JP5049772B2 - Communications system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system that performs short-range wireless communication, and more particularly to a communication system that can improve the convenience of communication without increasing power consumption.

[Description of Prior Art]
The two-way radio system is composed of two or more radio units facing each other, and can be roughly classified into two types, a transceiver type and an event activation type, depending on the communication method.
[Transceiver type]
In the transceiver type, both are normally in a reception state, and communication is established by one arbitrary transmission. This is used when quick response is required for one communication action, or when the power source of the radio is abundant (when a large-capacity battery is provided, etc.).

In the transceiver type, both can be transmitted to the other party at an arbitrary timing, and the receiving side can respond immediately, which is convenient.
However, since both transceiver types always perform reception operation, power consumption is large.

[Event startup type]
The event activation type is used, for example, in an engine starter system of a car, and is used when it is not necessary for both to be able to receive at all times or when the power source on the transmission side is not abundant.

An example of an event activation type will be described.
In the engine starter system, a radio as a master is mounted on a car, and a radio as a slave is mounted on a key fob carried by a user.

The operation when the engine is started will be described.
When the switch for instructing engine start is pressed in the key fob side slave unit, an “engine start command” is sent from the slave unit.
When the master unit mounted on the car receives the engine start command, the master unit outputs an engine start instruction to the ignition control unit that controls the ignition, and the ignition control unit turns on the ignition.

  Then, the master unit monitors whether or not the engine start is successful, and transmits “engine start success / failure answer” for notifying success / failure. When the engine start success / failure answerback is received, the key fob displays whether the engine start is successful. In this way, the engine starter system operates.

  The power source on the key fob side is a small battery, and in order to reduce power consumption, it is an event activation type in which a button is pressed and an “engine start command” is sent and then received for a certain period.

As another example of the event activation type, a system that operates other than when the engine is started will be described.
In this system, when an instruction for confirming the state of the vehicle is sent from the key fob slave unit, the base unit mounted on the vehicle checks the state of the vehicle and transmits data representing the state. The slave unit turns on the green light when it receives data that the car is locked normally, turns on the yellow light when it receives data that it is not locked, and the alarm is activated while you are away When the data indicating that the person is in the vehicle is received by the in-vehicle heart rate sensor, the red light is blinked.
In this way, two-way communication is performed between the key fob slave unit and the vehicle master unit.

[Monitoring home medical devices]
Conventionally, there is an oxygen concentrator as a medical device used in the home.
An oxygen concentrator is a medical instrument that is used for home treatment and discharges a high concentration of oxygen. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided inside the oxygen concentrator acquires data such as date and time, oxygen concentration, temperature, flow rate, and supply amount periodically or when the patient uses the device, and serially Send to external server via modem over line.
The external server stores data indicating the state of a plurality of oxygen concentrators. When necessary, the user at the installation location is instructed by telephone or the like to adjust the oxygen concentrators.

[Prior art documents]
As prior art relating to a communication system and a CPU, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-127307 (Patent Document 1), Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-21868 (Patent Document 2), Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-192239 (Patent Document 3). JP-A-5-307697 (Patent Document 4).

  Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle that generates notification data representing the state of an automobile detected by various sensors by a parent machine mounted on the automobile and transmits it to the child machine in response to a request from the child machine carried by the user. A status notification system is described.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, in a portable electronic device, when there is no sound, the CPU is operated at a low clock, and when there is a sound generation request, the CPU is switched to operate at a high clock, and the sound is finished. Describes a method for reducing power consumption by setting a low clock again.

  Also, in Patent Document 3, transmission information to a transmission destination is accumulated in each terminal in each terminal, and transmission is performed only when transmission information to the own apparatus exists in the transmission destination terminal. Two-way information communication that transmits information to a transmission destination and receives information from the transmission destination without disconnecting the line once, and can perform outgoing connection operation and line connection control on the network only once. The method is described.

  Further, Patent Document 4 discloses that an in-vehicle communication device returns data at a timing different from a vehicle traveling in a different lane by returning data at a timing corresponding to a designation of a return time included in a signal from a road communication device. Describes a road-to-vehicle communication device that eliminates interference.

JP 2006-127307 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-214868 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-192239 JP-A-5-307697

However, the conventional transceiver type communication system has a problem in that both of them always perform a receiving operation and thus consume a large amount of power.
In addition, in a conventional event activation type communication system, communication cannot be started in response to a request from a base that does not generate an event, that is, in the above-described example, from a master unit mounted on a car. There was a problem that there was.
In addition, in the conventional home medical device monitoring method, when data is received from the oxygen concentrator, only data is transmitted to the server via a wired line, and remote control or the like cannot be performed, for example. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a transmission system that can achieve the convenience of communication such as a transceiver type while having low power consumption similar to that of an event activation type.

  The present invention for solving the problems of the conventional example is a communication system including a first communication device and a second communication device that perform wireless communication, and the first communication device is usually Data indicating “abnormal” from the second communication device by inquiring about the status of the monitored device to be monitored to the second communication device at a preset interval, and then operating in the inquiry mode in which reception is performed only for a predetermined time. Is sent to the second communication device, an instruction to shift to a mode in which transmission can be performed spontaneously, and a mode for intermittent reception in which signals from the second communication device can be received at any time are transferred to. When the notification of release of the mode that can be transmitted spontaneously is received from the communication device, the mode shifts to the inquiry mode, and when the second communication device shifts from the inquiry mode to the mode that can transmit spontaneously, the monitored device If it becomes abnormal, Periodically sends information indicating the status of the monitored device to the first communication device, and after a certain period of time has elapsed since the mode transition, cancels the mode in which transmission is possible, It is characterized by waiting for an inquiry and notifying the first communication device of the cancellation.

  According to the present invention, in the communication system, the first communication device is a slave device that is carried by a user and performs wireless communication, and the second communication device is mounted on a car to check the state of the car. The master unit that performs wireless communication with the slave unit, the monitored device is a car, and the slave unit usually inquires about the state of the car at a preset interval, and then only for a certain period of time When operating in the inquiry mode for receiving data and receiving data indicating `` abnormal '' from the master unit, the master unit is instructed to switch to the alert mode, and then transitions to the intermittent receive mode to perform intermittent reception from the master unit. When the main unit receives an inquiry from the slave unit, it displays the state of the car. Check and respond to the Is periodically sent to the slave unit and sent to the slave unit.When a certain period of time elapses from the transition to the alert mode, the alert mode is canceled, the slave unit is notified, and an inquiry from the slave unit is issued. It is characterized by waiting.

  Further, in the communication system according to the present invention, the slave unit transmits a warning mode release instruction to the master unit by a user operation and shifts to the inquiry mode. When the master unit receives the warning mode release instruction, the slave unit is warned. The mode is canceled and an inquiry from the slave unit is waited for.

  In the communication system according to the present invention, the first communication device is a slave device that communicates with the monitored device, and the second communication device is a master device that performs wireless communication with the slave device. Yes, the slave unit stores data indicating the status of the monitored device received from the monitored device. When an inquiry from the master unit is received, the stored data is transmitted to the master unit and monitored from the master unit. When instructed to shift to the mode, periodically checks the status of the monitored device, responds to the parent device, and receives control data for controlling the monitored device from the parent device. When a certain period of time has passed since the transition to the monitoring mode, the monitoring mode is canceled, the master unit is informed, and an inquiry from the master unit is awaited. Inquire the status of the monitored device at In the inquiry mode in which only reception is performed, the information indicating the status of the monitored device received from the slave unit is analyzed, and when “abnormal” is detected, the slave unit is instructed to shift to the monitoring mode, and The control data for canceling the stored abnormal state is transmitted to the slave unit, and when the notification of canceling the monitoring mode is received from the slave unit, the inquiry mode is entered.

  In the communication system according to the present invention, when the master unit instructs the slave unit to shift to the monitoring mode, the slave unit performs intermittent reception and waits for information from the slave unit. When the information indicating the state indicates “normal”, the information processing apparatus is characterized in that the parent device transmits an instruction to cancel the monitoring mode to the child device.

  In the communication system, the present invention is characterized in that the monitored device is an oxygen concentrator.

  In the communication system, the slave unit detects ambient noise level and stores data to be transmitted without transmitting to the master unit when the noise level is higher than a reference value. In addition, when the noise level is lowered, the stored data is collectively transmitted to the parent device.

  According to the present invention, in the inquiry mode in which the first communication device normally inquires the second communication device about the state of the monitored device to be monitored at a preset interval and then receives only for a certain period of time. When the operation is performed and data indicating "abnormal" is received from the second communication device, an instruction to shift to a mode in which transmission can be performed spontaneously is sent to the second communication device, and a signal from the second communication device is transmitted. Is switched to a mode for intermittent reception that can be received at any time, and when a notification of release of a mode that can be transmitted spontaneously is received from the second communication device, the mode is switched to a query mode, and the second communication device If the monitored device is in an abnormal state, or if the monitored device is in an abnormal state or periodically, information indicating the state of the monitored device is transmitted to the first communication device, and after the mode transition Spontaneous after a certain amount of time Since the wireless communication system that cancels the transmittable mode, waits for an inquiry from the first communication device, and notifies the first communication device of the cancellation, the inquiry mode is used when no abnormality occurs. Can reduce the power consumption of the first and second devices, and when an abnormality occurs, information can be transmitted spontaneously from the second communication device and received at any time by the first communication device. There is an effect that can be obtained and monitored.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the first communication device is a slave device that is carried by the user and performs wireless communication, and the second communication device is mounted on the vehicle, checks the state of the vehicle, and the slave device Is a parent device that performs wireless communication with the device, the monitored device is a car, and the child device usually inquires of the parent device about the state of the vehicle at a preset interval, and then receives only for a certain period of time. When operating in the inquiry mode and receiving data indicating “abnormal” from the master unit, the master unit is instructed to switch to the alert mode, and then transitions to the intermittent reception mode to perform intermittent reception to obtain information from the master unit. Stand-by, display based on information from the master unit, and when a warning mode release notification is received from the master unit, it shifts to the inquiry mode.When the master unit receives an inquiry from the slave unit, it checks the state of the car. If the remote unit is instructed to shift to the alert mode, Because it is a communication system that automatically checks the state of the car and sends it to the slave unit, cancels the alert mode when a certain time has passed since the transition to the alert mode, notifies the slave unit to that effect, and waits for an inquiry from the slave unit When no abnormality occurs, the power consumption can be reduced by the inquiry mode, and when an abnormality occurs, information can be sent spontaneously from the parent unit in the alert mode, and the slave unit can transmit it in the intermittent reception mode. It is possible to improve the convenience and security when leaving the vehicle by enabling reception at any time.

  Further, according to the present invention, the first communication device is a slave device that communicates with the monitored device, and the second communication device is a master device that performs wireless communication with the slave device. The device stores the data indicating the status of the monitored device received from the monitored device, and when receiving an inquiry from the parent device, transmits the stored data to the parent device, and enters the monitoring mode from the parent device. When a transition is instructed, the status of the monitored device is periodically checked and responded to the parent device. When control data for controlling the monitored device is received from the parent device, the control data is output to the monitored device. When a certain period of time has passed since the transition to the monitoring mode, the monitoring mode is canceled, the master unit is informed, and an inquiry from the master unit is awaited. The master unit is usually monitored by the slave unit at a preset interval. Queries the status of the device and then receives only for a certain period of time. When the "abnormality" is detected by analyzing the information indicating the status of the monitored device received from the slave unit, the slave unit is instructed to shift to the monitoring mode and stored in advance. Since it is a communication system that transmits control data for eliminating the abnormal state to the slave unit and receives a notification of cancellation of the monitoring mode from the slave unit, it shifts to the inquiry mode. Therefore, the oxygen concentrator, security monitoring device and sensor If the monitored device is a monitored device, the power consumption of both the base unit and the slave unit can be reduced if there is no abnormality, and if the monitored device becomes abnormal, The state of the monitoring device can be closely monitored, and the monitored device can be remotely controlled from the master unit based on the information, and the convenience can be improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, the slave unit detects the ambient noise level, and if the noise level is higher than the reference value, the slave unit does not transmit to the master unit and stores data to be transmitted. Since the communication system transmits the stored data to the master unit when the noise level is reduced, there is an effect that the reliability of communication can be improved.

[Summary of Invention]
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a first communication device and a second communication device, and the first communication device is normally in the inquiry mode, and periodically with respect to the second device. When an inquiry is made and there is a response indicating that the status of the monitored device is abnormal from the second device, an instruction to shift to a mode that can be transmitted spontaneously is sent to the second device, and the second device When a transition is made to a mode in which intermittent reception is possible so that a signal from the communication device can be received at any time, and when the second device shifts from the inquiry mode to a mode in which transmission is possible spontaneously, the monitored device becomes in an abnormal state Or, periodically, information indicating the status of the monitored device is transmitted to the first device, and after a certain period of time has elapsed since the mode transition, the mode transitions again to the query mode, and the first communication device also enters the query mode. Announcement of transition and abnormal occurrence Otherwise, the inquiry mode can reduce the power consumption of the first and second devices, and if an abnormality occurs, information can be sent spontaneously from the second device, and detailed information can be obtained and monitored. It is.

  A communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an RTC (Real Time Clock) in a parent device provided in a car and a child device provided in a key fob. Operates in the inquiry mode, the slave unit periodically inquires to the master unit, the master unit checks the state of the car and sends a response indicating normal or abnormal, and the slave unit indicates abnormality When a response is received, it shifts to an intermittent reception mode that can receive information from the base unit at any time, and it monitors the state of the car to the base unit and switches to a warning mode that sends it spontaneously if there is an abnormality. This is a communication system in which the slave unit is informed by a buzzer or display based on information from the master unit. If no abnormality occurs, the power consumption can be reduced by the inquiry mode. Parent in vigilance mode Also can send spontaneously information from, and to be received by the intermittent reception mode in slave unit is capable of improving the convenience and security.

  In addition, the communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a slave unit connected to the oxygen concentrator, a wireless connection with the slave unit, and data for determining the state of the oxygen concentrator and control for adjusting the oxygen concentrator. Data that has been acquired from the oxygen concentrator and stored in the master unit, which normally operates in the inquiry mode. Is transmitted to the master unit, the master unit analyzes the data, and if it is abnormal, sends an instruction to the slave unit to shift to the monitoring mode. Acquires data from the oxygen concentrator and transmits it to the master unit, and also performs intermittent reception to wait for instructions from the master unit. The master unit reads out control data based on the data received by intermittent reception and sends it to the slave unit. And the slave sends the control data to the oxygen concentrator Because it is an internal medical assistance system, the power consumption of both the main unit and the sub unit is usually small. If the oxygen concentrator becomes abnormal, the condition of the oxygen concentrator is monitored closely and Remote control can be performed, and the convenience can be improved.

[Communication System of First Embodiment: FIG. 1]
First, a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of an in-vehicle simple security system (first communication system) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the first communication system includes a parent device 1 mounted on a car and a key fob (child device) 2 carried by the user. In the first communication system, “car” corresponds to “monitored device” recited in the claims.

Each component will be specifically described.
[Configuration of base unit 1]
The base unit 1 includes a matching circuit 11, a wireless unit 12, a CPU 13, a memory 14, an RTC 15, and a notification unit (“display / buzzer” in the figure) 16.
The matching circuit 11 performs impedance matching between the antenna and the radio unit 12.
The wireless unit 12 performs signal processing accompanying transmission / reception of a high-frequency signal and performs wireless communication.

The memory 14 stores processing programs and parameters in the CPU 13 and monitoring data of the vehicle state.
The RTC 15 measures the current time and outputs the current time to the CPU. In particular, in the present embodiment, the current time is used to measure a time interval in the processing of the CPU, and is used for processing that periodically inquires and transmits.
The notification unit 16 includes a buzzer and a display, and sounds a buzzer according to an instruction from the CPU 13 or displays on the display.

  CPU13 performs communication control with the subunit | mobile_unit 2 in the main | base station 1, the alerting | reporting process by a display part, a buzzer, etc. Further, the CPU 13 is connected to a chassis control unit (“chassis control CPU” in the figure) 17, and acquires data from a vibration sensor, a human sensor, and a tilt sensor via the chassis control unit 17 to obtain the state of the vehicle body. Monitors and controls each part such as door lock / unlock, power window, ignition control.

  In particular, when the CPU 13 of the master unit 1 of the first communication system receives an instruction to shift from the slave unit 2 to the “warning mode”, the CPU 13 shifts to the warning mode, constantly monitors the state of the vehicle, and an abnormality occurs. Immediately, processing for notifying the child device 2 of the occurrence of an abnormality is performed. In the alert mode, the parent device 1 actively transmits information without any inquiry from the child device 2. The processing of the CPU 13 of the parent device 1 will be described later. The “warning mode” in the first communication system corresponds to the “mode for spontaneous transmission” recited in the claims.

[Configuration of handset 2]
The slave unit 2 includes a matching circuit 21, a wireless unit 22, a CPU 23, a memory 24, an RTC 25, a display unit 26, a buzzer 27, a button 28, and a battery 29.
Among these, the matching circuit 21, the wireless unit 22, the display unit 26, and the buzzer 27 are the same as those provided in the base unit 1, and thus description thereof is omitted.
The memory 24 stores a processing program in the CPU 23 and parameters such as a reception interval in an inquiry mode and an intermittent reception mode which will be described later.

The CPU 23 performs communication control and notification processing in the slave unit 2.
The CPU 23 of the first system normally inquires of the parent machine 1 about the vehicle status in the “inquiry mode”, but when an abnormality occurs, the CPU 23 shifts to the “warning mode”. In addition to outputting an instruction, the mode is shifted to the “intermittent reception mode” to perform intermittent reception so that information from the parent device 1 can be received as needed. Processing in the CPU 23 of the slave unit 2 will be described later.

  The button 28 is an operation unit on which the user performs various operations in the key fob, and inputs an engine start instruction and a key lock / release instruction as in the prior art, and the reception interval of the inquiry mode and the intermittent reception mode of this system. Set up. Furthermore, it is possible to specify the duration of the warning mode of the base unit 1 and to input an instruction to release the warning mode.

[Operation of this system]
The operation of this system will be described with reference to FIG.
Normally, both the parent device 1 and the child device 2 are in the inquiry mode, and the child device 2 periodically inquires of the parent device 1 about the vehicle status and receives a response from the parent device 1. In the inquiry mode, the interval at which the handset 2 makes an inquiry is about several minutes to several tens of minutes. Each time can be arbitrarily set by the user from the key fob button 28. The set time is stored in the memory 24 and used as a parameter in the processing of the CPU 23.

When there is an inquiry from the slave unit 2, the master unit 1 checks the state of the vehicle via the chassis control unit 17, and if the slave unit 2 is normal or abnormal, responds to the contents.
If the response from the parent device 1 is “normal” in the inquiry mode, the child device 2 continues the inquiry mode as it is.

  If the response from the main unit 1 is “abnormal”, the sub unit 2 notifies the user of the abnormality through a display or a buzzer, and transmits an instruction to shift to the warning mode to the main unit 1 and can be received at any time. Shift to the intermittent reception mode.

  Receiving the instruction to shift to the alert mode, the base unit 1 checks the vehicle status about once every few seconds and voluntarily transmits information indicating the vehicle status to the slave unit 2. Then, when a preset time has elapsed, the warning mode is canceled and the slave unit is notified of this, and the mode is again shifted to the inquiry mode. It should be noted that even when an instruction to cancel the warning mode or an engine start instruction is input from the slave unit 2, the master unit 1 may be configured to cancel the warning mode.

In the intermittent reception mode, the slave unit 2 performs a reception operation once every few seconds, for example, receives information from the master unit 1 and displays the contents. For example, it may be possible to display a message such as “the temperature inside the vehicle is 50 ° C. or higher”, “the door lock has been released”, or “the vehicle is in a normal state” to alert the user.
Even in the intermittent reception mode, a message may be displayed only when the state of the vehicle is abnormal, and the message may not be displayed when the state of the vehicle received from the main unit 1 is normal. Is possible.

  And the subunit | mobile_unit 2 will transfer to inquiry mode, if the alert | report of warning mode cancellation | release is received from the main | base station 1. FIG. In addition, it is considered that the cordless handset mode is canceled by inputting a warning mode release instruction or an engine start command from the handset 2 side, and the handset 2 is shifted to the inquiry mode at the same time. It is done.

[Processing of CPU 23 of handset 2: FIG. 2]
Next, processing of the CPU 23 of the slave unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing of the CPU 23 of the slave unit 2.
As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 23 of the child device 2 first operates in the inquiry mode (100), determines whether it is inquiry time by referring to the RTC 25 (102), and if it is inquiry time, the parent device 1 The vehicle status is inquired of (104).

When a response is received from the parent device 1, the CPU 23 of the child device 2 checks the response content. If the response is "normal", the process proceeds to the process 102 and the periodic inquiry process is repeated.
If the response is “abnormal”, the CPU 23 of the slave unit 2 outputs an instruction to notify the occurrence of the abnormality to the display unit 26 and the buzzer 27 (106), and outputs an instruction to shift to the alert mode to the master unit 1. (110) and transition to the intermittent reception mode (112).

  In the intermittent reception mode, the CPU 23 of the child device 2 performs a reception operation every few seconds, receives information from the parent device, and displays the contents on the display unit 26. Thereby, information actively sent from the parent device can be displayed on the child device 2 at any time.

And if the report of warning mode cancellation | release is received from the main | base station 1, CPU23 of the subunit | mobile_unit 2 will return to the process 100, and will transfer to inquiry mode (114). In the process 114, in addition to the alarm mode release report from the base unit 1, the operation unit (button 28) of the slave unit 2 is instructed to cancel the alert mode / intermittent reception mode, or from the button 28. It is possible to cancel the intermittent reception mode when an engine start instruction is input.
In this way, the processing of the CPU 23 of the slave unit 2 is performed.

[Processing of CPU 13 of base unit 1: FIG. 3]
Next, processing of the CPU 13 of the parent device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing of the CPU 13 of the parent device 1.
As shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 13 of the parent device 1 first operates in the inquiry mode (200) and waits for an inquiry from the child device 2 (202).
When the vehicle status inquiry is received from the slave unit 2, the CPU 13 of the master unit 1 checks the vehicle status via the chassis control unit 17 (210), and "normal" if the check result is normal. If it is abnormal, the content of “abnormal” is responded to the slave unit 2 (212), and the process proceeds to processing 202.

  If the instruction to shift to the warning mode is received from the slave unit 2 in the process 202, the CPU 13 of the master unit 1 shifts to the warning mode (220) and checks the vehicle status every few seconds (222). The situation is reported to the slave unit (224). Only when there is an abnormality in the process 222, the situation may be reported to the slave unit in the process 224.

Then, the CPU 13 of the base unit 1 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the transition to the alert mode (226), and if not (No), returns to the process 222. Continue to check the car status. If the predetermined time has elapsed in the process 226 (in the case of Yes), the CPU 13 of the parent device 1 cancels the warning mode and informs the child device 2 that the warning mode has been released (228), Returning to the process 200, the operation shifts to the operation in the inquiry mode.
In the process 226, the warning mode may be canceled even when an instruction to cancel the warning mode / intermittent reception mode is transmitted from the slave unit 2 or when an instruction to start the engine is transmitted.
In this way, the processing of the CPU 13 of the base unit 1 is performed.

  Although not shown, the radio unit 22 of the slave unit 2 includes a noise level detection unit, and before transmitting data, the slave unit 2 performs a reception operation to detect the environmental noise level and Is greater than a preset reference level, transmission may be canceled and transmission may be performed again after a certain time.

[Effect of the first communication system]
According to the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in the inquiry mode, the slave unit 2 periodically inquires of the master unit 1 about the vehicle status, and the response from the master unit 1 indicates “abnormal”. If it is, the slave unit 2 instructs the master unit 1 to shift to the warning mode and shifts to the intermittent reception mode. The master unit 1 checks the vehicle status every few seconds when it shifts to the warning mode. Then, the information indicating the vehicle status is actively transmitted to the slave unit. When the slave unit 2 shifts to the intermittent mode, the slave unit 2 intermittently receives and displays the vehicle status information from the master unit 1 every few seconds. Therefore, when there is no abnormality, the inquiry mode is set, and the power consumption can be greatly reduced compared to the transceiver method in which reception is always performed. Check frequency while receiving power saving of slave unit 2 by reception Can be increased, the user is effective, which can improve the security of while away the car.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the home medical assistance system (second communication system) according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
In the example of FIG. 4, the second communication system is one that performs operation control of a medical device (for example, an oxygen concentrator) in the home.
As shown in FIG. 4, the second communication system includes a base station (hereinafter referred to as “master unit”) 3 and a terminal station (hereinafter referred to as “slave unit”) 4. Is connected to an oxygen concentrator 5 which is a monitored device.
In the second communication system, an apparatus using an oxygen concentrator is shown as an example of a monitored apparatus. However, the apparatus is not limited to an oxygen concentrator, and may be another apparatus, a security monitoring apparatus, a sensor, or the like. Absent.

Each component will be briefly described.
The master unit 3 includes a matching circuit 31, a wireless unit 32, a CPU 33, a memory 34, an RTC 35, a modem 36, an analog front end 37, a 232C interface 38, and a power source 39.
The master unit 3 performs wireless communication with the slave unit 4 via the radio unit 32, the matching circuit 31, and the antenna, and, for example, a general telephone or the like via an analog wired line via the modem 36 and the analog front end 37. Communication is possible, and a serial line can be connected via the 232C interface 38.

  The memory 34 of the master unit 3 stores various data for monitoring and controlling the oxygen concentrator 5. Specifically, the memory 34 stores a numerical reference range as a reference for determining whether or not each item of data received from the child device 4 is normal, and when the value is out of the reference range As a countermeasure, control data corresponding to an abnormal state is stored.

The CPU 33 of the parent device 3 receives and analyzes the data from the child device 4, and sends out an instruction to switch the child device 4 to the monitoring mode if necessary. The monitoring mode will be described in detail later.
Specifically, when data is received from the slave unit 4, the received data is compared with the reference range, and if the received data is out of range (if abnormal), the slave unit 4 is instructed to switch to the monitoring mode. Send.
Furthermore, if the received data is abnormal, the CPU 33 of the parent device 3 reads the control data from the memory 34 and remotely controls the oxygen concentrator 5 via the child device 4.

The slave unit 4 has substantially the same configuration as the master unit 3, and includes a matching circuit 41, a wireless unit 42, a CPU 43, a memory 44, an RTC 45, a modem 46, an analog front end 47, and a 232C interface 48. And a battery 49.
The handset 4 receives data from the oxygen concentrator 5 through the 232C interface, transmits the data to the base unit 3, and receives control data from the base unit 3 via the wireless unit 42, then concentrates the oxygen. Control data is transmitted to the device 5.

[Operation of the second system: FIG. 4]
The operation of the second system will be described with reference to FIG.
The subunit | mobile_unit 4 normally operate | moves in the inquiry mode, If the data from the oxygen concentrator 5 is received via the 232C interface 48, it will memorize | store in the memory 44 and a periodic inquiry from the main | base station 3 will be carried out. If there is, the CPU 43 stores the received data in the memory 44 and transmits it to the parent device 1 via the wireless unit 42. After transmission, the receiving operation is performed for a certain time.
When there is no reception response (Ack) from the parent device 3, the child device 4 stores a transmission failure corresponding to the transmission data and transmits again after a predetermined time.

When receiving the data from the child device 4, the parent device 3 returns a reception response, and the CPU 33 stores the data in the memory 34, and analyzes the received data by comparing with the stored reference range. If there is no abnormality in the data value, it waits for the next reception.
If the data value is abnormal, it is necessary to frequently acquire and analyze the data. Therefore, the CPU 33 of the master unit outputs an instruction to the slave unit 4 to shift to the monitoring mode, and shifts to the intermittent reception mode. To do.
Furthermore, the parent device 3 reads out the control data stored in correspondence with the abnormal state and transmits it to the child device 4.

When the slave unit 4 receives the instruction to shift to the monitoring mode, the slave unit 4 shifts to the monitoring mode, and the CPU 43 periodically acquires data from the oxygen concentrator 5 at short intervals set in advance based on the RTC. Transmit to machine 3. Note that the monitoring mode in the second communication system corresponds to the “mode capable of spontaneous transmission” recited in the claims.
At the same time, the slave unit 4 performs intermittent reception (or constant reception) and waits for an instruction from the master unit 3. And when the control data from the main | base station 3 is received, the said control data will be transmitted to the oxygen concentrator 5. FIG.

  In the monitoring mode, the time for the slave unit 4 to acquire data from the oxygen concentrator 5 can be set arbitrarily, but once the data is acquired from the oxygen concentrator 5 and control data based on it is sent to the oxygen concentrator 5. It is conceivable that the time interval is such that the control data is reflected in the state of the oxygen concentrator 5 when transmitted.

  When the oxygen concentrator 5 receives the control data from the slave unit 4, the oxygen concentrator 5 performs oxygen concentration adjustment, temperature adjustment, flow rate adjustment, and the like based on the control data. That is, in the second communication system, it is possible to perform control from the parent device 3 provided in the home without constantly transmitting data indicating the state of the oxygen concentrator 5 to an external server, thereby reducing power consumption. Is something that can be done.

  When a certain time elapses after the transition to the monitoring mode, the slave unit 4 cancels the monitoring mode and transitions to the normal mode, notifies the master unit 3 to that effect, returns to the inquiry mode, and returns from the master unit 3. Wait for inquiries. When receiving the cancellation of the monitoring mode, the base unit 3 returns to the inquiry mode and periodically inquires.

Alternatively, when the master unit 3 confirms that the state of the oxygen concentrator 5 is normal, the master unit 3 transmits an instruction to cancel the monitoring mode to the slave unit 4, and the slave unit 4 receives the instruction. The monitoring mode may be canceled.
In this way, the operation of the second communication system is performed.

  Thus, in the second communication system, the oxygen concentrator 5 conventionally transmits data to an external server. However, it is only necessary to transmit the data from the slave unit 4 to the master unit 3 provided in the home wirelessly. The power consumption of the entire system can be greatly reduced.

In the example described above, the slave unit 4 performs a transmission operation in response to a periodic inquiry from the master unit 3, but as another example, the slave unit 4 is normally in a completely standby state. When the data from the oxygen concentrator 5 is received via the 232C interface 48, it may be configured to start in the inquiry mode and transmit the data to the parent device 3. In this case, when a certain period of time has elapsed after the transition to the monitoring mode or when an instruction to cancel the monitoring mode is received, the slave unit 4 again shifts to the standby state.
In addition, it is conceivable that the base unit 3 does not make periodic inquiries and performs intermittent reception while waiting for data from the handset 4.

Although not shown, the radio unit 42 of the slave unit 4 includes a noise level detection unit, and before transmitting data, the slave unit 4 performs a reception operation once to detect the environmental noise level. Is greater than a preset reference level, transmission may be canceled and transmission may be performed again after a certain time.
Further, the CPU 43 of the slave unit 4 periodically monitors the environmental noise level, and when the noise level is high, the CPU 43 accumulates it in the memory 44 without performing transmission. May be read out and transmitted together.

[Effect of the second communication system]
According to the communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the slave unit 4 normally operates in the inquiry mode, stores the data from the oxygen concentrator 5 in the storage unit, and the master unit 3. If there is a regular inquiry from the device, the data is transmitted to the base unit 3, and the base unit 3 analyzes the data based on the reference range stored in advance. When the slave unit 4 shifts to the monitoring mode, the slave unit 4 acquires data from the oxygen concentrator 5 at a short interval based on the RTC and transmits the data to the master unit 3 and performs intermittent reception. When the master unit 3 waits for an instruction from the slave unit 3 and determines that the data from the slave unit 4 is abnormal, the master unit 4 reads out the control data stored in advance and transmits it to the slave unit 4. Since it is a home medical assistance system that transmits to the concentrator 5, Normally, the power consumption is small, and when the oxygen concentrator 5 is in an abnormal state, the handset 4 checks the state of the oxygen concentrator 5 at short intervals, and the base unit 3 detects an abnormality. The control data for canceling the state can be transmitted to the oxygen concentrator 5 via the slave unit 4, and the state of the oxygen concentrator 5 can be monitored closely and remotely controlled from the master unit 3. There is an effect that convenience can be improved as compared to instructing adjustment.

  Further, according to the second communication system, the inquiry from the parent device 3 is not performed, and the child device 4 is normally completely in the standby state, and when it receives data from the oxygen concentrator 5, it starts in the inquiry mode. In addition, by configuring to transmit data to the parent device 3, both the parent device 3 and the child device 4 have an effect of further reducing power consumption.

  Further, according to the second communication system, before the slave unit 4 transmits the data from the oxygen concentrator 5 to the master unit 3, a reception operation is performed to detect transmission line noise, and the detected noise is detected. Is higher than the set reference level, data is stored without being transmitted, and is transmitted after the noise level is reduced. There is an effect that data can be received.

  The present invention is suitable for a communication system that can improve the convenience of communication without increasing power consumption.

1 is a configuration block diagram of an in-vehicle simple security system (first communication system) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the process of CPU23 of the subunit | mobile_unit 2. FIG. It is a flowchart figure which shows the process of CPU13 of the main | base station 1. FIG. It is a block diagram of the configuration of a home medical assistance system (second communication system) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,3 ... Master machine, 2,4 ... Slave machine, 5 ... Oxygen concentrator, 11, 21, 31, 41 ... Matching circuit, 12, 22, 32, 42 ... Radio | wireless part, 13, 23, 33, 43 ... CPU, 14, 24, 34, 44 ... Memory, 15, 25, 35, 45 ... RTC, 16 ... Notification unit, 17 ... Chassis control unit, 26 ... Display unit, 27 ... Buzzer, 28 ... Button, 29 ... Battery, 36, 46 ... modem, 37, 47 ... analog front end, 38, 48 ... 232C interface, 39 ... power supply, 49 ... battery

Claims (7)

A communication system including a first communication device and a second communication device that perform wireless communication,
The first communication device normally operates in an inquiry mode in which the second communication device is inquired about the status of the monitored device to be monitored at a predetermined interval, and then receives only for a certain period of time, When data indicating “abnormal” is received from the second communication device, an instruction to shift to a mode in which transmission can be performed spontaneously is sent to the second communication device, and a signal from the second communication device is transmitted. Transition to a mode for intermittent reception that can be received at any time, transition to a reference mode when receiving a notification of release of a mode that can be transmitted spontaneously from the second communication device,
When the second communication device shifts from the inquiry mode to a mode in which transmission is possible spontaneously, information indicating the state of the monitored device is periodically displayed when the monitored device enters an abnormal state or periodically. When a certain period of time elapses after the mode transition, the mode that can be transmitted spontaneously is canceled, an inquiry from the first communication device is waited, and the first communication device is A communication system characterized by notifying of cancellation. The first communication device is a slave that is carried by the user and performs wireless communication,
A second communication device is mounted on a vehicle, is a parent device that checks the state of the vehicle and performs wireless communication with the child device;
The monitored device is a car,
The slave unit normally operates in the inquiry mode in which the parent unit is inquired about the state of the vehicle at a preset interval and then receives only for a certain period of time, and receives data indicating “abnormal” from the master unit. Then, instruct the base unit to shift to the alert mode, transition to the intermittent reception mode and perform intermittent reception to wait for information from the base unit, display based on the information from the base unit, When a warning mode release notification is received from the parent machine, it shifts to the inquiry mode,
When the master unit receives an inquiry from the slave unit, it checks and responds to the state of the vehicle, and when the slave unit is instructed to shift to a warning mode, it periodically checks the state of the vehicle. The communication according to claim 1, wherein the communication is transmitted to the slave unit, the warning mode is canceled after a lapse of a certain period of time from the transition to the alert mode, the slave unit is notified, and an inquiry from the slave unit is waited for. system. The slave unit sends a warning mode release instruction to the master unit by the user's operation and shifts to the inquiry mode.
3. The communication system according to claim 2, wherein when the parent device receives an instruction to release the warning mode, the warning mode is canceled and an inquiry from the child device is waited for. The first communication device is a slave that communicates with the monitored device,
A second communication device is a parent device for performing wireless communication with the child device;
The slave unit stores data indicating the status of the monitored device received from the monitored device, and when receiving an inquiry from the master unit, transmits the stored data to the master unit, When instructed to shift to the monitoring mode from the parent device, periodically checks the status of the monitored device, responds to the parent device, and receives control data for controlling the monitored device from the parent device Then, the control data is output to the monitored device, the monitoring mode is canceled when a certain period of time has passed since the transition to the monitoring mode, the master device is notified, and an inquiry from the master device is awaited.
The base unit normally operates in the inquiry mode in which the slave unit is inquired about the status of the monitored device at a predetermined interval and then receives only for a certain period of time, and is received from the slave unit. When analyzing the information indicating the state of the device and detecting "abnormal", the slave unit is instructed to shift to the monitoring mode, and control data for eliminating the abnormal state stored in advance is The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the communication mode shifts to the inquiry mode when it is transmitted to the slave unit and a notification of cancellation of the monitoring mode is received from the slave unit.   When the master unit instructs the slave unit to shift to the monitoring mode, it performs intermittent reception and waits for information from the slave unit, and the information indicating the status of the monitored device received from the slave unit indicates “normal” 5. The communication system according to claim 4, wherein the communication device is a parent device that transmits an instruction to cancel the monitoring mode to the child device if it is a device.   6. The communication system according to claim 4, wherein the monitored device is an oxygen concentrator. When the slave unit detects the ambient noise level and the noise level is higher than the reference value, it does not transmit to the master unit, stores the data to be transmitted, and the noise level drops. The communication system according to any one of claims 4 to 6 , wherein stored data is collectively transmitted to the parent device.

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