmission signal transmitted from the center-side network control device 20.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, in step S100, after the master unit 30 is installed, the power of the master unit 30 is turned on. As a result, the master unit 30 is activated.

In step S110, when the master unit 30 is activated, the control unit 32 controls the wide area wireless communication unit 35 so that the wide area wireless communication unit 35 is in the first reception state Z1.

In step S120, the operation unit 33 receives the execution instruction. The execution instruction is an instruction to cause the control unit 32 to execute the electric field strength measurement process.

In the first embodiment, when the electric field strength measurement process is not executed, the DIP switch 33a is operated to the electric field strength measurement mode, and the push switch 33b is pressed, so that the operation unit 33 executes the electric field strength measurement process. Accept instructions.

When the operation unit 33 receives the execution instruction, the operation unit 33 transmits a signal indicating the execution instruction of the electric field strength measurement process to the control unit 32.

In step S130, when the control unit 32 receives the signal indicating the execution instruction, the electric field strength measurement process is started.

In step S140, the control unit 32 controls the wide area wireless communication unit 35 so that the wide area wireless communication unit 35 transmits an off signal to the center side network control device 20. The off signal is a signal that notifies the center side network control device 20 that the first reception state Z1 of the wide area wireless communication unit 35 is turned off. The off signal is transmitted from the master unit 30 to the center side network control device 20.

In step S150, the communication unit 23 of the center-side network control device 20 receives the off signal. As a result, the control unit 22 of the center-side network control device 20 recognizes that the first reception state Z1 of the wide area wireless communication unit 35 has been turned off.

In step S160, the control unit 32 switches the state of the wide area wireless communication unit 35 from the first reception state Z1 to the second reception state Z2 by turning off the first reception state Z1 of the wide area wireless communication unit 35.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 10, in step S170, the wide area wireless communication unit 35 intermittently receives the transmission signal from the center side network control device 20 at T4 second intervals by entering the second reception state Z2. ..

During the execution of the electric field strength measurement process, the wide area wireless communication unit 35 alternately repeats the operation of receiving the transmission signal transmitted from the center side network control device 20 for T3 seconds and the operation of waiting for T4 seconds. The control unit 32 measures the electric field strength of the transmission signal received by the wide area wireless communication unit 35.

In step S180, the control unit 32 determines whether or not the operation unit 33 has received the interruption instruction. The interruption instruction is an instruction to cause the control unit 32 to interrupt the electric field strength measurement process.

In the first embodiment, while the electric field strength measurement process is being executed, the operation unit 33 receives an instruction to interrupt the electric field strength measurement process by pressing the push switch 33b while the DIP switch 33a is in the electric field strength measurement mode.

When the control unit 32 determines that the operation unit 33 has received the interruption instruction (Yes in step S180), the process proceeds to step S250. On the other hand, when the control unit 32 determines that the operation unit 33 has not received the interruption instruction (No in step S180), the process proceeds to step S190.

In step S190, the control unit 32 determines whether or not to end the electric field strength measurement process.

In the first embodiment, when a predetermined period (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed from the start of the electric field strength measurement process, the control unit 32 determines that the electric field strength measurement process is terminated (step S190). And Yes). As a result, the electric field strength measurement process is completed. Then, the process proceeds to step S200.

On the other hand, if a predetermined period has not elapsed since the electric field strength measurement process was started, the control unit 32 determines that the electric field strength process is not completed (No in step S190). As a result, the electric field strength measurement process is continued. Then, the process proceeds to step S180.

In step S200, the control unit 32 determines the electric field strength of the transmitted signal based on the transmitted signal received during the execution of the electric field strength measurement process. Determining the electric field strength indicates determining whether or not the current installation location of the master unit 30 is appropriate.

An example of a procedure in which the control unit 32 determines the electric field strength will be described. First, the control unit 32 calculates the average value of the electric field strength of the transmission signal received during the execution of the electric field strength measurement process. Then, the control unit 32 determines that the electric field strength is "OK" when the calculated average value is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold value, and determines that the electric field strength is "NG" when the calculated average value is smaller than the predetermined threshold value. .. The fact that the electric field strength is "OK" indicates that the master unit 30 can communicate well with the center side network control device 20 and that the current installation location of the master unit 30 is appropriate. The fact that the electric field strength is "NG" indicates that it may be difficult for the master unit 30 to communicate with the center side network control device 20, and the current installation location of the master unit 30 is inappropriate. ..

In step S210, the control unit 32 controls the display unit 34 so that the display unit 34 displays information indicating the determination result of the electric field strength. As a result, the operator can confirm the determination result of the electric field strength by visually recognizing the display unit 34.

When the operator visually recognizes the display unit 34 and confirms that the electric field strength is "OK", the operator performs an opening process for opening the server 10 and the measuring device 50 connected to the master unit 30. On the other hand, when the operator visually recognizes the display unit 34 and confirms that the electric field strength is "NG", the operator changes the installation location of the master unit 30 and redoes the radio wave strength measurement process.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 11, in step S220, the control unit 32 controls the wide area wireless communication unit 35 so that the wide area wireless communication unit 35 transmits an on signal to the center side network control device 20. The on signal is a signal that notifies the center side network control device 20 that the first reception state Z1 of the wide area wireless communication unit 35 is turned on. The ON signal is transmitted from the master unit 30 to the center side network control device 20.

In step S230, the communication unit 23 of the center-side network control device 20 receives the ON signal. As a result, the control unit 22 of the center-side network control device 20 recognizes that the first reception state Z1 of the wide area wireless communication unit 35 has been turned on.

When the process shown in step S230 is completed, the process of the center-side network control device 20 is completed.

In step S240, the control unit 32 switches the state of the wide area wireless communication unit 35 from the second reception state Z2 to the first reception state Z1 by turning on the first reception state Z1 of the wide area wireless communication unit 35.

When the process shown in step S240 is completed, the process of the master unit 30 is completed.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the operation unit 33 receives the interruption instruction in step S250, the control unit 32 interrupts the electric field strength measurement process. As a result, the processes shown in steps S220 to S240 of FIG. 11 are performed.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 9 to 11, the wide area wireless communication unit 35 is in the second reception state Z2 during the execution of the electric field strength measurement process in steps S160 and S170. Therefore, the wide area wireless communication unit 35 receives the transmission signal at shorter time intervals than when operating in the first reception state Z1. As a result, the number of times the electric field strength is measured by the control unit 32 per unit time is increased, so that the time required for the electric field strength measurement process can be shortened.

Further, when the operator performs the installation work of the master unit 30, the operator is on standby until the electric field strength measurement process is completed. However, the waiting time of the operator is shortened by shortening the time required for the electric field strength measurement process. As a result, it is possible to prevent the time required for the installation work of the master unit 30 from becoming long.

When the electric field strength measurement process is completed, the wide area wireless communication unit 35 enters the first reception state Z1. Therefore, when the electric field strength measurement process is not executed, the power saving of the master unit 30 can be achieved.

Next, an example of the display mode of the display unit 34 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 (a) to 12 (e).

FIG. 12A is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the display unit 34 when the electric field strength measurement process has not been executed.

As shown in FIG. 12A, the display unit 34 includes a first display unit 34a, a second display unit 34b, a third display unit 34c, and a fourth display unit 34d. Each of the first display unit 34a to the fourth display unit 34d includes, for example, an LED. The first display unit 34a emits green light, for example. The second display unit 34b to the fourth display unit 34d emit, for example, red light.

When the electric field strength measurement process is not executed, the first display unit 34a to the fourth display unit 34d are turned off.

FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an example of a display mode of the display unit 34 when the electric field strength measurement process is being executed.

As shown in FIG. 12B, the first display unit 34a blinks during the execution of the electric field strength measurement process. During the execution of the electric field strength measurement process, the second display unit 34b to the fourth display unit 34d display the status of the electric field strength of the transmission signal received by the wide area wireless communication unit 35. For example, the more stable the electric field strength, the larger the number of blinking display units among the second display unit 34b to the fourth display unit 34d. As a result, the operator can infer whether or not the current installation location of the master unit 30 is appropriate before the electric field strength measurement process is completed. If the worker infers that the current installation location of the master unit 30 is inappropriate, the operator interrupts the electric field strength measurement process without waiting for the end of the electric field strength measurement process, and installs the master unit 30. May be changed.

12 (c) to 12 (e) are diagrams showing an example of a state in which the display unit 34 displays the determination result of the electric field strength.

As shown in FIGS. 12 (c) to 12 (e), when the electric field strength measurement process is completed, the first display unit 34a lights up. As a result, the operator can recognize that the electric field strength measurement process is completed by confirming that the first display unit 34a is lit.

As shown in FIG. 12 (c), when it is determined in step S200 (see FIG. 10) that the electric field strength is "OK", all of the second display unit 34b to the fourth display unit 34d are turned on.

As shown in FIGS. 12 (d) and 12 (e), when it is determined in step S200 that the electric field strength is “NG”, at least one of the second display unit 34b to the fourth display unit 34d The display goes off and the rest of the display goes on. In this case, for example, the smaller the average value of the electric field strength calculated in step S200, the larger the number of display units that are turned off from the second display unit 34b to the fourth display unit 34d. As a result, the operator confirms the number of the display units that are turned off from the second display unit 34b to the fourth display unit 34d, and the current installation location of the master unit 30 is selected from the appropriate installation location. It can be inferred whether they are separated by a certain degree.

[Second Embodiment]
The telemeter system 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 13 to 17.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the electric field strength measurement process and the opening process are performed in parallel. Hereinafter, the points different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described.

Further, in the second embodiment, in the telemeter system 100, a gas meter 50A is used as an example of the measuring device 50.

The gas meter 50A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gas meter 50A.

As shown in FIG. 13, the gas meter 50A is installed in the gas pipe R. The gas to be measured by the gas meter 50A flows through the gas pipe R. The gas is supplied from the gas cylinder to the consumer through the gas pipe R.

The gas meter 50A has a storage unit 51, a control unit 52, a measurement unit 53, a shutoff valve 54, an operation unit 55, a display unit 56, and a connection unit 57.

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 gas meter 50A by executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 51.

The measuring unit 53 is provided on the gas pipe R. The measuring unit 53 measures the amount of gas used by measuring the flow rate of the gas flowing through the gas pipe R.

The shutoff valve 54 is provided in the gas pipe R. By closing the shutoff valve 54, the gas flow is shut off. By opening the shutoff valve 54, gas flow is allowed. The flow of gas indicates that the gas flows through the gas pipe R.

The operation unit 55 receives an instruction to the gas meter 50A. The operation unit 55 includes a test cutoff switch (not shown).

By operating the test shutoff switch, the shutoff valve 54 is closed. The test cutoff switch is operated, for example, by contacting a magnet. The test shutoff switch is used, for example, to test whether the shutoff valve 54 functions normally.

The display unit 56 displays, for example, information indicating the amount of gas used and / or information indicating the state of the gas meter 50A.

The connection portion 57 includes one or more ports. The connection portion 57 is wiredly connected to the master unit 30 by the electric wire 1.

Next, a second example of the operation of the telemeter system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 13 to 17. 14 to 17 are flow charts showing a second example of the operation of the telemeter system 100.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 13 and 14, in step S300, after the master unit 30 is installed at a desired location, the gas meter 50A is connected to the master unit 30.

In step S310, the power of the master unit 30 is turned on. As a result, the master unit 30 is activated.

In step S320, when the master unit 30 is started, the control unit 32 starts the electric field strength measurement process.

In step S330, the control unit 32 controls the wide area wireless communication unit 35 so that the wide area wireless communication unit 35 is in the second reception state Z2.

In step S340, the wide area wireless communication unit 35 intermittently receives the transmission signal from the center side network control device 20 at T4 second intervals by entering the second reception state Z2.

In step S350, the operation unit 33 is operated so that the operation mode of the master unit 30 becomes the open mode. As a result, the operation mode of the master unit 30 is switched to the open mode. When the operation mode of the master unit 30 is switched to the opening mode, the opening process is started, and the master unit 30 is in a state of waiting for reception of the outgoing telegram. A description of the outgoing telegram will be described later.

When the process shown in step S350 is completed, the opening process shown in steps S400 to S470 (see FIG. 15) and the process of measuring and determining the electric field strength shown in steps S500 to S580 (see FIGS. 16 and 17) are performed. It is done in parallel.

After the process shown in step S350 is completed, the process shifts to step S400 and step S500.

The procedure of the opening process will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 13 and 15.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 13 and 15, in step S400, the test cutoff switch of the gas meter 50A is operated.

In step S410, the control unit 52 of the gas meter 50A transmits a call message to the master unit 30. The calling telegram is transmitted from the gas meter 50A to the master unit 30 via the connecting portion 57 and the electric wire 1. The outgoing call message contains information indicating that the gas has been test shut off by operating the test shutoff switch.

When the process shown in step S410 is completed, the process of the gas meter 50A is completed.

In step S420, the master unit 30 receives the outgoing telegram. By receiving the outgoing telegram, the master unit 30 recognizes that the master unit 30 is communicably connected to the gas meter 50A.

In step S430, the control unit 32 controls the wide area wireless communication unit 35 so that the wide area wireless communication unit 35 of the master unit 30 transmits an open call message to the server 10. As a result, the opening call message is transmitted to the server 10 via the center-side network control device 20. The opening call telegram includes the identification information of the master unit 30.

When the master unit 30 transmits an open call message to the server 10, it is in a state of waiting for reception of the end message. The explanation of the end telegram will be described later.

In step S440, the server 10 receives the opening call message. The server 10 recognizes that the server 10 has opened with the gas meter 50A by receiving the opening call message. The fact that the server 10 opens with the gas meter 50A indicates that the server 10 can acquire the measured value of the gas meter 50A.

In step S450, the control unit 12 controls the communication unit 13 so that the communication unit 13 of the server 10 transmits the end message to the master unit 30. As a result, the end message is transmitted from the server 10 to the master unit 30 via the center side network control device 20.

The end message includes information indicating that the server 10 has opened with the measuring device 50.

When the process shown in step S450 is completed, the process of the server 10 is completed.

In step S460, the wide area wireless communication unit 35 of the master unit 30 receives the end telegram. Upon receiving the end telegram, the master unit 30 recognizes that the server 10 has opened with the measuring device 50.

When the master unit 30 receives the end telegram, the control unit 32 controls the display unit 34 so that the display unit 34 of the master unit 30 displays the opening information. As a result, the opening information is displayed on the display unit 34. The opening information is information indicating that the server 10 has opened with the measuring device 50. The operator can recognize that the opening process has been successful by visually recognizing the opening information displayed on the display unit 34.

In step S470, the control unit 32 of the master unit 30 ends the opening process.

When the process shown in step S470 is completed, the process of the master unit 30 is completed.

Next, the procedure of the process of measuring and determining the electric field strength will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 14, 16 and 17.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 14 and 16, when the process shown in step S350 is completed, the process shifts to step S500. In step S500, the control unit 32 determines whether or not the operation unit 33 has received the interruption instruction.

When the control unit 32 determines that the operation unit 33 has received the interruption instruction (Yes in step S500), the process proceeds to step S590. On the other hand, when the control unit 32 determines that the operation unit 33 has not received the interruption instruction (No in step S500), the process proceeds to step S510.

In step S510, the control unit 32 determines whether or not the wide area wireless communication unit 35 has received the end telegram. In other words, the control unit 32 determines whether or not the opening process has been completed.

When the control unit 32 determines that the wide area wireless communication unit 35 has received the end message (Yes in step S510), the process proceeds to step S520. On the other hand, when the control unit 32 determines that the wide area wireless communication unit 35 has not received the end message (No in step S510), the process proceeds to step S500.

In step S520, the control unit 32 ends the electric field strength measurement process.

In step S530, the control unit 32 determines the electric field strength of the transmitted signal based on the transmitted signal received during the execution of the electric field strength measurement process.

In step S540, the control unit 32 controls the display unit 34 so that the display unit 34 displays information indicating the determination result of the electric field strength.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 17, in step S560, the control unit 32 controls the wide area wireless communication unit 35 so that the wide area wireless communication unit 35 transmits an on signal to the center side network control device 20.

In step S570, the communication unit 23 of the center-side network control device 20 receives the ON signal. When the process shown in step S570 is completed, the process of the center-side network control device 20 is completed.

In step S580, the control unit 42 switches the state of the wide area wireless communication unit 35 from the second reception state Z2 to the first reception state Z1 by turning on the first reception state Z1 of the wide area wireless communication unit 35.

When the process shown in step S580 is completed, the process of the master unit 30 is completed.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the operation unit 33 receives the interruption instruction in step S590, the control unit 32 interrupts the electric field strength measurement process. As a result, the processes shown in steps S560 to S580 of FIG. 17 are performed.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 13 to 17, when the master unit 30 is started in steps S310 and S320, the control unit 32 executes the electric field strength measurement process. Therefore, the control unit 32 can quickly start the electric field strength measurement process.

When the opening process is completed, the control unit 32 ends the electric field strength measurement process. Therefore, the electric field strength measurement process and the opening process can be performed in parallel. Further, since the electric field strength measurement process and the opening process are performed in parallel, the operator can efficiently perform the installation work of the master unit 30.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 17). However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various embodiments without departing from the gist thereof (for example, (1) to (2)). In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the plurality of components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be removed from all the components shown in the embodiments. In order to make the drawings easier to understand, each component is schematically shown, and the number of each component shown may differ from the actual one due to the convenience of drawing. Further, each component shown in the above embodiment is an example, and is not particularly limited, and various modifications can be made without substantially deviating from the effect of the present invention.

(1) In step S190 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 10), when a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of the electric field strength measurement process, the control unit 32 determines that the electric field strength measurement process is terminated. do. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The criteria for determining whether or not the control unit 32 ends the electric field strength measurement process are not particularly limited. For example, if the third operation α3 shown in FIG. 8 is performed a predetermined number of times during the execution of the electric field strength measurement process, the control unit 42 may determine that the electric field strength measurement process is terminated.

(2) In the second embodiment, the opening process is performed using the cutoff switch of the gas meter 50A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The processing content of the opening process is not particularly limited. Further, the measuring device 50 on which the opening process is performed is not limited to the gas meter 50A, and may be, for example, a water meter or an electric meter. The procedure of a modification of the opening process will be described below.

First, the operator on the master unit 30 side connects the measuring device 50 to the master unit 30. As a result, the measured value of the measuring device 50 is transmitted from the master unit 30 to the server 10. Next, the operator on the server 10 side confirms the measured value (first measured value) of the measuring device 50 transmitted from the master unit 30. Further, the operator on the master unit 30 side confirms the measured value (second measured value) of the measuring device 50 connected to the master unit 30. Next, the worker on the master unit 30 side and the worker on the server 10 side communicate with each other to confirm whether or not the first measured value and the second measured value match. If the first measured value and the second measured value match, the opening process is completed. On the other hand, if the first measured value and the second measured value do not match, the opening process is not completed and the process is redone.

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

30 Master unit 32 Control unit 40 Slave unit 42 Control unit 45 Narrow range wireless communication unit Z1 First reception state Z2 Second reception state

Claims (9)

A communication device that can be connected to a server via a base station.
A communication unit that sends and receives signals,
A control unit that controls the communication unit is provided.
The communication unit
The first reception state, in which signals can be received intermittently at intervals of the first time,
It can operate in the second reception state in which signals can be received intermittently at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval.
The control unit
During the execution of the electric field strength measurement process, the communication unit is controlled so that the communication unit is in the second reception state.
A communication device that controls the communication unit so that the communication unit is in the first reception state when the electric field strength measurement process is completed. It also has an operation unit that accepts instructions from the outside.
The communication device according to claim 1, wherein when the operation unit receives an execution instruction of the electric field strength measurement process, the control unit executes the electric field strength measurement process. When a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of the electric field strength measurement process, or when the communication unit reaches a predetermined number of times in a state where the communication unit can receive a signal after the electric field strength measurement process is started, the control unit performs the electric field strength. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the measurement process is completed. The communication device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the operation unit receives an instruction to interrupt the electric field strength measurement process, the control unit interrupts the electric field strength measurement process. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein when the communication device is activated, the control unit executes the electric field strength measurement process. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein when the opening process for opening the server and the measuring device connected to the communication device is completed, the control unit ends the electric field strength measuring process. With an additional display
Any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the electric field strength measurement process is completed, the control unit controls the display unit so that the display unit displays information indicating the determination result of the electric field strength. The communication device described in. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
With the base station
A communication system including the server. A communication control method that controls a communication device that can connect to a server via a base station.
During the execution of the electric field strength measurement process, the step of putting the communication unit included in the communication device into the second reception state and
When the electric field strength measurement process is completed, the step of putting the communication unit into the first reception state is included.
In the first reception state, the communication unit is intermittently ready to receive signals at the first time interval.
A communication control method in which, in the second reception state, the communication unit is intermittently capable of receiving a signal at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval.

Images