JP2021022835A - Communication control unit, communication control program, communication control method, and communication control system - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent communication interference between a plurality of relays.SOLUTION: A server device sets by communication, to relays owned by a user, model numbers (package numbers) different from each other in communication channel to be used. Thus, the communication channels used by the plurality of relays owned by the user can be communication channels different from each other, and communication interference between the plurality of relays can be easily prevented.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

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

Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-120973) discloses a wireless gateway device capable of controlling the required band of a network transmission line while ensuring the required transmission characteristics according to the wireless communication method to be used. ..

This wireless gateway device includes a variable signal processing unit capable of rewriting a signal processing program, and a control unit that controls a transmission band between the own device and the signal processing server. The signal processing server includes a variable signal processing unit capable of rewriting the signal processing program, and a control unit that controls the transmission band between the wireless gateway device and the own device. Based on the wireless communication method, each control unit wirelessly communicates with each variable signal processing unit using information on the size of resources that can be implemented in each variable signal processing unit, the available network transmission band, and the network transmission delay. Sort functional blocks. As a result, it is possible to control the required band of the network transmission line while ensuring the required transmission characteristics according to the wireless communication method to be used.

Here, the communication channels assigned to one gateway device are limited, for example, four channels. Further, the number of communication terminals that can be managed by one gateway device is limited to 400, for example, at the maximum. Under such circumstances, it is considered to manage the number of communication terminals that greatly exceeds the number that can be managed by one gateway device, for example, 500 units. In this case, a plurality of gateway devices are required.

However, if a plurality of gateway devices in which the same communication channel is set are used, communication interference may occur when the communication terminals managed by each gateway device perform wireless communication using the same communication channel. .. Therefore, it is necessary to manage a large number of communication terminals by using a plurality of gateway devices in which different communication channels are set.

This means that it is necessary for the gateway device manufacturer to manufacture gateway devices of different model numbers having different communication channels, and to carry out shipping and inventory management. Specifically, the manufacturer manufactures a gateway device to which a total of four channels, that is, the first channel, the tenth channel, the 19th channel, and the 28th channel, are assigned as the gateway device of the first model number. Further, as the gateway device of the second model number, a gateway device to which a total of 4 channels of 5th channel, 14th channel, 23rd channel and 32nd channel are assigned is manufactured. In this way, the manufacturer needs to manufacture gateway devices having different communication channels, and perform shipping and inventory management.

The same applies to the wireless gateway device disclosed in Patent Document 1, and the communication terminals managed by each wireless gateway device perform wireless communication using the same communication channel simply by switching the communication method to be used. In some cases, communication interference also occurs.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is a communication control device and a communication control program capable of setting a communication channel of each communication control device so as not to cause communication interference between a plurality of communication control devices. , Communication control method and communication control system.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention presents the communication channel setting information for a plurality of groups in which a plurality of communication channels combined so as to prevent communication interference between the groups are grouped. The wireless communication unit is set up so as to perform wireless communication with the slave unit using the acquisition unit that acquires the communication channel setting information of any one group and the communication channel indicated by the acquired communication channel setting information. It has wireless communication control to control.

According to the present invention, there is an effect that the communication channel of each communication control device can be set so as not to cause communication interference between a plurality of communication control devices.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of the animal management system of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of user information managed by the server device of the animal management system of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of management information managed by the server device of the animal management system of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the format of the G / W response flag. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the function of the repeater provided in the animal management system of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation at the time of initial operation of the repeater. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the repeater in the steady state (when cooperating with the server device). FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing an equalization process of the sensor device assigned to each communication channel. FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a sensor device provided in the animal management system of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of operation at the time of initial operation in the sensor device. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of a communication channel changing operation in the sensor device. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the operation of shifting to the energy saving mode in the sensor device.

Hereinafter, an animal management system that is an embodiment of a communication control device, a communication control program, a communication control method, and a communication control system will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

(System configuration)
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of the animal management system of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the animal management system includes a sensor device 1 (an example of a slave unit) mounted on an industrial animal such as a cow, a repeater (GW: gateway: an example of a communication control device) 200, and the like. It has a server device 300.

The sensor device 1 includes a main microcomputer (main microcomputer: an example of a wireless communication control unit) 101, a storage unit 102, a power button 103, a behavior analysis sensor 104, a wireless communication module 105 (an example of a wireless communication unit), a notification unit 106, and the like. It has a radio wave strength detection unit 107.

As the storage unit 102, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like can be used. The communication control program is stored in the storage unit 102. By executing this communication control program, the main microcomputer 101 performs an indicating operation in a wireless communication state. Further, when the main microcomputer 101 first detects the operation of pressing and holding the power button 103 for a predetermined time or longer, it shifts to the "destination detection mode" and detects the wireless communication state with the repeater 200. To do. The next time the main microcomputer 101 detects a long press operation of the power button 103 for a predetermined time or longer, the main microcomputer 101 ends the "destination detection mode" and returns to the normal communication mode.

As an example, the behavior analysis sensor 104 detects the movement of the cow in the up / down / left / right and front / back directions based on the detection output from the three-axis sensor. The wireless communication module 105 communicates with the repeater 200 in accordance with a wireless communication standard called LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) such as LoRaWAN (registered trademark). In this example, the description will be made assuming that wireless communication is performed between the sensor device 1 and the repeater 200, but wired communication may be performed between the sensor device 1 and the repeater 200.

The radio wave strength detection unit 107 detects the radio wave strength of the radio wave from the repeater 200 received by the wireless communication module 105 and notifies the main microcomputer 101 of it. In the transmission destination detection mode, the main microcomputer 101 notifies the communication state with the repeater 200 via the notification unit 106.

(Hardware configuration of repeater)
Next, the repeater 200 has a main microcomputer (main microcomputer) 201, a wireless communication module 202, a communication module 203, and a storage unit 204. The main microcomputer 201 performs wireless communication control with the sensor device 1 and wired communication control (or wireless communication control may be possible) with the server device 300. The wireless communication module 202 performs wireless communication with the sensor device 1. The communication module communicates with the server device 300 via a predetermined network such as the Internet.

The communication control program for the repeater 200 is stored in the storage unit 204. As will be described in detail later, the main microcomputer 201 operates based on this communication control program, and by setting a model number (package number) different from that of other repeaters for its own unit, a plurality of relays can be relayed. Communication interference between a large number of sensor devices 1 managed by the device 200 is prevented.

(Hardware configuration of server device)
The server device 300 has a communication module 301, a control unit 302, and a storage unit 303. User information, management information, and a communication control program for the server device 300 are stored in the storage unit 303.

(Example of user information)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of user information. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 303 contains the user name, the number of sensor devices 1 managed by the user (the number of sensors), and the number of repeaters 200 required by the user (required G / W) as user information. Number) is remembered. Further, the storage unit 303 stores the identification number (assignment G / WID) assigned to each repeater 200 and the identification number (distribution sensor ID) of the distributed sensor device 1 as user information. There is.

That is, in the case of the example of FIG. 2, the user A shows an example of having 80 sensor devices 1 mounted on an industrial animal. As an example, when one repeater 200 can manage 150 sensor devices 1, the required number of G / Ws required for communication management of 80 sensor devices 1 owned by Mr. A is "1". It shows that. An allocation G / WID of "000000000000000000" is assigned to this one repeater 200, and a distribution sensor ID of "0x00000001 to 0x000000050" is distributed to each sensor device 1. It is shown that.

Similarly, in the case of the example of FIG. 2, the user B shows an example of having 500 sensor devices 1 mounted on an industrial animal. As an example, since the number of sensor devices 1 that can be managed by one repeater 200 is 150, the required number of G / Ws required for communication management of the 500 sensor devices 1 owned by Mr. A is , "4" (150 units x 4 = 600 units or less). The four repeaters 200 are assigned an allocation G / WID of "100000000000000 to 10000000000000003". Further, it is shown that the distribution sensor ID of "0 × 10000001 to 0 × 100001F4" is distributed to each sensor device 1.

(Example of management information)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of management information. As shown in FIG. 3, the storage unit 303 contains management information such as a user name, the above-mentioned allocation G / WID assigned to the repeater 200 owned by the user, and the repeater 200 owned by the user. The model number (package No.) assigned to the above is stored. Further, the storage unit 303 stores the maximum number of sensors that can be connected to the repeater 200 (maximum connection sensor information) and the response flag of each repeater 200 as management information.

That is, in the case of the example of FIG. 3, the allocation G / WID of "000000000000000000" is assigned to the one repeater 200 owned by the user A described above, and the package No. 1 of "No. 1" is assigned. Indicates that (model number) is set. Further, it is shown that the G / W response flag of "0x10010096" is set in one repeater 200 owned by the user A. The maximum number of connected sensors for each repeater 200 is 150 as described above. The number of "150 units" is an initial value and can be changed on the server device 300 by the control unit 302.

Similarly, in the case of the example of FIG. 3, the four repeaters 200 owned by the above-mentioned user B are assigned the allocation G / WID of "100000000000000 to 10000000000000003", and "No. 1 to 1 to" respectively. No. 4 ”package No. Indicates that (model number) is set. Further, it is shown that the G / W response flags of "0x100F00996", "0x200F00996", "0x300F00996" and "0x400F00996" are set in the four repeaters 200 owned by the user B, respectively. ..

(Example of G / W response flag)
The G / W response flag is used when the server device 5 notifies each repeater 200 of the assigned package number, the maximum number of connectable sensor devices 1, and the like. Further, the G / W response flag is changed by the control unit 302 when the number of repeaters 200 or the number of sensor devices 1 is changed in the steady state. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the format of the G / W response flag. As shown in FIG. 4, the G / W response flag is 4 bytes (32 bits) of information, and is the least significant bit (LSB: 00) to 15 bits, and is the maximum number of sensor devices 1 that can be connected. Etc. are shown.

Further, the 16th to 24th bits indicate the package number assigned to the repeater 200. That is, the 16th to 24th bits are package numbers. 16-Package No. It is a bit corresponding to 24. The control unit 302 of the server device 5 sets the bit corresponding to the package number assigned to the repeater 200 to “1” and sets the other bits to “0”.

That is, the control unit 302 refers to the repeater 200 with the package No. When 1 is assigned, the package No. The 16th bit corresponding to 1 is set to "1", and the 17th to 24th bits are set to "0" respectively. Similarly, the control unit 302 refers to the repeater 200 with the package No. When 8 is assigned, the package No. The 23rd bit corresponding to 8 is set to "1", and the 16th to 22nd bits and the 24th bit are set to "0", respectively.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the G / W response flag is 4 bits from 28 bits to the most significant bit (MSB: 31), and indicates the package number assigned to the repeater 200. The 25 bits to 27 bits are reserved (reservation: fixed at 0).

(Operation of repeater)
Next, the operation of the repeater 200 will be described. The main microcomputer 201 of the repeater 200 realizes each function shown in FIG. 5 by executing the communication control program for the repeater 200 stored in the storage unit 204. That is, by executing the communication control program, the main microcomputer 201 has a power control unit 251 and an ID acquisition unit 252, a POST (Power On Self Test) execution unit 253, and a response flag acquisition unit 254. It functions as a maximum number of sensors acquisition unit 255, a communication channel allocation unit 256, and a start control unit 257.

In this example, the power supply control unit 251 to the start control unit 257 are realized by software, but some or all of them may be realized by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit). .. Further, the power supply control unit 251 to the start control unit 257 may be realized by the communication control program alone, a part of the processing is realized by another program, or indirectly realized by using another program. You may.

Further, the communication control program for the repeater 200 is provided by recording a file in an installable format or an executable format on a recording medium readable by a computer device such as a CD-ROM or a flexible disk (FD). May be good. Further, the communication control program for the repeater 200 may be provided by recording on a recording medium readable by a computer device such as a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a Blu-ray disc (registered trademark), or a semiconductor memory. Good. Further, the communication control program for the repeater 200 may be provided in the form of being installed via a network such as the Internet, or may be provided by being incorporated in a ROM or the like in the device in advance.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation flow at the time of initial operation of the repeater 200. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, when the power supply control unit 241 detects the power-on operation (step S1), the ID acquisition unit 252 is assigned to the own machine in advance from the server device 5 and stored in the storage unit 204. Acquire the assigned G / WID (step S2). Then, the POST execution unit 253 executes the self-diagnosis test at the time of turning on the power (step S3), and the process proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the response flag acquisition unit 254 transmits the assigned G / WID of the own device to the server device 300 via the communication module 203, and requests the acquisition of the G / W response flag described with reference to FIG. .. The server device 300 transmits (notifies) the G / W response flag corresponding to the assigned G / WID received from the repeater 200 to the repeater 200 requested to be acquired. The response flag acquisition unit 254, which is an example of the acquisition unit, acquires the G / W response flag corresponding to the assigned G / WID of the own machine transmitted from the server device 300.

For example, when the allocation G / WID transmitted from the repeater 200 to the server device 300 is "20000000000001", this is the G / WID of the second repeater 200 of the user C as shown in FIG. Indicates that there is. Therefore, the server device 300 transmits the G / W response flag indicating the package number of "No. 2" assigned to the second repeater 200 of the user C to the repeater 200.

Next, the sensor maximum number acquisition unit 255 of the repeater 200 connects to the repeater 200 by referring to the least significant bit to the 15th bit of the G / W response flag shown in FIG. 4 acquired from the server device 300. Acquire the maximum number of possible sensor devices 1 (step S5). In the case of this example, as shown in FIG. 3, since the G / W response flag of the user C is “0x2003006”, the maximum number of sensor devices 1 that can be connected is “150”. As described above, the maximum number of connected sensors of each repeater 200 can be changed by the control unit 302 of the server device 300.

Next, the communication channel allocation unit 256 communicates with the sensor device 1 based on the package number obtained from the 16th to 24th bits and the 28th to the most significant bit of the G / W response flag. The communication channel used for wireless communication is reassigned (step S6).

Specifically, for example, four communication channels can be assigned to each repeater 200. Further, in the case of the package number of "No. 1", the first channel, the tenth channel, the 19th channel, and the 28th channel are assigned as the communication channels of the repeater 200. Similarly, in the case of the package number of "No. 2", the 5th channel, the 14th channel, the 23rd channel, and the 32nd channel are assigned as communication channels, and in the case of the package number of "No. 3", the 7th channel, The 16th channel, the 25th channel, and the 34th channel are assigned as communication channels.

Similarly, in the case of the package number of "No. 4", the 3rd channel, the 12th channel, the 21st channel, and the 30th channel are assigned as communication channels, and in the case of the package number of "No. 5", the 9th channel, The 18th channel, the 27th channel, and the 36th channel are assigned as communication channels.

Similarly, in the case of the package number of "No. 6", the second channel, the eleventh channel, the twentieth channel, and the 29th channel are assigned as communication channels, and in the case of the package number of "No. 7", the fourth channel, The 13th channel, the 22nd channel, and the 31st channel are assigned as communication channels.

Similarly, in the case of the package number of "No. 8", the 6th channel, the 15th channel, the 24th channel, and the 33rd channel are assigned as communication channels, and in the case of the package number of "No. 9", the 8th channel, The 17th channel, the 26th channel, and the 35th channel are assigned as communication channels. The package of each package number is an example of a group.

In this way, by not allocating the same channel between different packages, it is possible to prevent interference of each channel between the packages. Further, between the channels in the package, channels are assigned with a large space between the channels, for example, 9 channels. This makes it possible to prevent interference between each channel in the package. Further, the same channel is not assigned between different packages, and at least two channels are allocated between each package. This further makes it possible to prevent interference of each channel between packages. However, even when two channels are not open, a certain effect is exerted on the prevention of interference of each channel.

In the case of the above example, since the G / W response flag is "0x2003006", the package number assigned to the own machine is "No. 2". Therefore, the communication channel allocation unit 256 allocates the fifth channel, the 14th channel, the 23rd channel, and the 32nd channel as communication channels.

When the communication channel is assigned in this way, the activation control unit 257 restarts the repeater 200 (step S7) and shifts to the steady processing (step S8).

(Steady operation of repeater)
The flowchart of FIG. 7 shows the operation flow of the repeater 200 in the steady state (when cooperating with the server device 300). When the restart process is performed in step S7 of the flowchart of FIG. 6, the process of the flowchart of FIG. 7 starts, and the process is executed from step S11. That is, by the restart process, the POST execution unit 253 shown in FIG. 5 executes the self-diagnosis test at the time of turning on the power (step S11), and the response flag acquisition unit 254 transmits the assigned G / W ID to the server device 300. Then, the response flag shown in FIG. 4 is received from the server device 300 (step S12).

Next, for example, when the number of repeaters 200 owned by user A is one, but by introducing a new repeater 200, the number of repeaters owned by user A becomes two in total, or The number of sensor devices 1 managed by the repeater 200 may increase from 80 to 130. In this way, when the number of repeaters 200 owned or the number of sensor devices 1 to be managed is changed, the server device 300 forms a G / W response flag corresponding to the change in the number and transmits the G / W response flag to the repeater 200. To do.

The response flag acquisition unit 254 detects whether or not the G / W response flag has changed by comparing the previously acquired G / W response flag with the G / W response flag acquired this time (step S13). If no change in the G / W response flag is detected, the process of receiving the G / W response flag and comparing it with the previous G / W response flag is repeated.

On the other hand, when a change in the G / W response flag is detected, the sensor device 1 is evenly assigned to each communication channel based on the number of repeaters or the number of sensor devices 1, "assignment". "Sensor equalization processing" is performed (step S14).

(Equalization process of allocation sensor)
Next, the equalization process of the allocation sensor in step S14 will be described based on the repeater 200 of the user B shown in FIG. In the case of user B, four repeaters 200 manage 500 sensor devices 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the 500 sensor devices 1 are attached with distribution sensor IDs of "0x10000001 to 0x100001F4". At startup, each sensor device 1 randomly selects one of the four communication channels of the repeater 4, and enters a steady state with the communication channel that has been acknowledged by the repeater 200. Transition. Therefore, the sensor device 1 is not evenly associated with each communication channel of each repeater 200 owned by the user B, and a bias occurs. The bias of the association of the sensor device 1 with respect to each communication channel becomes remarkable when the new repeater 200 is installed or when the new sensor device 1 is installed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the equalization process of the allocation sensor. FIG. 8A shows an example in which the association of the sensor device 1 with respect to each communication channel is biased. In the example of FIG. 8A, 300 sensor devices 1 are used for the repeater 200 of the assigned G / WID of “100000000000000” owned by the user B, although the maximum number is 150. Shows the associated example.

That is, each sensor device 1 randomly selects the communication channel of the repeater 200 when the power is turned on, establishes a communication line, and then shifts to a steady state, and thereafter intermittently communicates with the repeater 200. I do. For this reason, since there are free channels between the establishment of the communication line and the next communication, there may be a problem that the maximum number or more (150 or more) of the sensor devices 1 are associated with the same communication channel. There are many.

When the communication channel allocation unit 256 of the repeater 200 shown in FIG. 5 recognizes that an excessive number of sensor devices 1 are assigned to one communication channel in this way, it communicates with another repeater 200. Is performed, and the surplus number of sensor devices 1 is assigned to another repeater 200.

That is, in the case of user B, as shown in FIG. 3, in addition to the repeater 200 of the assigned G / WID of "100000000000000", three units of the assigned G / WID of "100000000000000001", "100000000000000002", and "100000000000000003". It has a repeater 200. Therefore, the repeater 200 of the assigned G / WID of "100000000000000" communicates with each of the repeaters 200 of the assigned G / WID of "100000000000000001", "100000000000000002", and "100000000000000003", and the number of surplus repeaters is increased. A process of allocating the sensor device 1 to another repeater 200 is performed.

In the case of the example of FIG. 8A, since 150 surplus sensor devices 1 are assigned to the repeater 200 of the assigned G / WID of “100000000000000”, the relay of the assigned G / WID of “100000000000000” As shown in FIG. 8B, the device 200 evenly distributes the surplus 150 units to the other repeater 200 having a sufficient number of allocated sensors among the other repeaters 200.

In the case of the example of FIG. 8A, there is a margin in the number of assigned sensors of the G / W ID repeater 200 of "100000000000000002" and "100000000000000003" to which 50 sensor devices 1 are currently assigned. Therefore, the communication channel allocation unit 256 distributes 75 sensor devices 1 out of the surplus 150 to the repeater 200 of the allocation G / WID of "100000000000000002", and allocates G / of "1000000000000003". The remaining 75 sensor devices 1 are distributed to the WID repeater 200.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 8B, 150 units of the “100000000000000” allocation G / WID repeater 200 and 100 units of the “100000000000000001” allocation G / WID repeater 200 are assigned, and “100000000000000002” is allocated. 125 G / WID repeaters 200 are assigned, and 125 sensor devices 1 are assigned to the G / WID repeater 200.

By distributing the surplus number between the repeater 200 that manages the surplus number and the other repeater 200 in this way, the sensor that becomes the surplus portion of the repeater 200 that manages the surplus number. The device 1 is ready for communication management by another repeater 200.

Next, the communication channel allocation unit 256 of the repeater 200 that manages the surplus number communicates with each surplus sensor device 1, and the communication set in each surplus sensor device 1. The channel is changed and controlled to a communication channel managed by another repeater 200 that has been distributed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8C, the model number (package number) set in the repeater 200 of the assigned G / WID of "100000000000000" is "No. 1", and 100 units are set in the first channel. It is assumed that 25 sensor devices 1 are assigned to the 10th channel, 50 sensors are assigned to the 19th channel, and 125 sensor devices 1 are assigned to the 28th channel. Due to this allocation, the load on the 1st channel to which 100 units are assigned is large, the load on the 10th channel to which 25 units are assigned is small, and the load on the 19th channel to which 50 units are assigned is medium. There is, and the load of the 28th channel to which 125 units are assigned becomes large.

Therefore, the communication channel allocation unit 256 of the repeater 200 of the allocation G / WID of "100000000000000" communicates with 150 sensor devices 1 managed by the own device, and the number of sensor devices 1 assigned to each communication channel. Distribution control is performed so that Specifically, when trying to evenly allocate 150 sensor devices 1 managed by the own device to each communication channel, 38 units are assigned to the two communication channels, and 38 units are assigned to the other two communication channels. 37 units will be assigned to each.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8D, the communication channel allocation unit 256 allocates 38 sensor devices 1 to the 1st channel and the 10th channel, respectively, and allocates 38 sensor devices 1 to the 19th channel and the 28th channel, respectively. Communication is performed with 150 sensor devices 1 managed by the own device so that 37 sensor devices 1 are assigned to each, and the communication channel used by each sensor device 1 for communication is changed and controlled. As a result, the communication load of each communication channel can be significantly reduced.

Next, the communication channel allocation unit 256 communicates with the surplus 150 sensor devices 1, and uses the communication channels of the 75 sensor devices 1 in the repeater 200 of the assigned G / WID of "100000000000000002". Change control to channel. Further, the communication channel allocation unit 256 changes and controls the communication channels of the remaining 75 sensor devices 1 among the surplus to the communication channels used in the repeater 200 of the allocation G / WID of "100000000000000003".

Assignment of "100000000000000002" A package number of "No. 3" is assigned to the repeater 200 of the G / W ID as shown in FIG. As described above, in the repeater 200 to which the package number of "No. 3" is assigned, the 7th channel, the 16th channel, the 25th channel and the 34th channel are assigned as communication channels. Similarly, the package number of "No. 4" is assigned to the repeater 200 of the assigned G / WID of "100000000000000003" as shown in FIG. As described above, in the repeater 200 to which the package number of "No. 4" is assigned, the third channel, the twelfth channel, the twenty-first channel and the thirtieth channel are assigned as communication channels.

Therefore, the communication channel allocation unit 256 of the repeater 200 of the allocation G / WID of "100000000000000" has 150 sensor devices 1 (surplus) that have been distributed to the other repeaters 200 as described above. Communicates with the sensor device 1). Then, out of the surplus 150 units, the communication channels used by the 75 sensor devices 1 are matched with the repeater 200 of the package number of "No. 3" as shown in FIG. 8 (e), and the seventh channel is set. 19 units, 16th channel is 19 units, 25th channel is 19 units, 34th channel is 18 units, and so on, so that they are changed and controlled so as to be substantially equal.

Similarly, the communication channel allocation unit 256 sets the communication channels used by the remaining 75 sensor devices 1 to match the repeater 200 having the package number of "No. 4" as shown in FIG. 8 (e). The 3 channels are 19 units, the 12th channel is 19 units, the 21st channel is 19 units, the 30th channel is 18 units, and so on.

FIG. 8 (f) shows each communication channel of each repeater 200. Indicates communication channels that are allocated approximately evenly. As can be seen from FIG. 8 (f), the surplus of the sensor device 1 whose communication is managed by the repeater 200 is distributed to the other repeaters 200. Further, in each repeater 200, the number of sensor devices 1 using each communication channel is allocated substantially evenly. As a result, the communication load of the repeater 200 can be significantly reduced, and communication interference can be prevented as much as possible.

(Operation of sensor device)
Next, the operation of each sensor device 1 will be described. The main microcomputer 101 of the sensor device 1 shown in FIG. 1 executes the communication control program stored in the storage unit 102 to execute the communication control unit 151, the package number determination unit 152, and the module number determination unit 153 shown in FIG. , Mode control unit 154, channel number determination unit 155, and channel setting unit 156 are realized.

In this example, the communication control unit 151 to the channel setting unit 156 are realized by software, but some or all of them may be realized by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit). .. Further, the functions realized by the communication control units 151 to the channel setting unit 156 may be realized by the communication control program alone, let another program execute a part of the processing, or indirectly by using another program. May execute the process.

Further, the communication control program may be provided by recording a file in an installable format or an executable format on a recording medium readable by a computer device such as a CD-ROM or a flexible disk (FD). Further, the communication control program may be provided by recording on a recording medium readable by a computer device such as a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a Blu-ray disc (registered trademark), or a semiconductor memory. Further, the communication control program may be provided in the form of being installed via a network such as the Internet, or may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like in the device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation at the time of initial operation in one of the four sensor devices 1 owned by the user B described above. The flowchart of FIG. 10 starts when the power of the sensor device 1 is turned on, and the process starts from step S21.

That is, when the power of the sensor device 1 is turned on, the communication control unit 151 shown in FIG. 9 fixedly uses one of the above four communication channels to send dummy data to the repeater 200. Transmit (step S21). Next, the package number determination unit 152 randomly determines a package number that has not been determined in the past among the package numbers of "No. 1 to No. 9" (step S22). Further, since Mr. B has a total of four repeaters 200, the module number determination unit 153 randomly determines one of the module numbers 1 to 4 (step S23).

Next, the channel setting unit 156 sets the channel number by performing the calculation of “channel number = ((module number-1) × 9) + package number” (step S24). The communication control unit 151 transmits dummy data to the repeater 200 using the communication channel of the set channel number (step S25), and determines whether or not there is a reply (ACK) from the repeater 200 (step S25). Step S26). When the mode control unit 154 receives a reply (ACK) from the repeater 200 (step S26: Yes), the mode control unit 154 shifts and controls the operation mode of the sensor device 1 to the operation mode for performing steady processing (step S27).

On the other hand, when the response (ACK) from the repeater 200 is not received (step S26: No), the communication control unit 151 has all the package numbers among the package numbers of "No. 1 to No. 9". Then, it is determined whether or not the processes of steps S22 to S26 have been repeated (whether or not the package number has been exhausted) (step S28).

If the processes of steps S22 to S26 have not been performed for all the package numbers, that is, if there is a package number that has not been assigned yet (step S28: No), the process returns to step S22, and the package number determination unit 152 Determines a package number that has not yet been assigned, and proceeds to step S23 described above.

On the other hand, when the processes of steps S22 to S26 are performed for all the package numbers (step S28: Yes), the mode control unit 154 sets the sensor in the energy saving mode, which is a mode for saving energy consumption. The operation mode of the device 1 is transition-controlled (step S29). This energy saving mode will be described later.

(Communication channel change operation in the sensor device)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of a communication channel changing operation in the sensor device 1. As described with reference to FIG. 8, when the repeater 200 distributes the communication channel of the sensor device 1 which is the surplus, the repeater 200 sends information indicating the communication channel used by the sensor device 1 for communication as an acknowledgment (ACK). Notify including. That is, in the flowchart of FIG. 11, the communication control unit 151 transmits the EC format to the repeater 200 (step S31), and receives the response (ACK) from the repeater 200 (step S32).

The channel number determination unit 155 shown in FIG. 9 compares the channel number of the communication channel included in the response (ACK) from the repeater 200 received last time with the channel number included in the response (ACK) received this time ( Step S33). When it is determined by this comparison that both have the same channel number (step S33: No), the process returns to step S31, and the above-mentioned comparison operation is performed based on the next received response (ACK).

On the other hand, when it is determined by the above-mentioned comparison process that they do not have the same channel number (step S33: Yes), the mode control unit 154 resets the communication of the sensor device 1 (LoRa (registered trademark) module reset). ) (Step S34). Then, the channel setting unit 156 sets the communication channel to the channel number included in the response (ACK) received this time (step S35). As a result, the process of changing the communication channel assigned to each sensor device 1 is completed. When the setting of the communication channel is completed, the mode control unit 154 controls the sensor device 1 (LoRa (registered trademark) module) to shift to the sleep mode until the communication with the repeater 200 is performed again (step S36). ..

(Details of transition operation to energy saving mode)
Next, using the flowchart of FIG. 12, the details of the operation for shifting to the energy saving mode described in step S29 of the flowchart of FIG. 10 will be described. The flowchart of FIG. 12 starts when the power of the sensor device 1 is turned on, and the process is executed from step S31.

That is, when the power is turned on, the channel number setting unit 156 or the like performs the channel search process described in steps S21 to S26 and step S28 of the flowchart of FIG. 10 (step S31). When communication was performed with the repeater 200 using the communication channel tentatively determined in this channel search process, but communication could not be performed, the channel setting unit 156 performs the channel search process triggered by the power-on operation. Is determined for a predetermined number of times, for example, three times (step S39, step S40).

When the channel setting unit 156 determines that the channel search process triggered by the power-on operation has not been executed for a predetermined number of times (step S40: No), the operation returns to step S31, and the flowchart of FIG. 10 shows. The channel search process described in steps S21 to S26 and step S28 is repeated.

On the other hand, if communication with the repeater 200 cannot be performed even if the channel search process triggered by the power-on operation is executed a predetermined number of times (step S40: Yes), the communication system of the sensor device 1 or the like is out of order. Since there is a possibility, the mode control unit 154 controls the operation mode of the sensor device 1 to shift to the asphyxia mode in which the communication is temporarily stopped and the power supply to the main unit is stopped (step S41). The mode control unit 154 measures the time elapsed since the sensor device 1 shifts to the asphyxia mode based on the time information counted by the timer, and determines whether or not a predetermined time such as 6 hours has elapsed. (Step S42).

After a predetermined time such as 6 hours has elapsed (step S42: Yes), the mode control unit 154 "reset" the communication channel or the like to restore the operation of the sensor device 1. After this return, the communication control unit 151 and the like execute the channel search process of step S31 again.

Here, the channel search process by this "reset" is not the channel search process caused by the power-on operation. Therefore, if communication with the repeater 200 is not possible even if the channel search process by "reset" is performed (step S39: No), the mode control unit 154 is a sensor device without performing the above-mentioned three retries or the like. The operation mode of 1 is controlled to shift to the asphyxia mode (step S41).

The mode control unit 154 returns the sensor device 1 from the asphyxia mode after 6 hours have elapsed. As a result, the channel search process by "reset" is performed again, but since this is not the channel search process caused by the power-on operation, if communication with the repeater 200 is not possible, the transition to the asphyxia mode is controlled again. To.

On the other hand, when the communication channel tentatively determined in the channel search process of step S31 is used for communication with the repeater 200, the channel setting unit 156 selects the recommended channel which is the communication channel recommended by the repeater 200. Acquired and set the acquired recommended channel in the sensor device 1 (step S33). After setting the recommended channel, the mode control unit 154 controls the mode of the sensor device 1 to shift to the normal mode (step S34). When the mode shifts to the normal mode, the communication control unit 151 intermittently transmits data indicating the state of the industrial animal to the repeater 200, for example, once every 5 minutes (step S35).

Here, it may happen that communication with the repeater 200 becomes possible. In this case, in step S34, the sensor device 1 shifts to the normal mode, but since the communication with the repeater 200 was accidental, data transmission with the repeater 200 after shifting to the normal mode Will continue to be in a communication disabled state (communication NG).

The number of retries for data transmission to the repeater 200 is a predetermined number such as 10 times. The communication control unit 151 repeats data transmission to the repeater 200 10 times every 5 minutes. The 10 retries consume the electric power stored in the storage battery of the sensor device 1. Therefore, the mode control unit 154 cannot transmit data to the repeater 200, and when, for example, the passage of one hour is timed, the mode control unit 154 shifts and controls the mode of the sensor device 1 to the "eco-ac mode". (Step S36).

This eco-ac mode is a mode in which data transmission is attempted to the repeater 200 once every 5 minutes, but no retry is performed. The communication control unit 151 attempts to transmit data to the repeater 200 only once, for example, once every 5 minutes after shifting to this "eco-ac mode". When data can be transmitted to the repeater 200 by this communication control (step S37: OK response), the mode control unit 154 controls the mode of the sensor device 1 to shift to the normal mode.

On the other hand, when, for example, 6 hours have passed from the state in which data transmission to the repeater 200 cannot be performed after the transition to the "eco-ac mode" (step S38: Yes), the mode control unit 154 will perform as described above. The communication channel and the like are "reset" to restore the operation of the sensor device 1. After this return, the communication control unit 151 and the like execute the channel search process of step S31 again. Then, when communication with the repeater 200 is not possible, since the channel search process is not caused by the power-on operation, the transition control to the asphyxia mode is performed again, as described above.

(Effect of embodiment)
As is clear from the above description, in the animal management system of the embodiment, the server device 300 assigns a model number (package number) for each repeater 200 owned by the user to a different communication channel. , Set by communication. As a result, the communication channels used by the plurality of repeaters 200 owned by the user can be set to different communication channels, and communication interference between the plurality of repeaters 200 can be easily prevented. .. Further, since a desired model number (package number) can be freely set for each repeater 200, the manufacturer of the repeater 200 manufactures the repeater 200 having a different communication channel, and performs shipping and inventory management. Troublesome manufacturing work and management can be eliminated.

Further, in order to change the package number, it is necessary to open the repeater 200 which has been subjected to strong dustproof and drip-proof processing once, but it is not possible to apply strong dust-proof and drip-proof processing again. It is troublesome and difficult. However, in the case of the repeater 200 of the animal management system of the embodiment, since the package number can be assigned and changed by communication, the package number can be easily assigned and changed without opening the repeater 200. it can.

Further, each repeater 200 communicates with the other repeater 200, so that the sensor device 1 that is excessively set for the communication channel of the own unit can be used as the communication channel of the other repeater 200. Sort to. As a result, the sensor device 1 that has been unevenly allocated to one repeater 200 can be distributed and allocated to other repeaters 200, and the communication load on one repeater 200 can be reduced. it can.

Further, each repeater 200 can reassign the number of sensor devices 1 assigned to each communication channel of its own unit to each averaged communication channel. As a result, the communication load of each communication channel can be averaged for each communication channel.

Finally, the embodiments described above are presented as an example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the server device 300 assigns the package number to the repeater 200, but the package number is assigned to a communication device other than the server device 300, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Alternatively, the operation unit of the repeater 200 may be operated to input the package number.

Further, the above-described embodiment is applied to an animal management system in which a slave unit is installed in an industrial animal such as a cow and the slave unit is managed (management of the industrial animal) by the repeater 200 and the server device 300. It was an example. However, the present invention is applicable to any communication system that communicates between the first communication device corresponding to the slave unit and the second communication device corresponding to the repeater 200. It is possible. Further, the present invention functions more preferably in a situation where, for example, a repeater 200 subjected to strong dustproof processing and drip-proof processing is required.

Further, the embodiment and the modification of the embodiment are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1 Sensor device 101 Main microcomputer 102 Storage unit 103 Power button 104 Behavior analysis sensor 105 Wireless communication module 106 Notification unit 107 Radio strength detection unit 151 Communication control unit 152 Package number determination unit 153 Module number determination unit 154 Mode control unit 155 Channel number determination Unit 156 Channel setting unit 200 Repeater 201 Main microcomputer 202 Wireless communication module 203 Communication module 204 Storage unit 251 Power supply control unit 252 ID acquisition unit 253 POST execution unit 254 Response flag acquisition unit 255 Sensor maximum number acquisition unit 256 Communication channel allocation unit 257 Start control unit 300 Server device 301 Communication module 302 Control unit 303 Storage unit

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-120973

Claims (8)

An acquisition unit that acquires the communication channel setting information of any one of the communication channel setting information for a plurality of groups in which a plurality of communication channels combined to prevent communication interference between the groups are grouped.
Wireless communication control that controls the wireless communication unit so that wireless communication is performed with the slave unit using the communication channel indicated by the acquired communication channel setting information.
Communication control device with. When the number of slave units assigned to the own unit becomes surplus, the surplus slave unit is distributed to other communication control devices, and the communication channel used by the surplus slave unit is distributed. The communication control device according to claim 1, further comprising a communication channel allocation unit that changes and controls a communication channel managed by another communication control device that has performed the above. The communication control device according to claim 2, wherein the communication channel allocating unit performs an averaging process of averaging and reallocating the number of slave units assigned to each communication channel of the own unit. The communication control according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of communication channels are assigned so as to prevent communication interference in the group in the communication channel setting information. apparatus. Computer,
Acquisition unit that acquires the communication channel setting information of any one of the communication channel setting information for a plurality of groups in which a plurality of communication channels combined to prevent communication interference within and between groups are grouped. When,
Using the communication channel indicated by the acquired communication channel setting information, it functions as a wireless communication control that controls the wireless communication unit so that wireless communication is performed with the slave unit.
A communication control program characterized by. Acquisition step to acquire the communication channel setting information of any one group among the communication channel setting information for a plurality of groups in which a plurality of communication channels combined to prevent communication interference within and between groups are grouped. When,
A wireless communication control step that controls the wireless communication unit so that wireless communication is performed with the slave unit using the communication channel indicated by the acquired communication channel setting information.
Communication control method having. The communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
A server device that communicates with the communication control device and sets the communication channel setting information of any one group to the communication control device.
Communication control system with. The communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
At least one slave unit that communicates with the communication control device via the communication channel indicated by the communication channel setting information acquired by the communication control device.
Communication control system with.

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