JP6057694B2 - Wireless telemetering system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention wirelessly transmits data between a terminal network control device connected to a center side device via a communication line such as a wide area network and terminal devices such as a gas meter, a water meter, a power meter, and a sensor. The present invention relates to a radio telemetering system, and particularly to reduction of power consumption for a radio that performs route selection of a communication path in a mesh network that relays and communicates with a plurality of radios.

  A wireless telemetering system includes a terminal network control device (hereinafter referred to as “NCU”) connected to a center side network control device via a communication line, and a parent wireless device (hereinafter referred to as “parent device”) connected to the NCU. )), A plurality of slave radios (hereinafter referred to as "slave") that communicate with the master unit via a wireless line, and gas, water, electricity, etc. connected to the master unit or slave unit Terminal equipment such as meters and sensors.

  In the above wireless telemetering system, the master unit and the slave unit operate using a built-in battery as a power source. The master unit and the slave unit transmit a radio signal so that they can respond to a call from another unit during standby, and inform the other unit of their existence. When this wireless signal is continuously transmitted, the built-in battery is consumed quickly. Therefore, in order to prevent useless consumption of the built-in battery, intermittent transmission that performs transmission operation intermittently during standby is performed.

  In addition, some device systems in which a plurality of slave units can be connected to the master unit side are designed to operate with not only battery drive but also non-battery drive (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-49889 A

  Conventionally, most of the master units are non-battery-driven, and the slave units are battery-driven or non-battery-driven depending on the type of terminal device. Often used in.

  Also, in the wireless telemetering system, in a mesh network composed of a master unit and a slave unit, when data is transmitted to a slave unit connected to a destination terminal device, a communication path is used for the routing setting exchanged in advance. Communication is performed. In the case of a battery-specific handset, it is required to operate for the years of use of the radio device with the battery capacity installed at the time of initial installation. However, when a battery-specific slave unit is used as a repeater, the battery is consumed more quickly than when it is not used as a repeater. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the number of mounted batteries.

  Therefore, when a wireless telemetering system is built in which battery-powered and non-battery-powered radios exist in the same mesh network, the relay path is fixedly set in advance and the non-battery handset is used as a repeater. Compared to a cluster tree network that can be set in this way, the relay route is dynamically selected, so the battery of the slave unit selected as the relay route is consumed, and there is a high possibility that it is frequently used as a communication route. A battery such as a slave unit close to the master unit consumes battery more quickly.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a wireless telemetering system capable of reducing the power consumption of a battery-driven slave unit in an operation in which slave units communicate with each other as a relay path in a mesh network.

The wireless telemetering system according to the present invention performs wireless communication between a center-side device, a wireless parent device connected to the center-side device via a communication line, and the wireless parent device. A plurality of wireless slave units that perform data communication with the apparatus and are each configured by a battery-driven radio device or a non-battery-driven radio device, the wireless master device, the battery-driven radio device, and the non-battery-driven radio device, And the wireless master device and the wireless slave device preferentially select the non-battery-driven wireless device as a relay route, and the wireless master device and the wireless slave device are self- In the first half of the transmission operation period of the communication signal transmitted by the non-battery-driven radio only when it is determined that the intermittent signal received from the other is transmitted from the non-battery-driven radio. And-option, in the second half of the transmission operation time period of the communication signal, and selects the radio personal station that transmitted the intermittent signal received earliest as a relay route.

  According to the present invention, a wireless telemetering system includes a center side device, a wireless base unit connected to the center side device via a communication line, and wireless communication between the wireless base unit and the center side device. A plurality of wireless slave units each composed of a battery-powered wireless device or a non-battery-driven wireless device, and a wireless master device, a battery-driven wireless device, and a non-battery-driven wireless device are wirelessly connected. The wireless master device and the wireless slave device preferentially select the non-battery-driven wireless device as a relay route.

Therefore, in the mesh network, the wireless master device and the wireless slave device can preferentially select the non-battery-driven wireless device as a relay route, so that the use of the battery-driven wireless device can be suppressed, and the wireless slave devices communicate with each other. It is possible to reduce the power consumption of the battery-powered radio in operation. In the first half of the transmission operation period of the communication signal transmitted by itself, the wireless master device and the wireless slave device are concerned only with the non-battery-driven wireless device when it is determined that the intermittent signal received from the other is transmitted from the non-battery-driven wireless device. In the second half of the communication signal transmission operation period, the wireless slave device that has transmitted the first intermittent signal received is selected as the relay route. Therefore, it is possible to automatically select a relay route that can reduce the power consumption of the battery-powered radio, and it is possible to improve the convenience for the operator.

1 is a configuration diagram of a wireless telemetering system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a part of an operation sequence diagram in the relay route of the mesh network of the wireless telemetering system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a remaining part of the operation sequence diagram in the relay route of the mesh network of the wireless telemetering system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a part of an operation sequence diagram in the relay route of the mesh network of the wireless telemetering system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a remaining part of an operation sequence diagram in the relay route of the mesh network of the wireless telemetering system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a part of an operation sequence diagram in the relay route of the mesh network of the wireless telemetering system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10B is the remaining part of the operation sequence diagram in the mesh network relay path of the wireless telemetering system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is an operation diagram in a relay route of a mesh network of a wireless telemetering system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is an operation sequence diagram in the relay route of the mesh network of the wireless telemetering system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is an operation diagram in a relay route of a mesh network of a wireless telemetering system according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is an operation diagram in a relay route of a mesh network of a wireless telemetering system according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is an operation sequence diagram in a relay route of a mesh network of a wireless telemetering system according to a sixth embodiment.

<Embodiment 1>
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a radio telemetering system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an operation sequence diagram in a relay route of the mesh network 100 of the radio telemetering system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a remaining part of the operation sequence diagram in the relay route of the mesh network 100 of the wireless telemetering system according to the first embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the operation sequence is connected by A1 in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless telemetering system includes a center server 1 (center side device), an NCU 2, a parent device 3 (wireless parent device), child devices 4 to 9 (wireless child devices), and a meter 10. To 15 and the mesh network 100. The NCU 2 is connected to the center server 1 via a communication line such as a wide area communication network. The base unit 3 is connected to the NCU 2 via a communication line such as a wide area communication network. The base unit 3 is configured to be driven by a non-battery (commercial power supply), and the power source type of the base unit 3 is a non-battery drive.

  The slave units 4 to 9 perform data communication with the center server 1 via the NCU 2 by performing wireless communication with the master unit 3. The subunit | mobile_unit 4,6,8 is comprised so that each may drive with a non-battery, and the power supply classification of the subunit | mobile_unit 4,6,8 is a non-battery drive. The subunit | mobile_unit 5,7,9 is comprised so that each may drive with a battery, and the power supply classification of the subunit | mobile_unit 5,7,9 is a battery drive. Information regarding the power source type of the parent device 3 and the child devices 4 to 9 is stored in, for example, a memory included in the parent device 3 and the child devices 4 to 9. The meters 10 to 15 are, for example, meters such as gas, water, and electricity, and each is connected to the slave units 4 to 9.

  As a premise of the wireless environment, it is assumed that the parent device 3 and the child devices 4 to 9 are recognized by the following wireless devices with direct radio waves. That is, the master unit 3 is the slave units 4 and 5, the slave unit 4 is the master unit 3 and the slave units 5 and 6, the slave unit 5 is the master unit 3 and the slave units 4, 6, 7, and the slave unit 6 is the slave unit 4, 5, 7, 8, handset 7 is handset 5, 6, 8, 9, handset 8 is handset 6, 7, 9, handset 9 recognizes handset 7, 8 with direct radio waves It shall be.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in the mesh network 100 in which the non-battery driven slave units 4, 6, 8 and the battery driven slave units 5, 7, 9 coexist, the master unit 3 and the slave units In order to recognize each other's existence, 4-9 exchange the selection information 17-23 for routing in the autonomous routing setting 16 in advance. The route selection information 17 to 23 used as a communication route includes information on the power source type of the parent device 3 and the child devices 4 to 9, and the parent device 3 and the child devices 4 to 9 are information on the power source type. For example, the selection information 17 to 23 including is stored in a memory of each.

  In the mesh network 100 of the wireless telemetering system, when the meter reading of each meter is performed, the center server 1 transmits a message to the slave unit connected to the meter-reading meter by wireless communication, and the slave unit detects the meter-reading meter. The meter reading value is acquired, and the meter reading value is returned to the center server 1.

  For example, when the master unit 3 receives the meter reading request 25 from the center server 1 via the NCU 2 toward the meter 15 connected to the slave unit 9 under the master unit 3, the master unit 3 reads the meter reading request. It transmits by radio | wireless communication to the subunit | mobile_unit 9 to which the object meter 15 was connected. In the mesh network 100, there are a plurality of child devices under the parent device 3, and the child devices are also suspended from other child devices to form the number of stages. Therefore, for example, when a message is transmitted from the parent device 3 to the child device 9, relaying is performed sequentially from the child device closest to the parent device 3 in accordance with the bucket relay policy, and wireless communication is relayed to the child device 9 to be communicated. It will be.

  When the center meter 1 controls the meter reading request 24 for the meter 15, the master unit 3 receives the meter reading request 25 via the NCU 2. In the master unit 3, the power source type of the slave unit 4 is non-battery driven and the power type of the slave unit 5 is determined from the fact that the meter 15 is connected to the slave unit 9 and the selection information 17 previously stored in the autonomous routing setting 16 It is determined that the battery is driven, and the meter reading request 26 is transmitted to the handset 4 whose power source type is non-battery drive.

  The handset 4 determines from the selection information 18 stored in advance in the autonomous routing setting 16 that the power type of the handset 5 is battery-powered and the power type of the handset 6 is non-battery-powered. A meter reading request 27 is transmitted to the driven handset 6. The handset 6 determines from the selection information 20 stored in advance in the autonomous routing setting 16 that the power type of the handset 5 and 7 is battery-powered and the power type of the handset 4 and 8 is non-battery-powered. A meter reading request 28 is transmitted to the handset 8 whose type is non-battery drive.

  The subunit | mobile_unit 8 judges that the power supply classification of the subunit | mobile_unit 9 is a battery drive from the selection information 22 hold | maintained by the autonomous routing setting 16 in advance, but transmits the meter-reading request | requirement 29 to the subunit | mobile_unit 9. More specifically, the slave unit 8 determines that the slave unit 9 is the destination from the information included in the meter reading request 28. In this way, the power supply type non-battery-driven slave unit is used as the relay path, and the meter reading request 29 is relayed to the slave unit 9. The subunit | mobile_unit 9 will perform meter-reading of the meter 15, if the meter-reading request | requirement 29 is received.

  Next, the slave meter 9 transmits a meter reading response to the center server 1, but the same processing as that in the case of the meter reading request is performed, and the meter reading response is transmitted in the opposite direction to the case of the meter reading request. More specifically, the slave unit 9 determines from the selection information 23 previously stored in the autonomous routing setting 16 that the power type of the slave unit 7 is battery-driven and the power type of the slave unit 8 is non-battery-driven. Then, the meter reading response 30 is transmitted to the handset 8 whose power source type is non-battery drive. The handset 8 determines from the selection information 22 stored in advance in the autonomous routing setting 16 that the power type of the handset 7 and 9 is battery-driven and the power type of the handset 6 is non-battery-driven. A meter reading response 31 is transmitted to the non-battery-driven slave unit 6.

  The handset 6 determines from the selection information 20 stored in advance in the autonomous routing setting 16 that the power type of the handset 5 and 7 is battery-powered and the power type of the handset 4 and 8 is non-battery-powered. The meter reading response 32 is transmitted to the handset 4 whose type is non-battery drive. The subunit | mobile_unit 4 judges that the power supply type of the main | base station 3 is a non-battery drive from the selection information 18 hold | maintained by the autonomous routing setting 16 in advance, and also is a destination, and transmits the meter-reading response 33 to the main | base station 3 . More specifically, the slave unit 4 determines that the master unit 3 is the destination from the information included in the meter reading response 31. When the master unit 3 transmits the meter reading response 34, the center server 1 receives the meter reading response 35 via the NCU 2. In this way, the meter-reading response 35 is relayed to the center server 1 using a non-battery-driven slave unit as the relay path.

  In the above, the relay operation in the case where there is a non-battery-powered slave unit among the slave units recognized by direct radio waves from the master unit 3 and the slave units 4, 6, 8, 9 However, there is a case where a non-battery-driven slave unit does not exist among slave units recognized by direct radio waves. In this case, a battery-driven slave unit recognized by direct radio waves is selected as the relay path.

  In relay operation, if a battery-powered slave unit is used as a relay route in a relay operation, battery consumption occurs. Therefore, a non-battery-driven slave unit is given priority as a relay route for use in wireless communication. By selecting, it is possible to suppress the battery consumption of the battery-driven slave unit. As the information for selecting as the relay route, the parent device and the child device confirm the power source type of the route selection information 17 to 23 held when the autonomous routing setting 16 is executed in advance, so that the route is the shortest. In addition, it is assumed that a slave unit whose power source type is non-battery drive is preferentially selected as a relay route.

  As described above, the wireless telemetering system according to Embodiment 1 performs wireless communication between the center server 1, the parent device 3 connected to the center server 1 via the communication line, and the parent device 3. In this way, data communication with the center server 1 is performed, and a plurality of slave units 4 to 9 each including a battery-driven slave unit 5, 7, 9 or a non-battery-driven slave unit 4, 6, 8, A base unit 3, a battery driven slave unit 5, 7, 9 and a non-battery driven slave unit 4, 6, 8 are provided with a mesh network 100 wirelessly connected. The master unit 3 and the slave units 4 to 9 preferentially select the non-battery-driven slave units 4, 6, and 8 as relay routes.

  Accordingly, in the mesh network 100, the use of the battery-powered slave units 5, 7, and 9 can be suppressed by preferentially selecting the non-battery-driven slave units 4, 6, and 8 as the relay route. The power consumption of the subunit | mobile_unit 5,7,9 in the operation | movement which 4-9 communicates can be reduced. Thereby, long-term use of a radio telemetering system is attained.

  Conventionally, there are many cases where each mesh network is configured for each power source type of the slave unit. However, as in the present embodiment, a slave unit whose power source type is battery-driven and non-battery-driven in one mesh network 100. By coexisting with 4-9, the complexity of maintenance and operation is reduced compared to managing multiple networks, and the initial settings can be made multiple times during system construction. In addition, the cost for system construction can be reduced.

  The parent device 3 and the child devices 4 to 9 are based on the selection information 17 to 23 including information on the power source types of the plurality of child devices 4 to 9 held at the time of the autonomous routing setting 16. , 6 and 8 are preferentially selected as relay routes, so that it is possible to automatically select a relay route capable of reducing the power consumption of the battery-powered slave units 5, 7, and 9, thereby improving the convenience of the operator. be able to.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, a radio telemetering system according to Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a part of an operation sequence diagram in the relay path of the mesh network 100 of the wireless telemetering system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram of the mesh network 100 of the wireless telemetering system according to the second embodiment. It is the remainder of the operation | movement sequence diagram in a relay path | route. Here, the operation sequence is assumed to be connected by A2 in FIGS. In the second embodiment, the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The configuration of the wireless telemetering system according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Further, as a premise of the wireless environment, the master unit 3 and the slave units 4 to 9 recognize with direct radio waves. This is the same as in the case of the first embodiment. There is a signal to be transmitted intermittently in order for the parent device 3 and the child devices 4 to 9 to perform wireless communication. This intermittent transmission signal always includes information on the type of power supply. In the mesh network 100 of the wireless telemetering system, when the meter reading of each meter is performed from the center server 1, a message is transmitted by wireless communication to the slave device connected to the meter to be metered, and the slave device is subject to meter reading. The meter reading value of the meter is acquired and the meter reading value is returned to the center server 1.

  When the center meter 1 controls the meter reading request 36 for the meter 15, the master unit 3 receives the meter reading request 37 via the NCU 2. In the master unit 3, the intermittent transmission signal 38 exchanged with the slave units 4 and 5 recognized by the direct radio waves from the master unit 3 in the intermittent transmission operation 54 by the meter 15 being connected to the slave unit 9. , 39, it is confirmed that the power type of the slave unit 4 is non-battery driven and the power type of the slave unit 5 is battery driven, and a meter reading request 44 is transmitted to the slave unit 4 of the non-battery power source type To do. Here, in the intermittent transmission operation 54, the intermittent transmission signals 40 to 43 are also exchanged in addition to the intermittent transmission signals 38 and 39. Here, only the intermittent transmission signals that are directly related will be described. The same applies to the intermittent transmission operations 55 to 61 described below.

  In the intermittent transmission operation 55, the slave unit 4 uses the power source type included in the intermittent transmission signals 39 and 40 exchanged with the slave units 5 and 6 recognized by the direct radio wave from the slave unit 4 to determine the power source of the slave unit 5. It is confirmed that the type is battery-driven and the power source type of the slave unit 6 is non-battery drive, and the meter reading request 45 is transmitted to the slave unit 6 whose power source type is non-battery drive. The slave unit 6 uses the intermittent transmission operation 56 to determine the power source type of the slave unit 7 from the power type included in the intermittent transmission signals 41 and 42 exchanged with the slave units 7 and 8 recognized by direct radio waves from the slave unit 6. Confirms that the power source type of the slave unit 8 is non-battery drive, and transmits a meter reading request 46 to the slave unit 8 whose power source type is non-battery.

  In the slave unit 8, the power source type of the slave unit 9 is battery-driven from the power source type included in the intermittent transmission signal 43 exchanged with the slave unit 9 recognized by direct radio waves from the slave unit 8 in the intermittent transmission operation 57. However, it is determined that it is the destination, and a meter reading request 47 is transmitted to the slave unit 9. More specifically, the slave unit 8 determines that the slave unit 9 is the destination from the information included in the meter reading request 46. As described above, the slave units 4, 6, and 8 whose power type is non-battery drive are used as the relay path, the meter reading request 47 is relayed to the slave unit 9, and the slave unit 9 performs meter reading of the meter 15.

  Next, the slave meter 9 transmits a meter reading response to the center server 1, but the same processing as that in the case of the meter reading request is performed, and the meter reading response is transmitted in the opposite direction to the case of the meter reading request. Also in the meter reading response, the meter reading responses 48 to 53 are transmitted based on the information on the power source type obtained by the intermittent transmission signals 58 to 61, and the power source type is a non-battery driven slave unit 4, 6, 8 as a relay path. Is used.

  In the above, the relay operation in the case where there is a non-battery-powered slave unit among the slave units recognized by direct radio waves from the master unit 3 and the slave units 4, 6, 8, 9 However, there is a case where a non-battery-driven slave unit does not exist among slave units recognized by direct radio waves. In this case, a battery-driven slave unit recognized by direct radio waves is selected as the relay path.

  In relay operation, if a battery-powered slave unit is used as a relay route, battery consumption will occur. Therefore, as a relay route used for wireless communication, a power source type non-battery-driven slave unit is used as a relay route. By preferentially selecting, it is possible to suppress the battery consumption of the battery-driven slave unit. The master unit 3 and the slave units 4 to 9 confirm information on the power source type included in the intermittent transmission signals 38 to 43 when the respective intermittent transmission operations 54 to 61 are performed as information for selecting as relay paths. Thus, the handset whose path is the shortest and whose power type is non-battery drive is preferentially selected as the communication path.

  As described above, in the radio telemetering system according to Embodiment 2, the parent device 3 and the child devices 4 to 9 are related to the power source type included in the intermittent transmission signals 38 to 43 received from the plurality of child devices 4 to 9. Based on information, non-battery driven slave units 4, 6, and 8 are preferentially selected as relay routes, so a relay route that can reduce power consumption of battery driven slave units 5, 7, and 9 is automatically selected. It is possible to improve the convenience of the operator.

<Embodiment 3>
Next, a radio telemetering system according to Embodiment 3 will be described. 6 is a part of an operation sequence diagram in the relay path of the mesh network 100 of the wireless telemetering system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram of the mesh network 100 of the wireless telemetering system according to the third embodiment. It is the remainder of the operation | movement sequence diagram in a relay path | route. Here, the operation sequence is assumed to be connected by A3 in FIGS. In the third embodiment, the same components as those described in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The configuration of the wireless telemetering system according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Further, as a premise of the wireless environment, the master unit 3 and the slave units 4 to 9 recognize with direct radio waves. This is the same as in the case of the first embodiment. The operation sequence is almost the same as in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the relay path is selected based on the information regarding the power supply type that is always included in the intermittent transmission signal. However, the difference is that the relay path is selected based on the information regarding the remaining battery level that is always included in the intermittent transmission signal.

  When the center meter 1 controls the meter reading request 36 for the meter 15, the master unit 3 receives the meter reading request 37 via the NCU 2. In the master unit 3, the intermittent transmission signal 38A exchanged with the slave units 4 and 5 recognized by the direct radio wave from the master unit 3 in the intermittent transmission operation 54A and that the meter 15 is connected to the slave unit 9. , 39A, it is confirmed that the remaining battery level of the slave unit 4 is 100% and the remaining battery level of the slave unit 5 is less than 100%. And the main | base station 3 transmits the meter-reading request | requirement 44 to the subunit | mobile_unit 4 with a battery remaining amount of 100%. Here, when the remaining battery level is 100%, it is determined that the power source type is non-battery driving, and when the remaining battery level is less than 100%, it is determined that the power source type is battery driving.

  Thereafter, the relay route is selected based on the intermittent transmission operations 55A to 61A, and the meter reading requests 45 to 47 and the meter reading responses 48 to 53 are transmitted. Omitted.

  In a relay operation, if a slave unit with a remaining battery level of 100% is used as a relay route, the battery will be consumed. Therefore, as a relay route used for wireless communication, a slave unit with a power supply type of non-battery drive is used as a relay route. By selecting as, it is possible to suppress the battery consumption of the battery-powered slave unit. The master unit 3 and the slave units 4 to 9 confirm information regarding the remaining battery level included in the intermittent transmission signals 38A to 43A when the intermittent transmission operations 54A to 61A are performed, respectively, as information for selecting the relay route. As a result, the slave unit with the shortest path and the power source type of non-battery drive is selected as the relay path.

  As described above, in the radio telemetering system according to Embodiment 3, the main unit 3 and the sub units 4 to 9 have the remaining battery levels included in the intermittent transmission signals 38A to 43A received from the plurality of sub units 4 to 9. In order to preferentially select the non-battery-powered slave units 4, 6, and 8 as the relay route based on the information about the relay route, the relay route that can reduce the power consumption of the battery-driven slave units 5, 7, and 9 is automatically selected. This can be selected, and the convenience of the operator can be enhanced.

<Embodiment 4>
Next, a radio telemetering system according to Embodiment 4 will be described. FIG. 8 is an operation diagram in the relay route of the mesh network 100 of the wireless telemetering system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is an operation in the relay route of the mesh network 100 in the wireless telemetering system according to the fourth embodiment. It is a sequence diagram. Note that in the fourth embodiment, the same components as those described in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The configuration of the wireless telemetering system according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Further, as a premise of the wireless environment, the master unit 3 and the slave units 4 to 9 recognize with direct radio waves. This is the same as in the case of the first embodiment.

When the center meter 1 controls the meter reading request 88 for the meter 15, the master unit 3 receives the meter reading request 89 via the NCU 2. Master unit 3 transmits meter-reading request 90 as transmission data. When there is transmission data (D _s ), base unit 3 receives the intermittent signal of the slave unit recognized by base unit 3. At this time, the master unit 3 is aware of the child device 4, 5 in a direct radio wave, the intermittent signal waiting time the first half (T _A), but receives the intermittent signal of the slave unit 5, the intermittent signal latency In the first half (T _A ), only when it is determined that an intermittent signal received from another is transmitted from a non-battery-driven child device, the relay operation for the child device is performed. Here, since the subunit | mobile_unit 5 is battery drive, the main | base station 3 does not perform relay operation with respect to the subunit | mobile_unit 5. FIG.

Then, the master unit 3, the intermittent signal waiting time the first half (T _A), but receives the intermittent signal of the slave unit 4, because the slave unit 4 is a non-battery operated, handset 4 is transmitted from the base unit 3 Data (D _s ), that is, received data (D _r ) that is meter reading request 90 is received. Here, the intermittent signal waiting time refers to a transmission operation period of transmission data (D _s ) transmitted by itself.

The handset 4 that has received the transmission data (D _s ) from the base unit 3 confirms that the transmission data (D _s ) is not addressed to itself, and performs a relay operation. The slave unit 4 operates to transmit transmission data (D _s ) in order to relay the data received from the master unit 3 to the next radio unit. At this time, handset 4 is aware of the base unit 3 and the handset 6, 7 a direct radio wave, the intermittent signal waiting time the first half (T _A), the intermittent signal relay direction handset 5 In the first half of the intermittent signal waiting time (T _A ), the relay operation for the child device is performed only when the received child device is non-battery driven. Here, since the subunit | mobile_unit 5 is battery drive, the subunit | mobile_unit 4 does not perform relay operation | movement with respect to the subunit | mobile_unit 5. FIG.

After that, the slave unit 4 temporarily loses the intermittent signal of the slave units 5 and 6 due to the poor radio wave condition from the first half of the intermittent signal waiting time (T _A ) to the second half of the intermittent signal waiting time (T _B ) (see FIG. 8). The broken line portion) cannot be received, and the intermittent signal of the slave unit 6 is received in the latter half (T _B ) of the intermittent signal waiting time. In the second half of the intermittent signal waiting time (T _B ), since the received intermittent signal does not depend on the non-battery / battery, a relay operation is performed for the child device that transmitted the first intermittent signal received. The transmission data (D _s ) is transmitted to the machine 6. And the subunit | mobile_unit 6 receives the reception data ( _Dr ) which is the meter-reading request | requirement 91. FIG.

The slave units 6 and 8 perform relay operations of the transmission data (D _s ) as the meter reading requests 92 and 93 one after another, and use the slave unit 8 whose power source type is a non-battery drive as a relay path. The transmission data (D _S ) is relayed to 9, and the handset 9 performs meter reading of the meter 15. In response to the meter reading response, relay operations of transmission data (D _s ) as meter reading responses 94 to 99 are performed one after another, and the non-battery-powered slave units 4, 6, and 8 are used as the relay path. The

  In relay operation, if a battery-powered slave unit is relayed as a communication path, battery consumption will occur, so the power source type non-battery-driven slave unit will be given priority as a communication path relayed by wireless communication. By selecting the communication path, it is possible to suppress the battery consumption of the battery-driven slave unit.

As described above, in the wireless telemetering system according to the fourth embodiment, base unit 3 and the slave unit 4-9, the intermittent signal wait time half (T _A), the intermittent signal received from other non-battery-powered Only when it is determined that the slave unit has been transmitted, the non-battery-driven slave unit is selected as a relay route, and in the second half of the intermittent signal waiting time (T _B ), the slave unit that has transmitted the earliest received intermittent signal is selected. Select as a relay route. Therefore, it is possible to automatically select a relay path that can reduce the power consumption of the battery-powered slave units 5, 7, and 9, and to improve the convenience for the operator.

<Embodiment 5>
Next, a radio telemetering system according to Embodiment 5 will be described. FIG. 10 is an operation diagram in the relay path of the mesh network 100 of the wireless telemetering system according to the fifth embodiment. Note that in the fifth embodiment, the same components as those described in the first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  The configuration of the wireless telemetering system according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Further, as a premise of the wireless environment, the parent device 3 and the child devices 4 to 9 are recognized by direct wireless radio waves. This is the same as in the case of the first embodiment.

Since the power source type is non-battery drive, the parent device 3 and the child devices 4, 6, and 8 do not have to consider the capacity consumption of the battery unlike the case of the battery drive. intermittent period of 8 intermittent signal (T _C) is set to be shorter than the intermittent cycle of the intermittent signals of the slave unit 5,7,9 battery powered (T _C). The master unit 3 and the slave units 4 to 9 select the slave unit that has transmitted the intermittent signal received first as the relay path.

When there is transmission data, base unit 3 receives the intermittent signal of the slave unit recognized by base unit 3. At this time, the master unit 3 is aware of handset 4,5 a direct radio wave, for intermittent period of the intermittent signals of the slave unit 4 (T _C) is short, child sends a long intermittent signal of intermittent period The probability that the intermittent signal of the slave unit 4 is received before the unit 5 is high. Thus, base unit 3 transmits transmission data (D _s) to the child device 4 which has transmitted the intermittent signal received earliest.

The handset 4 that has received the transmission data (D _s ) from the base unit 3 confirms that the transmission data (D _s ) is not addressed to itself, and performs a relay operation. The slave unit 4 has an operation of transmitting transmission data (D _s ) in order to relay the data (D _r ) received from the master unit 3 to the next slave unit. At this time, handset 4 is aware of the base unit 3 and the slave unit 5,6 a direct radio wave, and a relay direction, from the slave unit 5 for transmitting a long intermittent signal of the intermittent period (T _C) even a high probability of intermittent signal short handset 6 of intermittent period (T _C) is received first. Thus, the child device 4 transmits transmission data (D _s) to the child device 6 that has transmitted the intermittent signal received earliest. The relay operation is performed one after another, and the transmission data (D _s ) is relayed to the slave unit 9 by using the non-battery-driven slave unit 8 as the relay path, and the slave unit 9 reads the meter 15 To implement.

  The operation sequence of the radio telemetering system according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that in the fourth embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. In relay operation, if a battery-powered slave unit is used as a relay route, battery consumption will occur. Therefore, a non-battery-powered slave unit that has a power source type is given priority as a relay route used in wireless communication. By selecting the relay path, it is possible to suppress the battery consumption of the battery-driven slave unit.

  In order to select a relay route, the slave unit that is trying to relay transmission data selects the slave unit that has the shortest route and that has received the intermittent transmission signal of the adjacent slave unit earlier as the relay route. . As a result, the slave unit trying to relay the transmission data can receive the intermittent signal of the non-battery-driven slave unit that transmits the intermittent signal with a short intermittent period earlier, and the non-battery-driven slave unit is used as a relay path. Priority shall be selected.

As described above, in the radio telemetering system according to the fifth embodiment, the intermittent signals transmitted from the non-battery driven slave units 4, 6, 8 are transmitted from the battery driven slave units 5, 7, 9. is set to a shorter intermittent periods than intermittent signal (T _C), the master unit 3 and the slave unit 4-9 selects the slave having transmitted the intermittent signal received earliest as a relay route. Accordingly, since the master unit 3 and the slave units 4 to 9 can receive the intermittent signal of the non-battery driven slave units 4, 6 and 8 that transmit intermittent signals having a short intermittent period first, the non-battery drive Can be preferentially selected as relay routes. Thereby, it is possible to automatically select a relay path that can reduce the power consumption of the battery-powered slave units 5, 7, and 9, and it is possible to improve the convenience for the operator.

<Embodiment 6>
Next, a radio telemetering system according to Embodiment 6 will be described. FIG. 11 is an operation diagram in the relay route of the mesh network 100 of the wireless telemetering system according to the sixth embodiment, and FIG. 12 is an operation in the relay route of the mesh network 100 in the wireless telemetering system according to the sixth embodiment. It is a sequence diagram. Note that in the sixth embodiment, the same components as those described in the first to fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  The configuration of the wireless telemetering system according to the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the power types of the slave units 4 to 9 are different. Specifically, the slave units 4, 6, 7, and 8 are battery driven, and the slave units 5 and 9 are non-battery driven. Further, as a premise of the wireless environment, the slave unit recognized by the master unit 3 and the slave units 4 to 9 by direct radio waves is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  The master unit 3 and the slave units 4 to 9 use a radio unit within a predetermined radio wave intensity range as a neighboring radio unit among radio units recognized by direct radio waves, and provide information on the power type of the neighboring radio unit. It is assumed that neighboring wireless device information is stored in each memory. That is, the master unit 3 is the slave unit 4, the slave unit 4 is the master unit 3 and the slave unit 5, the slave unit 5 is the slave unit 4, 6, the slave unit 6 is the slave unit 5, 7, and the slave unit 7 is the slave unit 6, 8, the slave unit 8 holds the slave units 7 and 9, and the slave unit 9 holds the slave unit 8 in each memory as a nearby radio unit.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the battery-powered slave units 4, 6, 7, and 8, when the non-battery-driven master unit 3 or the slave units 5 and 9 are registered as neighboring wireless devices, the intermittent signal transmitted by itself intermittent period of _{(T C)} is set longer. For example, since the battery-powered slave units 4, 6, and 8 are registered as either the non-electrically driven master unit 3 or the slave units 5 and 9 as neighboring wireless devices, the intermittent signals transmitted by themselves are intermittent. The period (T _C ) is set long. On the other hand, the slave unit 7 of the battery driving, since the close any radios as non conductive areas driven the base unit 3 and the slave unit (5,9) is not registered, the intermittent cycle of the intermittent signal itself to transmit (T _C) Remains short.

When transmitting the transmission data (D _s ), the parent device 3 receives the intermittent signal of the child device recognized by the parent device 3. At this time, the master unit 3 recognizes the slave units 4 and 5 by direct radio waves, and since the intermittent period (T _C ) of the intermittent signal of the slave unit 5 is short, the intermittent signal having a long intermittent period (T _C ). There is a high probability that the intermittent signal of the slave unit 5 will be received before the slave unit 4 that transmits. Thus, base unit 3 transmits transmission data (D _s) to the child device 5 that has transmitted the intermittent signal received earliest.

The handset 5 that has received the transmission data (D _s ) from the base unit 3 confirms that the transmission data (D _s ) is not addressed to itself and performs a relay operation. The slave unit 5 operates to transmit transmission data (D _s ) in order to relay the data (D _r ) received from the master unit 3 to the next radio unit. At this time, the handset 5, are aware of the base unit 3 and the slave unit 6 a direct radio wave, and a relay direction, intermittently even longer handset 6 of intermittent period of the intermittent signal (T _C) high probability of receiving an intermittent signal of a short extension master station 7. periodicity (T _C) above. Therefore, the child machine 5, and transmits transmission data (D _s) to the child device 7 that transmitted the intermittent signal received earliest.

Although the wireless device in which any of the non-battery-driven parent device 3 and the child devices 5 and 9 is registered as a nearby wireless device, such as the child device 7, is driven by the battery, the intermittent signal transmitted by itself is intermittent. The cycle (T _C ) is short and is selected as a relay route. Even in the case where only the battery-powered slave unit exists in the neighboring wireless device, an effect of shortening the time required for relaying can be obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the base station 3 and the handset 4-9 exchange information for routing in advance in the autonomous routing setting 112, and the neighboring radio is determined based on the radio wave intensity at the time of the exchange. The information regarding the power source type of the parent device 3 and the child devices 4 to 9 is included in the information exchanged between the wireless devices while determining the device. The parent device 3 and the child devices 4 to 9 hold neighboring wireless device information 113 to 119 including information on each power supply type. The master unit 3 and the slave units 4 to 9 perform a relay operation based on the stored nearby radio information 113 to 119.

  In relay operation, if a battery-powered slave unit is used as a relay route, battery consumption will occur. Therefore, a non-battery-powered slave unit that has a power source type is given priority as a relay route used in wireless communication. By selecting the relay path, it is possible to suppress the battery consumption of the battery-driven slave unit. Furthermore, even when there are only battery-powered slave units in the vicinity, an effect of shortening the time required for relaying can be obtained.

  As described above, in the wireless telemetering system according to the sixth embodiment, the parent device 3 and the child devices 4 to 9 include the neighboring wireless devices including information on the power source type of the neighboring child devices held when the autonomous routing is set. When it is determined based on the information 113 to 119 that the nearby child device is only the battery-driven child device, the battery-driven child device is selected as a relay route. Therefore, even when there are no non-battery-driven slave units in the vicinity and only a battery-driven slave unit is present, the time required for relaying can be shortened by selecting a neighboring battery-driven slave unit as a relay route. An effect is obtained.

  It should be noted that the present invention can be freely combined with each other within the scope of the invention, and each embodiment can be appropriately modified or omitted.

  1 Center server, 3 master unit, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 slave unit, 100 mesh network.

Claims (2)

A center side device,
A wireless master device connected to the center side device via a communication line;
A plurality of wireless slave units each configured to perform data communication with the center side device by performing wireless communication with the wireless master unit, and each configured by a battery-driven radio device or a non-battery-driven radio device,
The wireless network includes a mesh network in which the wireless base unit, the battery-powered wireless device, and the non-battery-driven wireless device are wirelessly connected,
Wherein the wireless master unit and said radio personal station preferentially selects said non-battery operated radios as a relay path,
In the first half of the transmission operation period of the communication signal transmitted by itself, the wireless master device and the wireless slave device are concerned only when it is determined that the intermittent signal received from the other is transmitted from the non-battery-driven wireless device. A radio telemetering system that selects a battery-powered radio as a relay path, and selects, as a relay path, the wireless slave that has transmitted the intermittent signal received first in the second half of the transmission operation period of the communication signal . A center side device,
A wireless master device connected to the center side device via a communication line;
A plurality of wireless slave units each configured to perform data communication with the center side device by performing wireless communication with the wireless master unit, and each configured by a battery-driven radio device or a non-battery-driven radio device,
The wireless network includes a mesh network in which the wireless base unit, the battery-powered wireless device, and the non-battery-driven wireless device are wirelessly connected,
Wherein the wireless master unit and said radio personal station preferentially selects said non-battery operated radios as a relay path,
The wireless master unit and the wireless slave unit are determined that the neighboring wireless slave unit is only a battery-powered radio unit based on the information regarding the power type of the neighboring wireless slave unit retained during the autonomous routing setting. A wireless telemetering system that selects the battery-powered radio as a relay route .

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