JP2023089673A - Alarm system, repeating device, channel determination method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique for simplifying channel management even when channel switching occurs.SOLUTION: A first repeating device 200a transmits a beacon signal to a first fire alarm 100a or the like by a first channel. The first fire alarm 100a or the like transmits a response signal to a first repeating device 200a by the first channel when receiving the beacon signal. The first repeating device 200a transmits the beacon signal to the first fire alarm 100a or the like by a second channel when not receiving the response signal from a second fire alarm 100b. When the first fire alarm 100a or the like transmits the response signal to the first repeating device 200a by the second channel when receiving the beacon signal. The first repeating device 200a determines to use the second channel in an alarm system 1000 when receiving the response signal from the first fire alarm 100a or the like.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to alarm technology, and more particularly to an alarm system, relay device, channel determination method, and program using any one of a plurality of channels.

Residential fire alarms (hereinafter referred to as "fire alarms") detect a fire in a residence and issue an alarm. Further, by communicating with each other among a plurality of fire alarms, the abnormality information of one fire alarm is also reported to the other fire alarms. As the number of fire alarms increases, so does the incidence of radio signal collisions transmitted from the fire alarms. In order to avoid collisions, TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) is used (see Patent Document 1, for example).

JP 2009-169552 A

Multiple channels are provided for wireless communication in multiple fire alarms. Under normal conditions, the repeater and multiple fire alarms use one channel to carry out communication. When a communication error occurs between the relay device and any fire alarm device, the channel used between the relay device and the fire alarm device is switched. On the other hand, the channel used between the repeater and other fire alarms cannot be switched. Therefore, multiple channels are used in communication between the repeater and multiple fire alarms. As a result, channel management becomes complicated.

The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technology that facilitates channel management even when channel switching occurs.

In order to solve the above problems, an alarm system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a relay device, and a first alarm device and a second alarm device that can communicate with the relay device. The repeater transmits a beacon signal to the first and second alarms on the first channel, and the first and second alarms receive the beacon signal on the first channel. sending a response signal to the relay device, the relay device determining the use of the first channel in the alarm system when the response signals from the first alarm and the second alarm are received on the first channel, and relaying If the device does not receive a response signal from at least one of the first and second beacons on the first channel, the device transmits a beacon signal on a second channel different from the first channel. When the first alarm and the second alarm receive the beacon signal on the second channel, they send a response signal to the relay device on the second channel, and the relay device sends the first alarm and the If a response signal from a second alarm is received on the second channel, then the use of the second channel in the alarm system is determined.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a relay device. This device includes a communication unit capable of communicating with the first alarm device and the second alarm device, and a control unit that controls the communication unit. The communication unit transmits a beacon signal to the first alarm device and the second alarm device on the first channel, and when the first alarm device and the second alarm device receive the beacon signal on the first channel, they respond on the first channel. and the communication unit receives response signals from the first and second alarms on the first channel, the control unit determines the use of the first channel in the alarm system. , the communication unit transmits a beacon signal to the first alarm device through a second channel different from the first channel when a response signal from at least one of the first alarm device and the second alarm device is not received through the first channel. When the beacon signal is received on the second channel, the first and second alarm devices transmit a response signal on the second channel, and the communication unit communicates with the first alarm device. If a response signal from a second alarm is received on the second channel, the controller determines use of the second channel in the alarm system.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a channel determination method. The method comprises the steps of transmitting a beacon signal on a first channel to the first and second beacon signals; and upon receiving the beacon signal on the first channel, the first and second beacon signals are sent to the first channel. and determining use of the first channel in the alarm system when response signals from the first and second alarms are received on the first channel; transmitting a beacon signal to the first and second beacon signals on a second channel different from the first channel if a response signal from at least one of the device and the second beacon is not received on the first channel. Then, when the first alarm device and the second alarm device receive the beacon signal on the second channel, they transmit the response signal on the second channel, and the response signals from the first alarm device and the second alarm device are if received on the second channel, determining use of the second channel in the alert system.

It should be noted that any combination of the above-described components and expressions of the present disclosure converted between methods, devices, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc. are also effective as aspects of the present disclosure.

According to the present disclosure, channel management can be simplified even when channel switching occurs.

1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an alarm system according to Embodiment 1; FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the fire alarm of FIG. 1, and a relay apparatus. It is a figure which shows the outline|summary of communication with the fire alarm of FIG. 1, and a relay apparatus. 3 is a diagram showing an overview of channel determination processing in the fire alarm device and relay device of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of another channel determination process in the fire alarm device and relay device of FIG. 2; FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an overview of high-speed intermittent reception processing in the fire alarm of FIG. 5; 3 is a flow chart showing a channel determination procedure by the relay device of FIG. 2; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an overview of channel determination processing in the fire alarm and relay device according to the second embodiment; 10 is a flow chart showing a channel determination procedure by the relay device according to the second embodiment;

(Example 1)
Before describing the present disclosure in detail, an overview will be given. Example 1 relates to an alarm system installed in facilities such as collective housing, detached houses, offices, and hospitals. In the alarm system, a relay device is connected to the management device, and a plurality of fire alarms are connected to the relay device. In such a tree structure, the management device corresponds to the upper side, and the fire alarm corresponds to the lower side. Any of the fire alarms, upon detecting the occurrence of fire, transmits the detection result to the relay device. The relay device transmits the detection result to the management device by relaying the detection result. When receiving the detection result, the management device selects a fire alarm to be activated. The management device transmits a ringing instruction to the selected fire alarm via the relay device. The fire alarm which received the instruction|indication of ringing rings an alarm sound.

When signals are transmitted from a plurality of fire alarms to a relay device, the more fire alarms there are, the more likely the signals will collide. To reduce the occurrence of signal collisions, TDMA is used for communication between the repeater and multiple fire alarms. In TDMA, each of the relay device and the plurality of fire alarms are assigned to different time slots, and the plurality of time slots are arranged on the time axis. The repeater transmits a signal in the assigned time slot and the fire alarm receives the signal in the time slot assigned to the repeater. Each fire alarm transmits a signal in its assigned time slot and the repeater receives the signal in the time slot assigned to each fire alarm. Here, when the line for the signal from the relay device to the fire alarm is called "down line", the line for the signal from the fire alarm to the relay device is called "up line".

Such an alarm system has one time slot for downlink communication (hereinafter referred to as "downlink communication time slot") and one time slot for uplink communication (hereinafter referred to as "uplink communication time slot"). It defines a frame that includes a plurality of time slots. Also, a superframe is formed by arranging a plurality of frames on the time axis. Additionally, the alarm system can use multiple channels, either channel being used for communication. For example, the repeater switches channels if it loses communication with any of the fire alarms. In order to simplify channel management even when channel switching occurs, the alarm system according to this embodiment performs the following processing.

When a communication error occurs, the relay device transmits a channel change request to all fire alarms and causes all fire alarms to switch to the same channel. After transmitting the channel change request, the relay device sequentially switches the channel for each frame and transmits the beacon signal. When receiving the channel change request, the fire alarm with no communication abnormality receives the beacon signal while sequentially switching the channel for each frame. On the other hand, the fire alarm in which the communication abnormality has occurred receives the beacon signal whose channel changes by performing high-speed intermittent reception on all channels. When any fire alarm receives a beacon signal, it transmits a response signal (ACK signal) to the relay device. If the repeater receives ACK signals from all fire alarms, it decides to use the current channel.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an alarm system 1000. As shown in FIG. The alarm system 1000 includes a first fire alarm device 100a to a sixth fire alarm device 100f, collectively referred to as the fire alarm device 100, a first relay device 200a, a second relay device 200b, collectively referred to as the relay device 200, and a management device 300. include. The number of fire alarms 100 is not limited to "6", and the number of relay devices 200 is not limited to "2".

The alarm system 1000 is a system that is applied to facilities such as residences, offices, commercial facilities, etc., detects fires, and reports that a fire has occurred. The plurality of fire alarms 100 are, for example, residential fire alarms and include fire detection sensors. The plurality of fire alarms 100 are installed, for example, on the ceiling of the facility or the like, but may be installed on the walls or the like.

The first fire alarm device 100a to the third fire alarm device 100c perform wireless communication with the first relay device 200a, and the fourth fire alarm device 100d to the sixth fire alarm device 100f communicate with the second relay device 200b. perform wireless communication between That is, a star-shaped network topology is formed with the first relay device 200a and the second relay device 200b as the center of the network. Also, the first relay device 200a and the second relay device 200b can communicate with the management device 300 by wire or wirelessly.

The management device 300 is, for example, a controller of a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) installed in a facility. The management device 300 can communicate with multiple devices installed in the facility. The plurality of devices includes, for example, air conditioners, lighting devices, water heaters, etc., each having a communication function. Also, the management device 300 can communicate with the first relay device 200a and the second relay device 200b provided in the facility. Furthermore, the management device 300 can also communicate with a plurality of fire alarms 100 via the first relay device 200a and the second relay device 200b.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the fire alarm 100 and the relay device 200. As shown in FIG. Fire alarm 100 includes communication section 120 , processing section 122 , control section 124 , fire detection sensor 150 and buzzer 152 , relay device 200 includes communication section 220 , processing section 222 and control section 224 . In FIG. 2, the function of communicating with the management device 300 in the relay device 200 is omitted.

A well-known technique should just be used for the fire detection sensor 150 in the fire alarm 100. FIG. For example, the fire detection sensor 150 may be an optical smoke detection sensor, and may detect a fire by detecting smoke during a fire using diffused reflection of light. For example, the fire detection sensor 150 may be a heat detection sensor, and may detect a fire by detecting heat during a fire. For example, the fire detection sensor 150 may be a carbon monoxide detection sensor, and may detect a fire by detecting the concentration of carbon monoxide generated by combustion during a fire. For example, the fire detection sensor 150 may be an infrared detection sensor, and may detect a fire by detecting infrared rays emitted by combustion in the event of a fire.

Communication unit 120 performs wireless communication with relay device 200 . The processing unit 122 processes signals received by the communication unit 120 and generates signals to be transmitted from the communication unit 120 . The control unit 124 controls operations of the communication unit 120 and the processing unit 122 . The buzzer 152 can ring a buzzer sound. The fire alarm device 100 may be configured to include the fire detection sensor 150 without including the buzzer 152, that is, to have a detection function and a communication function. It can be said that the fire alarm 100 as described above is a sensor capable of alarming the detection of fire.

A communication unit 220 in the relay device 200 performs wireless communication with the fire alarm 100 . The processing unit 222 processes signals received by the communication unit 220 and generates signals to be transmitted from the communication unit 220 . The control unit 224 controls operations of the communication unit 220 and the processing unit 222 .

FIG. 3 shows an outline of communication between the fire alarm device 100 and the relay device 200. As shown in FIG. The horizontal axis in FIG. 2 indicates time, and "1", "2", . . . , "m" indicate slot numbers. Slot "1" is a time slot for downlink communication, and slots "2", . . . "m" are time slots for uplink communication. One frame is formed by arranging a plurality of slots on the time axis. Here, the frames are shown in chronological order as "first frame" to "sixth frame". Also, one superframe is formed by arranging a plurality of frames on the time axis.

The first relay device 200a transmits a beacon signal in the downlink communication time slot "1" of the first frame. The first fire alarm device 100a to the third fire alarm device 100c generate frames and superframes synchronized with the first relay device 200a by receiving the beacon signal. The first relay device 200a can transmit a signal containing predetermined information (hereinafter also referred to as a "communication signal") in a downlink communication time slot other than the downlink communication time slot in which the beacon signal is to be transmitted. be. In the downstream communication time slot, the first fire alarm device 100a to the third fire alarm device 100c operate to receive communication signals from the first relay device 200a.

The first fire alarm device 100a is assigned an upstream communication time slot "2" and can transmit a communication signal in the upstream communication time slot. The second fire alarm device 100b is assigned the upstream communication time slot "3" and can transmit a communication signal in the upstream communication time slot. The third fire alarm device 100c is assigned an upstream communication time slot "m" and can transmit a communication signal in the upstream communication time slot. In the upstream communication time slots "2" to "m", the first relay device 200a operates to receive communication signals from the first fire alarm device 100a to the third fire alarm device 100c.

For example, when the fire detection sensor 150 of the first fire alarm 100a detects the occurrence of a fire, the first fire alarm 100a wirelessly transmits the detection result to the first relay device 200a. The detection result includes the identification information of the first fire alarm device 100a that is the transmission source. The first relay device 200a transmits the detection result to the management device 300 upon receiving the detection result from the first fire alarm device 100a. Upon receiving the detection result, the management device 300 identifies the fire alarm 100 to be activated based on the identification information included in the detection result. The correspondence relationship between the identification information and the information of the fire alarm 100 to be sounded is stored in the management device 300 in advance. The management device 300 sends a ringing instruction to the first relay device 200a or the second relay device 200b with the specified fire alarm device 100 as the final destination. The first relay device 200 a or the second relay device 200 b transmits a ringing instruction to the fire alarm 100 identified by the management device 300 . The fire alarm 100 rings the buzzer 152 upon receiving the ringing instruction. The relay device 200 may have a light emitting device, and the light emitting device may blink. The detection result and the ringing instruction are examples of communication signals.

Alarm system 1000 defines a plurality of channels available for communication between fire alarm 100 and relay device 200 . The relay device 200 selects one channel from among the plurality of channels, and uses the selected channel to communicate with the plurality of fire alarms 100 . Also, the first relay device 200a and the second relay device 200b select different channels to reduce interference. For example, when five channels "1ch" to "5ch" are defined in the alarm system 1000, the first relay device 200a selects "1ch" and the second relay device 200b selects "5ch".

Under such circumstances, the relay device 200 switches channels when it cannot communicate with any of the fire alarm devices 100 . If a plurality of channels are used for communication due to channel switching, channel management becomes complicated. Therefore, it is desirable to simplify channel management even when channel switching occurs. Therefore, the alarm system 1000 according to this embodiment executes the following processes.

FIG. 4 shows an outline of channel determination processing in the fire alarm device 100 and the relay device 200. As shown in FIG. The horizontal axis indicates time. A superframe contains 'n' frames and a frame contains 'm' slots. Here, it is assumed that the first relay device 200a uses "1ch", but the channel used by the first relay device 200a is not limited to "1ch". The first relay device 200a transmits a beacon signal to each fire alarm device 100 in downlink communication time slot "1" of "1ch". Broadcast transmission, for example, is used to transmit the beacon signal.

The first fire alarm device 100a to the third fire alarm device 100c receive the beacon signal at time slot "1" for downlink communication of "1ch". In response to this, the first fire alarm device 100a transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "2" of "1ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the first fire alarm device 100a in the uplink communication time slot "2" of "1ch". The second fire alarm device 100b transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "3" of "1ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the second fire alarm 100b in the time slot "3" for uplink communication of "1ch". The third fire alarm device 100c transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "m" of "1ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the third fire alarm 100c in the upstream communication time slot "m" of "1ch".

When the control unit 224 of the first relay device 200a receives ACK signals from all the registered fire alarms 100 on "1ch", it recognizes that communication with all the fire alarms 100 on "1ch" is possible. do. The control unit 224 determines to continue using "1ch" that has been used up to that point. Such processing may be performed, for example, in each frame, or may be performed in the first frame of each superframe. It can be said that FIG. 4 shows normal operation in which it is confirmed that communication with all fire alarm devices 100 is possible.

FIG. 5 shows an outline of another channel determination process in fire alarm 100 and relay device 200. In FIG. This is illustrated similarly to FIG. The first relay device 200a transmits a beacon signal to each fire alarm device 100 in downlink communication time slot "1" of "1ch" as in FIG.

The first fire alarm device 100a and the third fire alarm device 100c receive the beacon signal at time slot "1" for downlink communication of "1ch". In response to this, the first fire alarm device 100a transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "2" of "1ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the first fire alarm device 100a in the uplink communication time slot "2" of "1ch". The third fire alarm device 100c transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "m" of "1ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the third fire alarm 100c in the upstream communication time slot "m" of "1ch". However, since the second fire alarm device 100b cannot receive the beacon signal in the downlink communication time slot "1" of "1ch", it does not transmit the ACK signal in the uplink communication time slot "3" of "1ch". The first relay device 200a does not receive the ACK signal from the second fire alarm 100b in the time slot "3" for uplink communication of "1ch".

When the controller 224 of the first relay device 200a does not receive an ACK signal from at least one of the registered fire alarms 100 on "1ch", it communicates with at least one fire alarm 100 on "1ch". recognize that you can't. The control unit 224 decides to switch "1ch" to another channel, for example "2ch". Before switching to "2ch", the first relay device 200a transmits a channel change request to each fire alarm device 100 in the downlink communication time slot "1" of the frame next to "1ch". A channel change request is a signal for requesting a channel change. Changing the channel includes changing the channel every frame.

The first fire alarm device 100a transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the uplink communication time slot "2" of "1ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the first fire alarm device 100a in the uplink communication time slot "2" of "1ch". The third fire alarm device 100c transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "m" of "1ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the third fire alarm 100c in the upstream communication time slot "m" of "1ch".

The control unit 224 of the first relay device 200a switches the channel from "1ch" to "2ch" in the next frame. The first relay device 200a transmits a beacon signal to each fire alarm device 100 in downlink communication time slot "1" of "2ch".

The first fire alarm device 100a and the third fire alarm device 100c receive the beacon signal at time slot "1" for downlink communication of "2ch". In response to this, the first fire alarm device 100a transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "2" of "2ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the first fire alarm device 100a in the uplink communication time slot "2" of "2ch". The third fire alarm device 100c transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "m" of "2ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the third fire alarm 100c in the uplink communication time slot "m" of "2ch".

Since the second fire alarm device 100b has not received the channel change request, the controller 124 of the second fire alarm device 100b does not recognize that the beacon signal is being transmitted on channels other than "1ch". The control unit 124 causes the communication unit 120 to perform high-speed intermittent reception when the beacon signal cannot be received in the time slot “1” for downlink communication of “1ch”.

FIG. 6 shows an overview of high-speed intermittent reception processing in the fire alarm 100. As shown in FIG. The horizontal axis indicates time. A beacon signal has a fixed length. In the high-speed intermittent reception process, the channel waiting in communication section 120 is switched in a short period of time. In FIG. 6, switching from "1ch reception" to "5ch reception" is performed sequentially during the period of the beacon signal. Even if the channel on which the beacon signal is transmitted is not known due to no channel change request, part of the beacon signal can be detected on one of the channels by performing the high-speed intermittent reception process. received. Return to FIG.

Since the second fire alarm device 100b cannot receive the beacon signal in the downlink communication time slot "1" of "2ch", it does not transmit the ACK signal in the uplink communication time slot "3" of "2ch". The first relay device 200a does not receive the ACK signal from the second fire alarm 100b in the time slot "3" for uplink communication of "2ch".

When the controller 224 of the first relay device 200a does not receive an ACK signal from at least one of the registered fire alarms 100 on "2ch", it communicates with at least one fire alarm 100 on "2ch". recognize that you can't. The control unit 224 decides to switch "2ch" to another channel, for example "3ch". The first relay device 200a does not transmit a channel change request on "2ch" before switching to "3ch". The control unit 224 of the first relay device 200a switches the channel from "2ch" to "3ch" in the next frame. The first relay device 200a transmits a beacon signal to each fire alarm device 100 in downlink communication time slot "1" of "3ch".

The first fire alarm device 100a to the third fire alarm device 100c receive the beacon signal in downlink communication time slot "1" of "3ch". In response to this, the first fire alarm device 100a transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "2" of "3ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the first fire alarm device 100a in the upstream communication time slot "2" of "3ch". The second fire alarm device 100b transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "3" of "3ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the second fire alarm device 100b in the uplink communication time slot "3" of "3ch". The third fire alarm device 100c transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "m" of "3ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the third fire alarm 100c in the upstream communication time slot "m" of "3ch".

When the control unit 224 of the first relay device 200a receives ACK signals from all registered fire alarms 100 on "3ch", it recognizes that communication with all fire alarms 100 on "3ch" is possible. do. The control unit 224 determines to use "3ch". When the control unit 224 of the first relay device 200a decides to use "3ch", the first relay device 200a sends a channel determination request in the downlink communication time slot "1" of the next frame in "4ch". Send to alarm device 100 . The channel determination request is a signal for causing the fire alarm 100 to stop switching channels, and has a pattern different from that of the beacon signal, for example.

When the first fire alarm device 100a and the third fire alarm device 100c, which have received the channel change request, receive the channel determination request on "4ch", their control units 124 decide to use "3ch". On the other hand, when the second fire alarm 100b that has not received the channel change request receives the channel determination request on "4ch", the control unit 124 determines to use "3ch". After that, the first relay device 200a and the first to third fire alarm devices 100a to 100c use "3ch" to perform the processing shown in FIG.

When the control unit 224 of the first relay device 200a receives ACK signals from all registered fire alarms 100 on "2ch", it recognizes that communication with all fire alarms 100 on "2ch" is possible. do. The control unit 224 decides to use "2ch". Since the subsequent processing is as described above, the description is omitted here. It can be said that FIG. 5 shows the operation when a communication error occurs with at least one fire alarm 100 and the channel is switched.

The subject of an apparatus, system, or method in this disclosure comprises a computer. The main functions of the device, system, or method of the present disclosure are realized by the computer executing the program. A computer has a processor that operates according to a program as its main hardware configuration. Any type of processor can be used as long as it can implement functions by executing a program. The processor is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or LSI (Large Scale Integration). A plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip or may be provided on a plurality of chips. A plurality of chips may be integrated into one device, or may be provided in a plurality of devices. The program is recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a computer-readable ROM, optical disk, hard disk drive, or the like. The program may be pre-stored in a recording medium, or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide area network including the Internet.

The operation of the alarm system 1000 configured as above will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a channel determination procedure by the relay device 200. As shown in FIG. The communication unit 220 transmits a beacon signal (S10). If ACK signals have not been received from all fire alarm devices 100 (N of S12), the communication section 220 transmits a channel change request (S14). The control unit 224 switches channels (S16), and the communication unit 220 transmits a beacon signal (S18). If ACK signals have not been received from all the fire alarm devices 100 (N of S20) and if there is a switchable channel (Y of S22), the process returns to step 16. When ACK signals are received from all fire alarm devices 100 (Y of S20), or when there is no switchable channel (N of S22), the control section 224 determines the channel to be used (S24). The communication unit 220 transmits a channel confirmation request (S26). If ACK signals have been received from all fire alarm devices 100 (Y in S12), the process is terminated.

According to this embodiment, if there is a fire alarm device 100 that does not receive the ACK signal for the beacon signal, the channel is changed until the ACK signal is received from all the fire alarm devices 100 and the beacon signal is transmitted. channel can be detected. Also, if there is no fire alarm 100 that does not receive an ACK signal for the beacon signal, the use of the channel at that time is determined, so even if channel switching occurs, channel management can be simplified. Also, since the channel is changed for each frame after transmitting the channel change request for requesting the channel change, the channel can be changed automatically. In addition, since the channel is automatically changed, it is possible to suppress a decrease in frame utilization efficiency. Also, when a channel is determined, a channel determination request is transmitted, so that the channel to be used can be notified.

A summary of one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows. An alarm system (1000) of one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a relay device (200), and a first alarm and a second alarm capable of communicating with the relay device (200). The relay device (200) transmits a beacon signal to the first alarm device (100) and the second alarm device (100) on the first channel, and the first alarm device (100) and the second alarm device (100) are When a beacon signal is received on the first channel, a response signal is sent to the relay device (200) on the first channel, and the relay device (200) connects the first alarm device (100) and the second alarm device (100). When the response signal from the first channel is received, the use of the first channel in the alarm system (1000) is determined, and the relay device (200) connects the first alarm (100) and the second alarm (100). ) is not received on the first channel, a beacon signal is sent to the first alarm device (100) and the second alarm device (100) on a second channel different from the first channel. , the first alarm device (100) and the second alarm device (100), when receiving the beacon signal on the second channel, transmit a response signal to the relay device (200) on the second channel, and the relay device (200) determines the use of the second channel in the alarm system (1000) if response signals from the first alarm (100) and the second alarm (100) are received on the second channel.

When the relay device (200) does not receive the response signal from at least one of the first alarm device (100) and the second alarm device (100) on the second channel, the first channel and the second channel are different A beacon signal is transmitted to the first alarm device (100) and the second alarm device (100) on the third channel, and the first alarm device (100) and the second alarm device (100) transmit the beacon signal on the third channel. If received, the response signal is transmitted to the relay device (200) through the third channel, and the relay device (200) transmits the response signals from the first alarm device (100) and the second alarm device (100) to the third channel. If received on a channel, determine use of the third channel in the alarm system (1000).

The relay device (200) transmits a channel change request for requesting channel change on the first channel, then changes the first channel to the second channel, and the relay device (200) transmits the channel change request. Change the second channel to the third channel without transmitting on the second channel.

When the relay device (200) decides to use the second channel, it transmits a channel confirmation request for notifying the decided channel. Submit your request.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is the relay device (200). This device comprises a communication section (220) capable of communicating with the first alarm (100) and the second alarm (100), and a control section (224) for controlling the communication section (220). The communication unit (220) transmits a beacon signal to the first alarm device (100) and the second alarm device (100) on the first channel, and the first alarm device (100) and the second alarm device (100) When the beacon signal is received on the first channel, the response signal is transmitted on the first channel, and the communication unit (220) receives the response signals from the first alarm device (100) and the second alarm device (100). If received on the first channel, the control unit (224) determines the use of the first channel in the alarm system (1000) and the communication unit (220) controls the first alarm (100) and the second alarm. beacon signals to the first alarm (100) and the second alarm (100) on a second channel different from the first channel if no response signal from at least one of (100) is received on the first channel; When the first alarm device (100) and the second alarm device (100) receive the beacon signal on the second channel, they send a response signal on the second channel, and the communication unit (220) sends the second When response signals from the first alarm (100) and the second alarm (100) are received on the second channel, the control unit (224) determines the use of the second channel in the alarm system (1000). .

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a channel determination method. The method comprises the steps of transmitting a beacon signal on a first channel to a first alarm (100) and a second alarm (100); When the beacon signal is received on channel 1, the response signal is transmitted on the first channel, and when the response signals from the first alarm device (100) and the second alarm device (100) are received on the first channel, determining the use of a first channel in the alarm system (1000); if no response signal from at least one of the first alarm (100) and the second alarm (100) is received on the first channel; transmitting a beacon signal to a first alarm (100) and a second alarm (100) on a second channel different from the first channel; receives a beacon signal on the second channel, transmits a response signal on the second channel, and receives response signals from the first alarm device (100) and the second alarm device (100) on the second channel. if so, determining the use of the second channel in the alert system (1000).

(Example 2)
Next, Example 2 will be described. Example 2, like Example 1, relates to an alarm system including a plurality of fire alarms in a relay device. Examples 1 and 2 relate to switching channels by the relay device when there is a fire alarm that cannot communicate with the relay device. The fire alarm in the first embodiment automatically switches channels for each frame when receiving a channel change request from the relay device. On the other hand, the fire alarm in the second embodiment switches channels each time it receives a channel change request from the relay device. An alarm system 1000, a fire alarm 100, and a relay device 200 according to the second embodiment are of the same type as those shown in FIGS. Here, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows an outline of channel determination processing in the fire alarm device 100 and the relay device 200. FIG. This is illustrated similarly to FIG. The first relay device 200a transmits a beacon signal to each fire alarm device 100 in downlink communication time slot "1" of "1ch".

The first fire alarm device 100a and the third fire alarm device 100c receive the beacon signal at time slot "1" for downlink communication of "1ch". In response to this, the first fire alarm device 100a transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "2" of "1ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the first fire alarm device 100a in the uplink communication time slot "2" of "1ch". The third fire alarm device 100c transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "m" of "1ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the third fire alarm 100c in the upstream communication time slot "m" of "1ch". However, since the second fire alarm device 100b cannot receive the beacon signal in the downlink communication time slot "1" of "1ch", it does not transmit the ACK signal in the uplink communication time slot "3" of "1ch". The first relay device 200a does not receive the ACK signal from the second fire alarm 100b in the time slot "3" for uplink communication of "1ch".

When the controller 224 of the first relay device 200a does not receive an ACK signal from at least one of the registered fire alarms 100 on "1ch", it communicates with at least one fire alarm 100 on "1ch". recognize that you can't. The control unit 224 decides to switch "1ch" to another channel, for example "2ch". Before switching to "2ch", the first relay device 200a transmits a channel change request to each fire alarm device 100 in the downlink communication time slot "1" of the frame next to "1ch". A channel change request is a signal for requesting a channel change and includes information about the channel to be changed to. Here, the change destination "2ch" is shown.

The first fire alarm device 100a transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the uplink communication time slot "2" of "1ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the first fire alarm device 100a in the uplink communication time slot "2" of "1ch". The third fire alarm device 100c transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "m" of "1ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the third fire alarm 100c in the upstream communication time slot "m" of "1ch".

The control unit 224 of the first relay device 200a switches the channel from "1ch" to "2ch" in the next frame. The first relay device 200a transmits a beacon signal to each fire alarm device 100 in downlink communication time slot "1" of "2ch".

The first fire alarm device 100a and the third fire alarm device 100c receive the beacon signal at time slot "1" for downlink communication of "2ch". In response to this, the first fire alarm device 100a transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "2" of "2ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the first fire alarm device 100a in the uplink communication time slot "2" of "2ch". The third fire alarm device 100c transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "m" of "2ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the third fire alarm 100c in the uplink communication time slot "m" of "2ch".

Since the second fire alarm device 100b has not received the channel change request, the controller 124 of the second fire alarm device 100b does not recognize that the beacon signal is being transmitted on channels other than "1ch". Therefore, the control unit 124 causes the communication unit 120 to perform high-speed intermittent reception when the beacon signal cannot be received in the downlink communication time slot “1” of “1ch”. Since the second fire alarm device 100b cannot receive the beacon signal in the downlink communication time slot "1" of "2ch", it does not transmit the ACK signal in the uplink communication time slot "3" of "2ch". The first relay device 200a does not receive the ACK signal from the second fire alarm 100b in the time slot "3" for uplink communication of "2ch".

When the controller 224 of the first relay device 200a does not receive an ACK signal from at least one of the registered fire alarms 100 on "2ch", it communicates with at least one fire alarm 100 on "2ch". recognize that you can't. The control unit 224 decides to switch "2ch" to another channel, for example "3ch". Before switching to "3ch", the first relay device 200a transmits a channel change request to each fire alarm device 100 in the downlink communication time slot "1" of the frame next to "2ch". The channel change request indicates the change destination "3ch".

The first fire alarm device 100a transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the uplink communication time slot "2" of "2ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the first fire alarm device 100a in the uplink communication time slot "2" of "2ch". The third fire alarm device 100c transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "m" of "2ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the third fire alarm 100c in the uplink communication time slot "m" of "2ch".

The control unit 224 of the first relay device 200a switches the channel from "2ch" to "3ch" in the next frame. The first relay device 200a transmits a beacon signal to each fire alarm device 100 in downlink communication time slot "1" of "3ch".

The first fire alarm device 100a to the third fire alarm device 100c receive the beacon signal in downlink communication time slot "1" of "3ch". In response to this, the first fire alarm device 100a transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "2" of "3ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the first fire alarm device 100a in the upstream communication time slot "2" of "3ch". The second fire alarm device 100b transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "3" of "3ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the second fire alarm device 100b in the uplink communication time slot "3" of "3ch". The third fire alarm device 100c transmits an ACK signal to the first relay device 200a in the upstream communication time slot "m" of "3ch". The first relay device 200a receives the ACK signal from the third fire alarm 100c in the upstream communication time slot "m" of "3ch".

When the control unit 224 of the first relay device 200a receives ACK signals from all registered fire alarms 100 on "3ch", it recognizes that communication with all fire alarms 100 on "3ch" is possible. do. The control unit 224 determines to use "3ch". After that, the first relay device 200a and the first to third fire alarm devices 100a to 100c use "3ch" to perform the processing shown in FIG.

When the control unit 224 of the first relay device 200a receives ACK signals from all registered fire alarms 100 on "2ch", it recognizes that communication with all fire alarms 100 on "2ch" is possible. do. The control unit 224 decides to use "2ch". Since the subsequent processing is as described above, the description is omitted here.

The operation of the alarm system 1000 configured as above will be described. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a channel determination procedure by the relay device 200. As shown in FIG. The communication unit 220 transmits a beacon signal (S50). If ACK signals have not been received from all fire alarm devices 100 (N of S52), the communication section 220 transmits a channel change request (S54). The control unit 224 switches channels (S56), and the communication unit 220 transmits a beacon signal (S58). If ACK signals have not been received from all fire alarm devices 100 (N of S60) and if there is a switchable channel (Y of S62), the process returns to step 54. If ACK signals have been received from all fire alarm devices 100 (Y of S60), or if there is no switchable channel (N of S62), the control section 224 determines the channel to be used (S64). If ACK signals have been received from all fire alarm devices 100 (Y of S52), the process is terminated.

According to this embodiment, since the channel is changed after transmitting the channel change request, the channel can be changed reliably. Also, since the channel change request includes information about the channel to be changed to, the channel to be changed to can be reliably notified.

A summary of one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows. The relay device (200) transmits a channel change request for requesting channel change on the first channel, then changes the first channel to the second channel, and the relay device (200) transmits the channel change request. Transmit on the second channel and then change the second channel to the third channel.

The channel change request contains information about the channel to change to.

The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that this embodiment is an example, and that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process, and such modifications are within the scope of the present disclosure. .

In Embodiments 1 and 2, the relay device 200 is connected to the fire alarm device 100 that has both a fire detection function and an alarm function. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the fire alarm 100 may have only a fire detection function. Further, instead of the fire alarm 100, a sensor that detects generation of CO (carbon monoxide) due to not only fire but also flood damage, earthquake, gas leak, and incomplete combustion may be used. According to this modified example, the degree of freedom in configuration can be improved.

100 fire alarm device 120 communication unit 122 processing unit 124 control unit 150 fire detection sensor 152 buzzer 200 relay device 220 communication unit 222 processing unit 224 control unit 300 management device 1000 alarm system.

Claims (9)

a relay device;
comprising a first alarm device and a second alarm device capable of communicating with the relay device;
the relay device transmits a beacon signal to the first alarm device and the second alarm device on a first channel;
When the first alarm device and the second alarm device receive the beacon signal on the first channel, they transmit a response signal to the relay device on the first channel;
the relay device determines to use the first channel in an alarm system when the response signals from the first alarm and the second alarm are received on the first channel;
When the relay device does not receive the response signal from at least one of the first alarm device and the second alarm device on the first channel, the relay device outputs the beacon signal on a second channel different from the first channel. to the first alarm device and the second alarm device,
the first alarm device and the second alarm device, when receiving the beacon signal on the second channel, transmit the response signal to the relay device on the second channel;
The relay device determines use of the second channel in the alarm system when the response signals from the first alarm and the second alarm are received on the second channel.
alarm system. When the relay device does not receive the response signal from at least one of the first alarm device and the second alarm device on the second channel, the relay device uses a third alarm signal different from the first channel and the second channel. transmitting the beacon signal on a channel to the first and second alarms;
When the first alarm device and the second alarm device receive the beacon signal on the third channel, the response signal is transmitted to the relay device on the third channel;
The relay device determines use of the third channel in the alarm system when the response signals from the first alarm and the second alarm are received on the third channel.
The alarm system of claim 1. The relay device transmits a channel change request for requesting a channel change on the first channel, and then changes the first channel to the second channel;
the relay device changes the second channel to the third channel without transmitting the channel change request on the second channel;
An alarm system according to claim 2. The relay device transmits a channel change request for requesting a channel change on the first channel, and then changes the first channel to the second channel;
the relay device transmits the channel change request on the second channel and then changes the second channel to the third channel;
An alarm system according to claim 2. the channel change request includes information about the channel to change to;
An alarm system according to claim 3 or 4. When the relay device determines to use the second channel, the relay device transmits a channel determination request for notifying the determined channel;
When the relay device determines to use the third channel, the relay device transmits the channel determination request.
An alarm system according to any one of claims 3-5. a communication unit capable of communicating with the first alarm device and the second alarm device;
A control unit that controls the communication unit,
The communication unit transmits a beacon signal to the first alarm device and the second alarm device on a first channel,
When the first alarm device and the second alarm device receive the beacon signal on the first channel, they transmit a response signal on the first channel, and the communication unit transmits the first alarm device and the second alarm device. when the response signal from a second alarm is received on the first channel, the controller determines to use the first channel in the alarm system;
When the response signal from at least one of the first alarm device and the second alarm device is not received on the first channel, the communication unit receives the beacon signal on a second channel different from the first channel. to the first alarm device and the second alarm device,
When the first alarm device and the second alarm device receive the beacon signal on the second channel, the response signal is transmitted on the second channel, and the communication unit communicates with the first alarm device. When the response signal from the second alarm is received on the second channel, the controller determines use of the second channel in the alarm system.
Relay device. transmitting a beacon signal on a first channel to a first alarm and a second alarm;
When receiving the beacon signal on the first channel, the first alarm device and the second alarm device transmit a response signal on the first channel, and the first alarm device and the second alarm device transmit a response signal on the first channel. determining use of said first channel in an alarm system if said response signal from is received on said first channel;
When the response signal from at least one of the first alarm and the second alarm is not received on the first channel, the beacon signal is sent on a second channel different from the first channel to the first alarm. device and the second alarm device;
When receiving the beacon signal on the second channel, the first alarm device and the second alarm device transmit the response signal on the second channel, and the first alarm device and the second alarm device transmit the response signal on the second channel. determining the use of the second channel in the alarm system if the response signal from is received on the second channel;
A channel determination method comprising: transmitting a beacon signal on a first channel to a first alarm and a second alarm;
When receiving the beacon signal on the first channel, the first alarm device and the second alarm device transmit a response signal on the first channel, and the first alarm device and the second alarm device transmit a response signal on the first channel. determining use of said first channel in an alarm system if said response signal from is received on said first channel;
When the response signal from at least one of the first alarm and the second alarm is not received on the first channel, the beacon signal is sent on a second channel different from the first channel to the first alarm. device and the second alarm device;
When receiving the beacon signal on the second channel, the first alarm device and the second alarm device transmit the response signal on the second channel, and the first alarm device and the second alarm device transmit the response signal on the second channel. and determining use of said second channel in an alarm system when said response signal from is received on said second channel.

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