JP2022015129A - Communication apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a communication apparatus allowing a desired operation mode to be easily set.SOLUTION: A communication apparatus 1 transmits information showing measurement results obtained by a resource or energy measurement device to a center device 4. The communication apparatus 1 comprises a vibration detection part 30, a trigger part 20, and a control part 10. The vibration detection part 30 detects vibration of the communication apparatus 1. The trigger part 20 generates a trigger signal SG2 for initiating an operation mode corresponding to an external operation. Corresponding to the trigger signal SG2 for initiating an operation mode, the control part 10 initiates an operation mode corresponding to the detection results of the vibration detection part 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a communication device.

There is known a communication device that acquires measurement results (for example, measured values) of a measuring device such as a gas meter and transmits the acquired measurement results to a server. For example, the communication device described in Patent Document 1 is connected to a gas meter and has an operation unit. The operation unit receives instructions for the communication device. The operation unit includes a DIP switch. The DIP switch receives an instruction to switch the operation mode of the communication device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2020-71596

In order to reduce the size of the communication device described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to reduce the size of the DIP switch. However, by reducing the size of the DIP switch, the operation of setting the operation mode of the communication device becomes complicated, and there is a possibility that the operator of the communication device becomes more troublesome.

An object of the present invention is to provide a communication device capable of easily setting a desired operation mode.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the communication device transmits information indicating the measurement result of the measuring device regarding resources or energy to the center device. The communication device includes a vibration detection unit, a trigger unit, and a control unit. The vibration detection unit detects the vibration of the communication device. The trigger unit generates a first trigger signal in response to an external operation. The control unit starts an operation mode according to the detection result of the vibration detection unit in response to the first trigger signal.

According to the present invention, a desired operation mode can be easily set for a communication device.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the telemeter system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the communication apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the table which the storage part of the communication apparatus which concerns on this embodiment stores. It is a flowchart which shows the setting method of the operation mode of the communication apparatus which concerns on this embodiment.

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

The telemeter system 100 according to the 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 an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the telemeter system 100 includes a communication device 1, a meter 2, a server 3, and a center device 4. In the present embodiment, the telemeter system 100 includes a plurality of communication devices 1, a plurality of meters 2, a server 3, and a center device 4. The telemeter system 100 is a system that collects information indicating the measurement result of the meter 2. More specifically, the telemeter system 100 is a system in which the communication device 1 transmits information indicating the measurement result of the meter 2 to the center device 4, and the center device 4 collects the information indicating the measurement result. The server 3 and the center device 4 are, for example, a center system. The center device 4 executes information control for, for example, the communication device 1.

The meter 2 is a measuring device for resources or energy. The measurement target of the meter 2 is, for example, gas, water, or electricity. The meter 2 is installed for each consumer such as a private house, a company, and various facilities. That is, the meter 2 is, for example, a measuring device that measures the amount of gas, water, or electricity used and outputs the measured value as the measurement result. The meter 2 is replaced, for example, at regular intervals. Further, if a problem occurs in the meter 2, the meter 2 is replaced. The meter 2 is an example of a “measuring device”. Hereinafter, in the present specification, the case where the meter 2 is a gas meter for measuring the amount of gas used will be described as an example.

The meter 2 is installed, for example, in a gas pipe. The gas to be measured by the meter 2 flows through the gas pipe. Gas is supplied to consumers from gas cylinders or gas holders through gas pipes. The gas to be measured by the meter 2 may be LP gas (liquefied petroleum gas) or city gas. The meter 2 measures the amount of gas used by measuring the flow rate of the gas flowing through the gas pipe. The type of meter 2 is not particularly limited. The meter 2 is, for example, a 5-bit meter, an 8-bit meter, a U-bus meter, or a microcomputer meter. In this embodiment, the meter 2 is a 5-bit meter.

The meter 2 will be described as an example of the measuring device, but as long as the measuring device is related to resources or energy, the measuring device may be, for example, an on / off sensor included in the gas shutoff device. The gas shutoff device is provided in the gas pipe. The on / off sensor is turned on, for example, when an earthquake is measured, and shuts off the gas pipe. That is, the flow of gas in the gas pipe is cut off. When no earthquake has occurred, the on / off sensor is in the off state. When the on / off sensor is off, gas flow is allowed. The flow of gas indicates that the gas flows through the gas pipe. As a measurement result, the communication device 1 transmits information indicating that the on / off sensor is turned on to the center device 4.

The communication device 1 is installed for each meter 2 (measuring device). Further, the communication device 1 is installed, for example, on a wall around the meter 2 or a gas cylinder. The operator operates the communication device 1 during the installation work of the meter 2 and sets the communication device 1 so that the communication device 1 can transmit the measurement result of the meter 2 to the center device 4. Specifically, the operator operates the communication device 1, sets the operation mode of the communication device 1, and sets the communication device 1 so that the communication device 1 can transmit the measurement result of the meter 2 to the center device 4. do. In this embodiment, the communication device 1 has a plurality of operation modes.

The operation mode of the communication device 1 includes an operation mode related to communication between the communication device 1 and the center device 4. In the present embodiment, the operation modes related to the communication between the communication device 1 and the center device 4 are, for example, "electric field strength measurement", "open call / call", "maintenance", "U terminal forced setting", and "AT command". The details will be described later. Therefore, at the time of the installation work of the meter 2, the operator can start the operation mode related to the communication between the communication device 1 and the center device 4 in the communication device 1. As a result, the communication device 1 is set so that the measurement result of the meter 2 can be transmitted to the center device 4. Further, the operation mode of the communication device 1 includes an operation mode determined for each type of the meter 2. The operation modes determined for each type of meter 2 will be described later.

The communication device 1 is connected to the meter 2 so as to be able to communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly. In the present embodiment, the plurality of communication devices 1 are each connected by wire to the plurality of meters 2 by the electric wire PL. The electric wire PL includes a signal line and a ground line.

Each of the plurality of communication devices 1 and the center device 4 are wirelessly connected to each other so as to be communicable. Specifically, each of the plurality of communication devices 1 and the center device 4 are, for example, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) network, a FOMA (Freedom Of Mobile Multimedia Access) network, an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network, and an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network. It is connected to a wide area wireless network Ne such as a (4th generation mobile communication system) network and a 5G (5th generation mobile communication system) network. Then, each of the plurality of communication devices 1 and the center device 4 wirelessly communicate with each other via the wide area wireless network Ne.

The center device 4 collects information indicating the measurement results of each of the plurality of meters 2 via the communication device 1. Specifically, the center device 4 collects the measured values measured by each of the plurality of meters 2 via the communication device 1. Then, the center device 4 stores, for example, the collected measured values in the server 3. The server 3 is, for example, a database server.

Next, the communication device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication device 1 includes a housing Ca, a substrate Cb, and a battery Ba.

The housing Ca houses the substrate Cb and the battery Ba. The housing Ca is, for example, a hollow member. The housing Ca is formed of a substance that does not block magnetism, such as resin. Further, the housing Ca is, for example, waterproofed.

The board Cb includes a control unit 10, a trigger unit 20, a vibration detection unit 30, a communication unit 40, a notification unit 50, a first connection unit 60, a second connection unit 70, and a third connection unit 80. And the power supply control unit 90 are mounted.

The power control unit 90 is connected to the battery Ba. The power supply control unit 90 converts the power supply voltage supplied from the battery Ba into an internal power supply voltage, and is inside the control unit 10, the trigger unit 20, the vibration detection unit 30, the communication unit 40, and the notification unit 50. Supply power supply voltage.

The control unit 10 includes a processor 11 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and a storage unit 12. The processor 11 controls each element of the communication device 1 by executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 12. Further, the control unit 10 has a timer function and detects that a predetermined time has elapsed.

The storage unit 12 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. The storage unit 12 stores various computer programs executed by the processor 11. Further, the storage unit 12 stores the table 121. In the table 121, the information indicating the vibration of the communication device 1 is associated with the operation mode. The details of the table 121 will be described later. The storage unit 12 may further store, for example, a log of communication between the communication device 1 and the center device 4.

The trigger unit 20 generates a trigger signal in response to an external operation (hereinafter, may be referred to as a trigger signal SG). The trigger unit 20 includes a magnetic sensor 21 in this embodiment. The magnetic sensor 21 is, for example, a hall sensor. The external operation is, for example, an operation of bringing the magnet Mg closer to the magnetic sensor 21 via the housing Ca to the extent that the magnetic sensor 21 can detect the magnetic field of the magnet Mg. That is, the trigger unit 20 generates the trigger signal SG according to the magnetic field of the magnet Mg. In the present embodiment, the magnet Mg is a member separate from the communication device 1. Therefore, the trigger portion 20 can be arranged inside the housing Ca. As a result, since it is not necessary to provide a physical key for generating a trigger signal on the outside of the housing, the cost for waterproofing the housing Ca can be reduced. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the communication device 1 can be reduced. The external operation is preferably a non-contact operation from the viewpoint of waterproofing, but may be a contact operation.

The vibration detection unit 30 detects the vibration of the communication device 1. In the present embodiment, the vibration detection unit 30 includes, for example, an acceleration sensor 31 that detects acceleration. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the vibration detection unit 30 can be reduced. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the communication device 1 can be reduced. The vibration detection unit 30 may include a gyro sensor in addition to the acceleration sensor 31 or in place of the acceleration sensor 31. Further, the vibration detection unit 30 may include a displacement sensor or a speed sensor.

The acceleration sensor 31 is, for example, a 1-axis accelerometer, a 2-axis accelerometer, or a 3-axis accelerometer. In the present embodiment, the acceleration sensor 31 detects the acceleration corresponding to the vibration of the communication device 1. The vibration detection unit 30 outputs the detection result of the acceleration sensor 31 to the control unit 10. The vibration detection unit 30 outputs the detection result of the acceleration sensor 31 to the control unit 10 via a serial bus such as I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit). The control unit 10 counts the number of vibrations of the communication device 1 based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor 31 output to the vibration detection unit 30.

The communication unit 40 is connected to the wide area wireless network Ne and performs wireless communication via the wide area wireless network Ne. The communication unit 40 is, for example, a wireless communication module conforming to the communication protocol of the wide area wireless network Ne.

The notification unit 50 notifies, for example, information to be notified to the worker. Specifically, the notification unit 50 notifies the type of the operation mode of the communication device 1. In the present embodiment, the notification unit 50 includes, for example, a single or a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). For example, the LED lights in a lighting pattern corresponding to the type of the operation mode of the communication device 1, thereby notifying the operator of the type of the operation mode of the communication device 1. That is, the LED has a plurality of lighting patterns. For example, the color of the light emitted by the LED and / or the blinking cycle of the LED are different for each lighting pattern. In the present embodiment, the LED changes the number of times the LED is lit according to the type of operation mode. Therefore, the operator can confirm the type of the operation mode of the communication device 1 by the notification unit 50. As a result, erroneous operation of the communication device 1 can be effectively suppressed. For example, when the communication device 1 is in the standby state, the LED of the notification unit 50 is in the non-lighting state.

In the present embodiment, the notification unit 50 includes two LEDs. One of the two LEDs (hereinafter, may be referred to as a first LED) is lit with a lighting pattern (number of lightings) according to the type of operation mode of the communication device 1, for example. The other LED of the two LEDs (hereinafter, may be referred to as a second LED) lights up according to, for example, the result of the communication device 1 operating in the operation mode according to the detection result of the vibration detection unit 30. .. Therefore, the operator can confirm the result of the operation of the communication device 1 by the notification unit 50 in addition to the type of the operation mode of the communication device 1. As a result, erroneous operation of the communication device 1 can be suppressed more effectively.

The notification unit 50 may include a speaker, a buzzer, or a vibration element. For example, when the notification unit 50 includes a speaker, the speaker outputs a voice indicating the type of operation mode to notify the operator of the type of operation mode of the communication device 1. Further, for example, when the notification unit 50 includes a buzzer, the buzzer outputs a sound as many times as the number of times corresponding to the operation mode type to notify the operator of the operation mode type of the communication device 1. Further, for example, when the notification unit 50 includes a vibration element, the vibration element vibrates the number of times corresponding to the operation mode type to notify the operator of the operation mode type of the communication device 1. Therefore, since the notification unit 50 includes a speaker, a buzzer, or a vibrating element, it is not necessary to provide a window for confirming the lighting of the LED in the housing, so that the waterproof property of the housing Ca can be further improved.

Further, the notification unit 50 may include a liquid crystal panel. When the notification unit 50 includes a liquid crystal display panel, the liquid crystal display panel displays an image indicating the type of operation mode to notify the operator of the type of operation mode of the communication device 1. Therefore, even when a loud noise (for example, noise) is generated around the operator who operates the communication device 1, the operator can confirm the type of the operation mode of the communication device 1.

The electric wire PL connected to the meter 2 is connected to the first connection portion 60. That is, the first connection portion 60 is wiredly connected to the meter 2 by the electric wire PL. The control unit 10 acquires information indicating the measurement result of the meter 2 via the electric wire PL and the first connection unit 60. In the present embodiment, the type of meter 2 that can be connected to the first connection unit 60 is, for example, a 5-bit meter, a U-bus meter, or a microcomputer meter. In the present embodiment, the type of meter 2 is a 5-bit meter. Therefore, the electric wire PL connected to the meter 2 is connected to the first connection portion 60. The first connection unit 60 is an example of a “connection unit”.

The electric wire PL connected to the measuring device can be connected to the second connection portion 70. The type of measuring device that can be connected to the second connection unit 70 is, for example, an 8-bit meter. The electric wire PL connected to the measuring device can be connected to the third connection portion 80. The type of measuring device that can be connected to the third connection unit 80 is, for example, an on / off sensor.

At the time of installation work of the meter 2, the operator sets the type of the meter 2 connected to the first connection unit 60, the second connection unit 70, or the third connection unit 80 in the communication device 1. When the type of the meter 2 is set to the communication device 1, for example, the operator sets the communication device 1 to any of the operation modes defined for each type of the meter 2 among the plurality of operation modes of the communication device 1. Let's get started. In the present embodiment, the operation modes defined for each type of meter 2 include, for example, "U bus meter", "5-bit meter", "microcomputer meter", "8-bit meter", and "on / off sensor". Details will be described later. The operator causes the communication device 1 to start the operation mode determined for each type of the meter 2, and sets the type of the meter 2 to be connected to the first connection unit 60, the second connection unit 70, or the third connection unit 80. Set in communication device 1. In the present embodiment, since the type of the meter 2 is a 5-bit meter, the operator causes the communication device 1 to start the “5-bit meter” as the operation mode.

According to the present embodiment, the operation modes defined for each type of the meter 2 are a plurality of types of meters 2 (specifically, a 5-bit meter, a U-bus meter, and a microcomputer) that can be connected to the first connection unit 60. Includes each operating mode of the meter). That is, the first connection unit 60 is common to a plurality of operation modes. Therefore, any one of a plurality of types of meters 2 can be connected to the first connection unit 60. As a result, the communication device 1 can be configured without mounting a connection portion for each type of meter 2 on the substrate Cb. As a result, the configuration of the communication device 1 can be simplified.

Next, the setting method of the communication device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. In the present embodiment, in order to cause the communication device 1 to start a desired operation mode, the operator first performs an external operation on the communication device 1. That is, the operator brings the magnet Mg close to the magnetic sensor 21. In the present embodiment, when the magnetic sensor 21 detects the magnetic field of the magnet Mg, the trigger unit 20 generates the vibration detection trigger signal SG1 as the trigger signal SG. Specifically, when the magnetic sensor 21 detects the magnetic field of the magnet Mg for the first time before the communication device 1 starts the operation mode corresponding to the vibration of the communication device 1, the trigger unit 20 uses the trigger signal SG as a trigger signal SG. Generates the vibration detection trigger signal SG1.

The control unit 10 activates the timer in response to the vibration detection trigger signal SG1. The operator vibrates the communication device 1 a number of times according to a desired operation mode from the start of the timer until the timer detects that a predetermined time has elapsed. At this time, for example, the operator shakes the communication device 1 or taps the communication device 1 with a finger or an object to vibrate the communication device 1. The vibration detection unit 30 detects the number of vibrations of the communication device 1 in a predetermined time. Then, the control unit 10 counts the number of vibrations of the communication device 1 based on the detection result of the vibration detection unit 30, and determines the operation mode of the communication device 1. The predetermined time is, for example, 20 seconds. For example, the control unit 10 counts the vibration after a predetermined interval (for example, 1 second) has elapsed after the communication device 1 counts the nth vibration as the n + 1th vibration. Therefore, it is possible to suppress erroneous counting of one vibration as a plurality of vibrations due to the way the operator swings the communication device 1. As a result, erroneous operation of the communication device 1 can be effectively suppressed.

Next, the operator performs an external operation on the communication device 1. That is, the operator brings the magnet Mg close to the magnetic sensor 21 again. In the present embodiment, when the magnetic sensor 21 detects the magnetic field of the magnet Mg, the trigger unit 20 generates the operation mode start trigger signal SG2 as the trigger signal SG. Specifically, when the magnetic sensor 21 detects the magnetic field of the magnet Mg for the second time before the communication device 1 starts the operation mode corresponding to the vibration of the communication device 1, the trigger unit 20 uses the trigger signal SG as a trigger signal SG. Generates the trigger signal SG2 for starting the operation mode of. The operation mode start trigger signal SG2 is an example of the “first trigger signal”. The operator may perform an external operation on the communication device 1 before the predetermined time elapses. In this case, the operation time of the communication device 1 can be shortened.

The control unit 10 starts the operation mode corresponding to the vibration of the communication device 1 in response to the operation mode start trigger signal SG2. Specifically, the control unit 10 starts the operation mode according to the number of vibrations of the communication device 1 in response to the operation mode start trigger signal SG2. Therefore, it is possible to cause the communication device 1 to start a desired operation mode without pressing a physical key such as a DIP switch that can be provided in the communication device. As a result, the operator can easily set the desired operation mode. The communication device 1 may or may not be provided with a physical key.

When terminating the operation mode, the operator performs an external operation on the communication device 1. That is, the operator brings the magnet Mg close to the magnetic sensor 21 in order to terminate the operation mode. When the magnetic sensor 21 detects the magnetic field of the magnet Mg after the start of the operation mode, that is, while the communication device 1 operates in the operation mode corresponding to the vibration of the communication device 1, the trigger unit 20 serves as a trigger signal SG. Generates the trigger signal SG3 for ending the operation mode. The operation mode end trigger signal SG3 is an example of the “second trigger signal”.

The control unit 10 ends the operation mode in response to the operation mode end trigger signal SG3. Therefore, the external operation for starting the operation mode and the external operation for ending the operation mode are the same. As a result, the dedicated trigger unit only for generating the trigger signal for ending the operation mode can be omitted, and the communication device 1 can be simplified.

Next, the table 121 stored by the storage unit 12 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a table 121 stored by the storage unit 12. As shown in FIG. 3, in the table 121, the operation mode of the communication device 1, the number of vibrations of the communication device 1, and the lighting pattern by the notification unit 50 are associated with each other. In the example of FIG. 3, the lighting pattern indicates the number of times of lighting. The number of vibrations of the communication device 1 associated with the operation mode of the communication device 1 is an example, and is not particularly limited. Further, the type of the operation mode of the communication device 1 is also an example, and is not particularly limited.

The control unit 10 is based on the vibration detection result of the communication device 1 by the vibration detection unit 30 (specifically, based on the acceleration detection result by the acceleration sensor 31 corresponding to the vibration of the communication device 1). Determine the number of vibrations of 1. Then, the control unit 10 determines the operation mode and the lighting pattern according to the number of vibrations of the communication device 1 with reference to the table 121.

For example, the "electric field strength measurement" as the operation mode is associated with "once" as the number of vibrations and "once" as the number of times the LED is lit. The "electric field strength measurement" as an operation mode is a mode in which the communication device 1 measures the radio field strength of a signal transmitted from a base station at a predetermined cycle. In the "electric field strength measurement" as the operation mode, for example, when the electric field strength as a measurement result is strong, the second LED lights up in green. Further, for example, when the electric field strength is medium, the second LED is lit in orange. Further, for example, when the radio wave intensity is low, the second LED lights up in red. For example, when the radio wave strength is low, the operator changes the mounting position of the communication device 1 and causes the communication device 1 to start "electric field strength measurement" as an operation mode again.

For example, the "open call" as the operation mode is associated with "twice" as the number of vibrations and "twice" as the number of times the LED is lit. The "open call" as the operation mode is a mode for the operator to notify the center device 4 that the installation work of the meter 2 has been completed. That is, after the installation work of the meter 2 is completed, the operator causes the communication device 1 to start the "open call" as the operation mode. In the "open call", the communication device 1 receives information about the consumer to which the meter 2 is attached from the center device 4, and sets the received information in the communication device 1.

For example, "maintenance" as an operation mode is associated with "3 times" as the number of vibrations and "3 times" as the number of times the LED is lit. In "maintenance" as the operation mode, for example, when the control unit 10 of the communication device 1 is operating, the second LED lights up in red. Further, for example, when the communication unit 40 of the communication device 1 is communicating, the second LED is lit in orange. Further, for example, when the communication device 1 is communicating with the meter 2, the second LED is lit in green.

For example, the "U terminal forced setting" as the operation mode is associated with "4 times" as the number of vibrations and "4 times" as the number of times the LED is lit. The "U terminal compulsory setting" as the operation mode is U when the communication device 1 is set to a meter 2 of a type different from that of the U bus meter and which can be connected to the first connection unit 60. This mode is for connecting a setting device for a bus meter (not shown) to the communication device 1 so that the setting device and the communication device 1 communicate with each other. The setting device is a device capable of communicating with the communication device 1 and the center device 4. The setting device is, for example, a tablet terminal device, a notebook computer, or a smartphone. In the "U terminal compulsory setting", the setting device sets the setting information for, for example, the communication device 1. The setting information indicates, for example, the identification number of the communication device 1, the current time, and / or the radio channel.

For example, the "AT command" as the operation mode is associated with "5 times" as the number of vibrations and "5 times" as the number of times the LED is lit. The "AT command" as an operation mode is a mode for an external device (for example, a notebook computer) to directly communicate with the communication unit 40 without going through the control unit 10. In the "AT command", the external device controls the communication unit 40 by the AT command.

For example, "reset" as an operation mode is associated with "6 times" as the number of vibrations and "6 times" as the number of times the LED is lit. The "reset" as the operation mode is a mode for resetting the information set in the communication device 1. For example, when the vibration frequency of the communication device 1 is 0, the control unit 10 resets the information set in the communication device 1 in response to the detection of magnetism by the magnetic sensor 21.

For example, the "U bus meter" as the operation mode is associated with "7 times" as the number of vibrations and "7 times" as the number of times the LED is lit. The "U bus meter" as the operation mode is a mode for setting the communication device 1 that the type of the meter 2 connected to the communication device 1 is the U bus meter.

For example, the "5-bit meter" as the operation mode is associated with "8 times" as the number of vibrations and "8 times" as the number of times the LED is lit. The "5-bit meter" as the operation mode is a mode for setting the communication device 1 that the type of the meter 2 connected to the communication device 1 is a 5-bit meter.

For example, the "microcomputer meter" as the operation mode is associated with "9 times" as the number of vibrations and "9 times" as the number of times the LED is lit. The "microcomputer meter" as an operation mode is a mode for setting the communication device 1 that the type of the meter 2 connected to the communication device 1 is a microcomputer meter.

Further, the "8-bit meter" as the operation mode is associated with "10 times" as the number of vibrations and "10 times" as the number of times the LED is lit. The "8-bit meter" as an operation mode is a mode for setting the communication device 1 that the type of the meter 2 connected to the communication device 1 is an 8-bit meter.

For example, the "on / off sensor" as the operation mode is associated with "11 times" as the number of vibrations and "11 times" as the number of times the LED is lit. The “on / off sensor” as the operation mode is a mode for setting the communication device 1 to connect the on / off sensor to the communication device 1.

Next, a setting method of the communication device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a setting method of the communication device 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the setting method of the communication device 1 includes steps S10 to S34.

In step S10, the operator of the communication device 1 operates externally to the communication device 1. That is, the operator of the communication device 1 brings the magnet Mg close to the magnetic sensor 21. As a result, the magnetic sensor 21 detects the magnetic field of the magnet Mg.

In step S12, the trigger unit 20 generates a vibration detection trigger signal SG1 in response to the detection of the magnetic field in step S10.

In step S14, the control unit 10 activates the timer in response to the vibration detection trigger signal SG1 detected in step S12.

In step S16, the operator vibrates the communication device 1. Then, the vibration detection unit 30 detects the vibration of the communication device 1.

In step S18, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If a negative determination (No) is made in step S18, the process returns to step S16. That is, the vibration detection unit 30 detects the vibration of the communication device 1 until a predetermined time elapses after the timer is started. Then, if a positive determination (Yes) is made in step S18, the process proceeds to step S20.

In step S20, the operator of the communication device 1 operates externally to the communication device 1. That is, the operator of the communication device 1 brings the magnet Mg close to the magnetic sensor 21. As a result, the magnetic sensor 21 detects the magnetic field of the magnet Mg.

In step S22, the trigger unit 20 generates the operation mode start trigger signal SG2 in response to the detection of the magnetic field in step S20.

In step S23, the control unit 10 counts the vibration of the communication device 1 based on the vibration detection result by the vibration detection unit 30.

In step S24, the control unit 10 determines the operation mode according to the vibration of the communication device 1 based on the detection result of the vibration detection unit 30. Specifically, the control unit 10 determines an operation mode according to the number of vibrations of the communication device 1. More specifically, the control unit 10 determines the operation mode according to the number of vibrations counted in step S23 with reference to the table 121.

In step S26, the control unit 10 controls the notification unit 50 so as to execute the notification according to the type of the operation mode with reference to the table 121. As a result, the notification unit 50 notifies the type of operation mode. Specifically, the notification unit 50 notifies the type of operation mode determined by the control unit 10 in step S24. More specifically, the first LED included in the notification unit 50 is turned on a number of times according to the operation mode determined in step S24. As a result, the operator can recognize the type of the operation mode determined according to the vibration of the communication device 1.

In step S28, the control unit 10 starts the operation mode determined in step S24 in response to the operation mode start trigger signal SG2 generated in step S22.

In step S30, the operator of the communication device 1 externally operates the communication device 1. That is, the operator of the communication device 1 brings the magnet Mg close to the magnetic sensor 21. That is, the magnetic sensor 21 detects the magnetic field of the magnet Mg.

In step S32, the trigger unit 20 generates an operation mode end trigger signal SG3 in response to the detection of the magnetic field in step S30.

In step S34, the control unit 10 ends the operation mode started in step S28 in response to the operation mode end trigger signal SG3 generated in step S32.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be implemented in various embodiments without departing from the gist thereof (for example, the contents shown below). 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 changes can be made without substantially deviating from the effect of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the trigger unit 20 includes a magnetic sensor 21. However, as long as the trigger unit 20 generates the trigger signal SG in response to the external operation, the trigger unit 20 may include a reed switch. The reed switch generates a trigger signal SG in response to the magnetic field of the magnet Mg, for example. Further, the trigger unit 20 may include a physical key such as a push switch. In this case, for example, as an external operation, the trigger unit 20 generates a trigger signal SG in response to the push switch being pressed from the outside of the housing Ca.

Further, in the present embodiment, the communication device 1 and the meter 2 are separate bodies. However, as long as the communication device 1 transmits information indicating the measurement result of the meter 2 to the center device 4, the communication device 1 and the meter 2 may be integrated. For example, the communication device 1 may be built in the meter 2.

Further, in the present embodiment, the acceleration sensor 31 of the vibration detection unit 30 has detected the vibration of the communication device 1. The accelerometer 31 may further detect vibration such as an earthquake. In this case, the communication device 1 may control the gas shutoff device so as to shut off the gas pipe in response to the acceleration sensor 31 detecting the vibration. Further, the communication device 1 may transmit information indicating that the communication device 1 has detected the vibration to the center device 4 in response to the acceleration sensor 31 detecting the vibration. For example, the control unit 10 may determine whether the vibration is intentional by the operator or a vibration such as an earthquake, based on the detected vibration continuity of the communication device 1.

The present invention provides a communication device and has industrial applicability.

1 Communication device 2 Meter 3 Server 4 Center device 10 Control unit 20 Trigger unit 21 Magnetic sensor 30 Vibration detection unit 31 Accelerometer 50 Notification unit 60 First connection unit (connection unit)
PL wire SG2 operation mode start trigger signal (first trigger signal)
SG3 operation mode end trigger signal (second trigger signal)

Claims (8)

A communication device that transmits information indicating the measurement results of a measuring device regarding resources or energy to the center device.
A vibration detection unit that detects the vibration of the communication device,
A trigger unit that generates a first trigger signal in response to an external operation,
A communication device including a control unit that starts an operation mode according to a detection result of the vibration detection unit in response to the first trigger signal. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the vibration detection unit includes an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration. The control unit counts the number of vibrations of the communication device in a predetermined time based on the detection result of the vibration detection unit.
The communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit starts an operation mode according to the number of vibrations in response to the first trigger signal. The trigger portion includes a magnetic sensor that detects the magnetic field of the magnet.
The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the trigger unit generates the first trigger signal in response to the magnetic field of the magnet. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a notification unit for notifying the type of the operation mode. After the start of the operation mode, the trigger unit generates a second trigger signal in response to the external operation.
The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit terminates the operation mode in response to the second trigger signal. Further provided with a connection portion to which an electric wire connected to the measuring device is connected,
It has a plurality of the above-mentioned operation modes and has a plurality of the above-mentioned operation modes.
The control unit acquires the information indicating the measurement result of the measuring device via the electric wire and the connecting unit.
The connection portion is common to the plurality of operation modes, and is common to the plurality of operation modes.
The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of operation modes include operation modes defined for each type of the measuring device. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the operation mode includes an operation mode relating to communication between the communication device and the center device.

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