JP6490961B2 - Alarm and alarm system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an alarm device having a communication function, and in particular, a specific partner such as a user or an administrator, not only at the time of alarm, but also with a variety of large amounts of information while suppressing the risk of being intercepted by a third party. And an alarm system including such an alarm device.

  In recent years, various alarm devices that include various sensors and detect gas leaks and fires have been developed and put into practical use. These alarms inform the surroundings with a buzzer, lamp, etc. that the physical value of the monitoring target detected by the sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold value, indicating that it is in an abnormal state or a state that requires attention. It is configured to do. In addition, the fact that an abnormal state has occurred is transmitted to an external device using a communication means. For example, in Patent Document 1, a transmitter and a receiver are connected to a gas leak alarm and a gas meter, and when a gas leak is detected, the gas leak alarm is passed through the transmitter and the receiver to shut off the gas flow path. It is disclosed that a gas leak signal is transmitted to the gas meter.

JP 2009-284380 A

  As described above, some recent alarm devices are equipped with various sensors for the surrounding environment, and physical values of the surrounding environment obtained from such sensors, such as temperature and humidity, can be used for gas leakage and It is beneficial for the user to be able to communicate not only at the time of an abnormality such as a fire but also at normal times, for example, in response to a request from the user. In addition, some alarm devices have a memory, etc., which can store the elapsed time and alarm history from the start of use, and the detection data from various sensors in chronological order. If various types of stored data, including a large amount of data, can be transmitted to the outside, it will be beneficial not only to the user, but also to business operators, alarm device manufacturers, etc., who perform factor analysis at the time of alarm activation and cause analysis at the time of failure. However, such a variety of data, for example, in such a way that it can be received simply by tuning the frequency, or in response to a request message from an unspecified third party, It is not preferable in terms of privacy protection and security because each data includes information on the surrounding environment of the alarm device, for example, the environment in the residence related to the lifestyle of the resident.

  However, in order to avoid such a problem, for example, if a communication method is used in which the communication distance is short and the communication range is limited to the very vicinity of the alarm device, it may be located on the floor or a little away in the home. There is a problem that even a householder who is present can interfere with communication. Also, alarm devices are often installed on the ceiling, which is generally about 2.3 to 2.5 m high, so if the communication distance is shortened, the alarm devices installed at such heights can communicate with each other. There is a problem that it is necessary to bring the other party's device closer and the convenience for the user is reduced. In addition, prior to the transmission of information, it is possible to prevent transmission and reception with unspecified parties by taking steps that allow mutual recognition between the alarm device and the other device of the alarm device. However, there is a problem that a procedure for information communication becomes complicated, which requires a recognition procedure.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and is not limited to a report at the time of an alarm, but various information held by an alarm device can be voluntarily requested by a specific external party. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an alarm device that can be sent only to a specific partner in a simple procedure and without excessively impairing the convenience of the partner during communication, and such an alarm device and 1 Another object is to provide an alarm system including a plurality of portable information terminals.

Alarm of the present invention is a alarm device comprises a wireless communication device that enables communication between the portable information terminal, the alarm device may have a plurality of communication means, said plurality between the portable information terminal Communication with the portable information terminal by the other communication means by exchanging identification information for communication by another communication means different from the one communication means by one of the communication means The communication distance of communication by the one communication means is shorter than the communication distance of communication by the other communication means .

  A portable information terminal capable of exchanging identification information for communication by another communication means is provided by setting a communication distance of communication by the one communication means to be shorter than a communication distance of communication by the other communication means. People who can communicate with the alarm device are limited to mobile information terminals near the home, for example, to the householder who can approach the alarm device installed in the house, so security and privacy protection This is preferable.

In another aspect, the alarm device of the present invention is an alarm device including a wireless communication device that enables communication with a portable information terminal, and the alarm device includes a plurality of communication means, By exchanging identification information for performing communication by another communication means different from the one communication means by one communication means of the plurality of communication means with the terminal, by the other communication means It is configured to be able to communicate with the portable information terminal. Further, even when the alarm device is turned off, the identification information can be exchanged by generating power as the portable information terminal approaches. Configured to be able to . With such a configuration , for example, before installing an alarm device on the ceiling, etc., or when the alarm device is removed from the installation location for repair or inspection, it is easy to bring the portable information terminal close to the alarm device, Even in a state where it is difficult to obtain power supply from a commercial power source or the like, identification information for communication by other communication means can be exchanged without any problem, which is preferable.

In still another aspect, the alarm device of the present invention is an alarm device including a wireless communication device that enables communication with a portable information terminal, the alarm device having a plurality of communication means, By exchanging identification information for performing communication by another communication means different from the one communication means by one communication means among the plurality of communication means with the information terminal, the other communication means Is configured to be able to communicate with the portable information terminal, and further, the alarm operation of the alarm device is temporarily stopped from the portable information terminal side using the one communication means and the other communication means, respectively. The alarm operation is stopped longer in the case of the temporary stop using the one communication means than in the case of the temporary stop using the other communication means . With such a configuration , communication by one communication means is possible, for example, the portable information terminal is in the vicinity of the alarm device, or there is nothing to block between the alarm device and the owner of the portable information terminal If the alarm device is in a state where the surroundings of the alarm device can be visually recognized, the time until the alarm operation is restarted becomes longer. In other cases, the alarm operation is restarted in a shorter time. It is preferable because the buzzer and the like can be re-sound at a frequency according to the ease of grasping the situation of the owner of the person, and appropriate measures can be promoted.

  Moreover, the alarm device system of the present invention includes the alarm device of the present invention according to any one of the aspects described above and a portable information terminal capable of communicating with the alarm device, and after the exchange of the identification information, the identification information The exchange of identification information with a portable information terminal other than the portable information terminal is controlled based on the state of the portable information terminal for which the identification information has been exchanged. By simply operating the information terminal as appropriate, for example, the exchange of identification information with other portable information terminals can be prohibited, or can be permitted when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the portable terminal can communicate with the alarm device by other communication means. This is preferable because information terminals can be easily limited.

In another aspect, the alarm system of the present invention includes an alarm device including a wireless communication device that enables communication with a portable information terminal, and a plurality of portable information terminals that can communicate with the alarm device. The alarm device has a plurality of communication means and communicates with the portable information terminal by one communication means among the plurality of communication means by another communication means different from the one communication means. The communication device is configured to be able to communicate with the portable information terminal by the other communication means by exchanging identification information for, and the alarm device further includes each of the plurality of portable information terminals and the The identification information can be exchanged, and is configured to rank the plurality of portable information terminals with the identification information exchanged, and the information in the alarm device is the plurality of portable information terminals according to the rank. Configured to be transmitted by the other communication means in order to respectively. Such a configuration can transmit information to a plurality of portable information terminals in order, for example, from a terminal suitable for receiving such information according to the type of information transmitted from the alarm device. preferable.

  According to the present invention, the alarm device has a plurality of communication means, and one of the communication means is configured to exchange identification information necessary for communication by the other communication means. One communication means can communicate with an unspecified partner, but it can communicate only under a predetermined condition, and the other communication means are not limited in terms of condition as one communication means, and a relatively large amount Although it is easy to send and receive data, it is possible to communicate only with a specific partner through exchange of identification information for mutual recognition, etc., so only with a specific portable information terminal that can satisfy the predetermined condition After exchanging the identification information, communication can be performed in a manner that allows a relatively large amount of data to be transmitted and received without being restricted by conditions. Thus, for example, specific mobile information that is not received by a third-party mobile information terminal that cannot satisfy the above-mentioned predetermined conditions, such as information relating to the environment in the residence, information that can also be related to security is received. Can be sent only to the terminal. In addition, it is possible to prevent an undesired reaction by receiving a message intentionally or unintentionally sent from such a third party. In addition, even if the above-mentioned predetermined condition requires, for example, that the alarm device is very close to the alarm device, as long as the identification information is exchanged, the floor is a little far from the location where the alarm device is installed. It is possible to communicate with a portable information terminal located outdoors, and relatively large data such as a history of monitoring data of each sensor can be exchanged without being limited to alarm information.

  In addition, for example, by exchanging identification information necessary for communication by other communication means automatically performed by one communication means as soon as the predetermined condition is satisfied, a new portable information terminal Even when communicating with the user, the user of the alarm device or the portable information terminal can easily start communication without bothering himself / herself. As a result, information that an alarm device can have can be safely and easily extracted, and that information can be effectively used in alarm device management, countermeasures in case of abnormalities, and daily life. Become.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of one Embodiment of the alarm device of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of one Embodiment of the alarm device system of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the exchange operation | movement of the identification information between the alarm device of this invention, and a portable information terminal. It is a figure which shows each alarm device of one Embodiment of this invention installed in the residence, and each portable information terminal inside and outside the residence. It is a figure which shows that only one portable information terminal is exchanging the identification information for communication by another communication means in one Embodiment of the alarm device system of this invention. It is a figure which shows that the some portable information terminal is exchanging the identification information for communication by another communication means in one Embodiment of the alarm device system of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining an example of the exchange operation | movement of the identification information between the alarm device of the alarm device system of this invention, and a portable information terminal.

  Next, the alarm device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. The alarm device 1 of the present invention has a mobile information terminal 2a, 2b as shown in a block diagram of one embodiment in FIG. 1 and a configuration example of an alarm system 50 of the present invention including the alarm device 1 in FIG. Wireless communication device 10 is provided. Moreover, the alarm device 1 has a plurality of communication means, in the present embodiment, a first communication means 11 and a second communication means 12, and the portable information terminals 2a and 2b (hereinafter, there is no need for distinction). Is also referred to as a portable information terminal 2 by one communication means (first communication means 11 in the present embodiment) among a plurality of communication means, and the other communication means (second communication in the present embodiment). Means 12) is configured to exchange identification information for communication, and by exchanging the identification information, the second communication means 12 can communicate with the portable information terminals 2a and 2b. . In the example shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the wireless communication device 10, sensors 15 a to 15 n that monitor physical numerical values of the surrounding environment such as a gas sensor, a smoke sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor, and sensors that control these sensors. The control unit 17 and a storage unit 19 that stores a control program executed in the sensor control unit 17, measurement data of physical values measured by the sensors 15a to 15n, past operation history of the alarm device 1, and the like. It has. The alarm device 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a sensor 18 a to 15 n, a sensor control unit 17, a storage unit 19, and a power supply 18 that supplies power to the wireless communication device 10.

  A wireless communication device 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a first communication unit 11 and a second communication unit 12 for communicating with the portable information terminal 2, and a communication for controlling communication by the first and second communication units 11 and 12. A control unit 13 is provided. The first communication unit 11 is configured to exchange identification information necessary for communication between the alarm device 1 and the portable information terminal 2 by the second communication unit 12. Here, the “identification information” is information necessary for the alarm device 1 and the portable information terminal 2 to recognize each other as one specific device. Therefore, the identification information may be a unique identification code assigned to both, but for example, as will be described later, the communication standard used for communication by the second communication means 12 is Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this case, each corresponds to a pairing code (also referred to as a passkey or PIN) necessary for pairing work for registering the counterpart device as a communication partner.

  The first communication unit 11 preferably uses a communication standard that allows only devices that can satisfy a predetermined condition to communicate with the alarm device 1. By using such a communication standard, a device that can communicate with the alarm device 1 by the second communication unit 12 by exchanging identification information by the first communication unit 11 satisfies a certain condition. It can be limited to a limited number of portable information terminals. Here, the predetermined condition is, for example, that the alarm device 1 is at a close distance, such as within 1 m, or that the alarm device 1 is in a position where the alarm device 1 can be visually recognized without a shielding object such as a wall between the alarm device 1 and the like. It may be. Under such conditions, for example, a portable person possessed by a person who can approach the alarm device 1 to a distance of several tens of centimeters, or at least a person who can enter the house where the alarm device 1 is installed. Communication with the alarm device 1 by the second communication means 12 can be limited only to the information terminal.

  For this reason, the communication standard used in the first communication means 11 is preferably a short-distance wireless communication whose communication distance is within several tens of meters, or IrDA using infrared rays that can hinder the connection when there is an obstacle. NFC (Near Field Communication), in which the communication distance is as short as several centimeters and communication is possible only by being close to each other without power supply, is particularly preferable. When NFC is used as a communication standard, the first communication unit 11 may be a commercially available NFC chip. As described above, an example in which NFC is used as the communication standard of the first communication unit 11 is shown in FIG. 1, and the first communication unit 11 includes a power source 112. When the communication partner such as the portable information terminal 2 approaches a communicable distance (for example, within a few centimeters), the power source 112 supplies power excited by electromagnetic induction to a coil that also serves as the antenna 111, for example, in the storage unit 113 or the like. 1 It supplies to the component which comprises a communication means. For this reason, even when there is no power supply from the power source 18, that is, when commercial power is not supplied to the alarm device 1, or when the battery is not set when the alarm device 1 is battery-powered, The portable information terminal 2 can communicate with the portable information terminal 2 within a distance of several centimeters via the antenna 111 by the power from the power source 112 only when the portable information terminal 2 approaches within a few centimeters, for example. 12 can be exchanged with the portable information terminal 2. Even when the first communication unit 11 includes the power source 112, the first communication unit 11 may be configured to operate with power from the power source 18 when power is supplied from the power source 18.

  Moreover, the 1st communication means 11 may have a control means which is not illustrated other than the power supply 112 and the memory | storage part 113 as a component, and when the portable information terminal 2 approaches as mentioned above, As power is supplied from the power source 112, the control means automatically executes the control program recorded in the storage unit 113 and exchanges identification information with the portable information terminal 2. May be. In this case, it is preferable that the storage unit 113 stores at least information necessary for exchanging identification information, in addition to the control program executed by the control means. Information necessary for the exchange of identification information includes the number of portable information terminals 2 for which identification information has already been exchanged, information relating to such portable information terminals, new portable information terminals, etc. Or information regarding whether or not the identification information can be exchanged. Since the identification information is automatically exchanged in this way, the trouble of exchanging the identification information by the user is eliminated, and the second communication is performed between the alarm device 1 and the portable information terminal 2. Communication by means 12 can be easily performed. The storage unit 113 may be composed of a semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM, and the control means may be a semiconductor device such as a microcomputer or an ASIC.

  The second communication means 12 is a communication means provided in the wireless communication device 10 and different from the first communication means 11, and is connected to the portable information terminal 2 using a communication standard different from the communication standard used by the first communication means 11. It communicates via the antenna 121 between. Note that the antenna 111 may also serve as the antenna 121.

  The second communication means 12 is free of conditional restrictions as required in the preferred communication standard used for the first communication means 11, for example, is located relatively far away and / or there are obstacles between them. It is preferable to use a communication standard that can be connected to the other party. In addition, the communication standard used by the second communication unit 12 is such that, by completing the exchange of identification information, for example, the communication device of the other party is registered in the internal storage unit of each communication device, and communication is performed only with the registered specific partner. It is preferable that it becomes possible. By using such a communication standard, as long as the exchange of identification information is completed, for example, data can be transmitted / received to / from the portable information terminal 2 located on the floor or outside the house away from the alarm device 1. In addition, it is possible to prevent these data from being received by a third party and to react unfavorably by receiving a message from the third party. An example of a preferable communication standard used for the second communication means 12 is a specification that can communicate up to about 100 m, is strong against an obstacle, can communicate a relatively large amount of data, and has completed registration work called pairing. Bluetooth (registered trademark) that can communicate only with the other party is used. When Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used, the second communication means 12 may be a commercially available Bluetooth module.

  The communication control unit 13 controls communication with the portable information terminal 2 by the first communication unit 11 and the second communication unit 12. The first communication unit 11 may be connected to the sensor control unit 17 and the storage unit 19 and configured to execute a control program recorded in the storage unit 19. In addition, the information received by the first and second communication means 11 and 12 is transmitted to the sensor control unit 17 in a format that indicates which communication means has been received, or is recorded in the storage unit 19. May be configured. Further, it is determined that the data transmitted from the sensor control unit 17 or the data read from the storage unit 19 is transmitted by either or both of the first and second communication units 11 and 12, and the corresponding communication is performed. It may be configured to send data to the means. Also, as will be described later, when identification exchange has been completed with a plurality of portable information terminals 2, it is determined to which portable information terminal to transmit, and information on the portable information terminal of the transmission destination is given to the second communication means May be configured to send information. The communication control unit 13 can be configured by a semiconductor device such as a commercially available microcomputer or ASIC.

The sensors 15a to 15n of the alarm device 1 are, for example, various gas sensors that detect carbon monoxide (CO) gas, methane gas (CH ₄ ), or propane gas (C ₃ H ₈ ), a temperature sensor including a thermistor, a humidity sensor, or Various sensors such as a smoke sensor and an odor sensor that monitor physical phenomena in the monitoring target area around the alarm device and output monitoring data may be used. Although FIG. 1 shows up to the sensor 15n, one type or a plurality of types of sensors may be provided. Data detected by the sensor is sent to the sensor control unit 17.

  The sensor control unit 17 controls the operation of the sensors 15a to 15n (hereinafter, also referred to as the sensor 15 if there is no need for distinction), and for example, detects data sent from the sensor 15 as a predetermined reference. Compare with the threshold value. When the detected data exceeds the threshold value, the alarm device 1 is configured to notify an abnormal state by a buzzer or a lamp (not shown) provided in the alarm device 1. This series of operations can use the same configuration as a conventional alarm device. The sensor control unit 17 can also be configured by a semiconductor element such as a microcomputer or an ASIC.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 19 is connected to the sensor control unit 17 and the communication control unit 13. The storage unit 19 can store control programs executed by the sensor control unit 17 and the communication control unit 13 and detection data related to the surrounding environment obtained by the sensor 15. In addition, in the storage unit 19, either or both of the first and second communication units 11 and 12 register a connected counterpart device such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). When is used, information about registered devices may be recorded. In addition to these, the storage unit 19 also includes, for example, the installation date of the alarm, the elapsed time since installation, the detection date and time of each detection data from the sensor 15, and each detection for determining that the surrounding environment is abnormal Management data of the alarm device itself, such as a threshold value for data, the number of times each detection data exceeds such a threshold value, and the remaining capacity of the battery when the alarm device 1 is battery-powered, may also be recorded. In addition, the storage unit 19 records inspection data after installation of the alarm device 1, records at the time of manufacture, and various correction values and calculation formulas when correction or calculation is necessary for the detection value of the sensor. May be. Further, the storage unit 19 may record information to be communicated to the user in the event of an abnormality, for example, information on a coping method and information on an emergency contact address. Note that information recorded in the storage unit 19 and information recorded in the storage unit 113 in the first communication unit 11 may partially overlap. Information that needs to be transmitted to the portable information terminal 2 even when no power is supplied from the power source 18 is preferably recorded in the storage unit 113 in the first communication unit 11. In addition, some or all of the information recorded in each of these storage units may be appropriately replaced according to the state of the alarm device 1. The storage unit 19 may be configured by a semiconductor memory such as EEPROM, SRAM, and DRAM, or a combination thereof.

  As long as the alarm device 1 uses a commercial power source, the power source 18 may be an inverter that receives power from the commercial power source and converts it into DC power having a desired voltage. The power source 18 may be a primary battery such as a dry battery or a secondary battery such as a battery. When the power source 18 is a battery, as described above, the remaining capacity of the battery may be recorded in the storage unit 19, and information regarding the battery life may be transmitted to the portable information terminal 2 in response to a request from the user. Further, when the remaining capacity falls below a predetermined value, the alarm device 1 may be configured to notify that the battery life is approaching.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the appearance of the alarm device 1 of the present embodiment, and also shows a configuration example of an embodiment of the alarm device system of the present invention including the alarm device 1 of the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the alarm device 1 informs the user by means of a plurality of sensor openings 21 a that communicate with the detection portions of the sensors 15 (see FIG. 1), the detection results of each sensor, and the abnormal state. A speaker opening 21b, and a display unit 21c for informing the user of such information by lighting, blinking, and color of the LED. However, the external appearance of the alarm device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1 and may have any shape or design designed according to the use environment or function.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2, the alarm system 50 according to an embodiment includes the alarm device 1 and portable information terminals 2 a and 2 b that can communicate with the alarm device 1. FIG. 2 shows an example in which a smartphone is used as the portable information terminal 2a and a tablet information terminal is used as the portable information terminal 2b. However, the number of portable information terminals 2 constituting the alarm system 50 together with the alarm device 1 is not limited to two, and may be only one, or may be three or more. Note that “communication with the alarm device 1 is possible” means that any device having a function enabling communication with the alarm device 1 is provided, and a communication line based on a specific communication standard is provided. This means that (link) includes those not yet set up with the alarm device 1. The number of portable information terminals 2 that can exchange identification information necessary for communication by the second communication means 12 with the alarm device 1 is identified with the alarm device 1 first or first. You may comprise so that it may be determined based on the portable information terminal with which information was exchanged.

  The mobile information terminal 2 may be a mobile phone other than the above-described smartphone or tablet type information terminal, a mobile phone other than a smartphone, a notebook PC, an electronic book reader, or the like, and the first and second communication means 11 and 12 of the alarm device 1 There is no particular limitation as long as it is a portable device having a communication function capable of communication, and having information transmission means to the user, such as a display function or audio output. Furthermore, it is preferable to have an information input means such as a keyboard and a microphone and to be able to transmit information to the alarm device 1, in which case the control signal for the operation of the alarm device 1 or the alarm device 1 is used. It becomes possible to send a request message for requesting data transmission.

  In the alarm device 1 according to the embodiment and the alarm device system 50 according to the embodiment including the alarm device 1 according to the embodiment, as described above, the alarm device 1 between the alarm device 1 and the portable information terminal 2 by the second communication unit 12 is used. The first communication means 11 exchanges identification information necessary for communication by the second communication means 12. This identification information exchange operation is a case where NFC (Near Field Communication) is used for communication by the first communication unit 11 and Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used for communication by the second communication unit 12, and An example of a case where identification information is automatically exchanged with approach will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, when the portable information terminal 2 is brought close to the alarm device 1, the portable information terminal 2 is approached by power excitation by electromagnetic induction in the power source 112, specifically, the portable information terminal 2 communicates by NFC. The first communication means 11 detects that the distance has been reached (S1). When the approach of the portable information terminal 2 is detected, a control unit (not shown) in the first communication unit 11 executes a control program recorded in the storage unit 113 and searches for Bluetooth-compatible devices according to the control program. An instruction is sent to the portable information terminal 2 using NFC (S2). Receiving this instruction, the portable information terminal 2 searches for a Bluetooth-compatible device and sends the search result to the first communication means 11 using NFC (S3). The first communication means 11 that has received the search result sends a pairing code to the portable information terminal 2 using NFC (S4). The portable information terminal 2 that has received the pairing code sends this pairing code to the first communication means 11 (S5). Thereby, the exchange of identification information when the second communication means 12 uses Bluetooth (registered trademark), that is, the pairing work for registering the counterpart device is completed (S6). In this way, the pairing work is automatically performed by NFC, so that the user is free from complicated procedures and can easily use communication by Bluetooth (registered trademark).

  In this way, when Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used for communication by the second communication means 12, once the identification information is exchanged, that is, the pairing operation is performed, the pairing is not intentionally released thereafter. As long as the alarm device 1 and the portable information terminal 2 can communicate with each other using Bluetooth (registered trademark). In addition, performing pairing by NFC has advantages in terms of privacy protection and security. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, once pairing is performed with the alarm device 1 installed on the first floor of the residence 100, for example, when it is on the floor like the portable information terminal 2d However, as in the case of the portable information terminal 2e, even if it is outside the residence 100, for example, in the garden, or even in a nearby location within a few tens of meters outside the site, between the alarm device 1 Communication can be performed. However, in order to perform pairing, it is necessary to approach the alarm device 1 as close as possible (within a few centimeters) like the portable information terminal 2c, so a large amount of data is communicated at a position away from the alarm device 1. Devices that can be used can be limited to devices such as personal digital assistants 2c that are owned by householders and the like that can be brought into the immediate vicinity of the alarm device 1. For this reason, only the householder etc. can receive the data regarding the environment in the residence 100 which the alarm device 1 has without being received by a third party, and the alarm device 1 is an external communication device. Even if it is configured to be operable from the beginning, it can be operated only by a householder or the like without fear of being operated by a third party. For example, in S4 of the pairing procedure described with reference to FIG. 3 described above, only the portable information terminal that can approach the alarm device 1 by pairing code only by NFC is paired. Can be able to.

  In addition, in the unlikely event of pairing with a device owned by a third party, a list of paired portable information terminals 2 and a history of communication by Bluetooth (registered trademark) are stored in the storage unit 19. It may be recorded and the recorded information can be viewed from the portable information terminal 2 at any time.

  When NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used for communication by the first communication unit 11 and the second communication unit 12, respectively, both are communication standards capable of bidirectional communication. If the terminal 2 includes, for example, an information input means such as a keyboard or a microphone, or even a simple switch, a control signal is sent from the portable information terminal 2 to the alarm device 1 or an alarm is issued from the portable information terminal 2 It is also possible to operate the vessel 1. Such control signals and operation contents include an instruction to transmit data in the alarm device 1, an instruction to acquire each physical value of the current environment, an instruction to execute a specific program such as a self-diagnostic program, an abnormality determination threshold value, and the like. Examples include a change, an instruction to pause the alarm operation when the alarm is activated, and the like. Further, even when the operation from the portable information terminal 2 is configured as described above, it is possible from the portable information terminal 2 due to the nature of the purpose of installing the alarm device for preventing disasters and preventing the spread of damage. The operation is limited compared to the case where the alarm device 1 is directly operated by checking the surrounding situation at the place where the alarm device 1 is installed, and the content of the operation obtained by the operation is different from the case where the operation is performed directly May be.

  Similarly, even when the alarm device 1 is operated from the portable information terminal 2, an alarm that can be operated by an instruction via the first communication means 11 by NFC and an instruction via the second communication means 12 by Bluetooth (registered trademark). The operation of the device 1 and the operation content obtained by the operation may be different. For example, referring again to FIG. 4, when alarm device 1 detects an abnormality and performs an alarm operation such as a buzzer sounding, the mobile phone at a position where communication with NFC can be performed with alarm device 1. Temporary alarm operation by Bluetooth (registered trademark) from the portable information terminal 2d on the second floor where communication by NFC or the portable information terminal 2e in the outdoors where NFC communication is not possible is received from the information terminal 2c The temporary stop time of the alarm operation may be different depending on when the stop instruction is received. That is, in the case of an instruction by NFC that needs to approach the alarm device 1 in the immediate vicinity, it is considered that the owner of the portable information terminal 2c also gives a temporary stop instruction after grasping the situation around the alarm device 1. Therefore, the pause time may be relatively long. On the other hand, in response to an instruction sent by Bluetooth (registered trademark) because it is located on the second floor where NFC communication is impossible, such as the portable information terminals 2d and 2e, the owner of the portable information terminals 2d and 2e However, since it is considered that the instruction is given without confirming the situation around the alarm device 1, the temporary stop time may be shortened so as to prompt prompt action or on-site confirmation. Or you may comprise the alarm device 1 so that it may not respond to the temporary stop instruction | indication of alarm operation | movement by Bluetooth (trademark). Alternatively, the alarm operation may be completely stopped in response to an instruction by NFC.

  In this way, consideration is given to the prevention of disasters, etc. by changing the time until the alarm operation is restarted depending on whether the alarm operation is temporarily stopped via the communication means of the first communication means 11 or the second communication means 12 However, it is possible to effectively sound a buzzer and the like, and to suppress unnecessary noise and to reduce power consumption.

  Note that the operation of the alarm device 1 varies depending on which communication means is used, for example, the communication control unit 13 shown in FIG. 1 determines which of the first communication means 11 and the second communication means 12. Is added to the signal for instructing the temporary stop of the alarm operation, and a code indicating the identification result is added to the sensor control unit 17 and sent to the sensor control unit 17, and the sensor control unit generates a buzzer according to the code. It can be realized by stopping and restarting. In other words, the alarm device 1 configured in this way used one of two preset operations for an instruction from an external device such as the portable information terminal 2. It can be said that it can be selected and operated according to the communication means.

  As described above, as an example in which the operation of the alarm device 1 varies depending on the communication means, in addition to the above-described example, for example, the alarm device 1 receives the physical numerical value of the current surrounding environment from the portable information terminal 2. When receiving the acquisition instruction, in the case of an instruction via the second communication means 12, all the physical numerical values that can be acquired by operating all the sensors 15a to 15n of the alarm device 1 are acquired, and the first communication is performed. In the case of an instruction via the means 11, since the portable information terminal that has transmitted the instruction is immediately next to the alarm device 1, and it is considered that the owner is also in the immediate vicinity, it can be easily sensed by human senses, for example, In addition, the sensor for smoke and odor may not be activated and power consumption may be suppressed. Further, when a message such as a countermeasure is sent to the portable information terminal 2 during the alarm operation, different messages may be transmitted by both the first and second communication means 11 and 12. For example, in the case of a gas leak or the like, in the communication by the first communication means 11 using NFC for a portable information terminal that is considered to be near the alarm device 1, a message that prompts to close or vent the gas is sent. In the communication by the second communication means 12 using Bluetooth (registered trademark) for the portable information terminal which is considered to be located away from the device 1, it does not approach the alarm device 1 because it is dangerous together with the telephone number of the gas company or the like. You may send a message prompting you to report to.

  In the alarm device 1 according to the embodiment, as described above, NFC is used as a communication standard by the first communication unit 11, so that communication by the second communication unit 2 can be performed even when there is no power supply from the power source 18. The identification information can be exchanged. By adopting such a configuration, for example, it is possible to exchange identification information for communication by the second communication means 12 even when the alarm device 1 is not yet connected to a commercial power source before being installed on a ceiling or the like. It becomes. Since it is necessary to bring the portable information terminal close to the alarm device 1 for NFC communication, it is possible to exchange identification information before installing it at a high place such as a ceiling. It will be extremely beneficial to you.

  As described above, the alarm system 50 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes one or a plurality of portable information terminals 2, and identification information necessary for communication with the alarm device 1 by the second communication unit 12. The number of portable information terminals 2 that can be exchanged may be determined based on the portable information terminals whose identification information has been exchanged with the alarm device 1 first or first. This point will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

  5A and 5B show an alarm system 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention that includes the alarm device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a plurality of portable information terminals 2f to 2i. 5A and 5B, the boundary A conceptually indicates the boundary of whether communication with the alarm device 1 by the first communication unit 11 (see FIG. 1) is possible, and the range A1 surrounded by the boundary A The portable information terminal 2g connected to the alarm device 1 via the link B can communicate with the alarm device 1 by the first communication means. Accordingly, the range surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line A means a range within a few centimeters from the alarm device 1 when NFC is used for communication by the first communication means 11, for example, when infrared communication or the like is used. It means a range where there is no obstacle between at least the alarm device 1 and the like. A portable information terminal that has already exchanged identification information for communication by the second communication means 12 (see FIG. 1) with the alarm device 1 is connected to the alarm device 1 via a link C.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5A, identification information is exchanged between the alarm device 1 and the portable information terminal 2f. Further, since the portable information terminals 2h and 2i are outside the boundary A, the identification information is not exchanged. Although the portable information terminal 2f is also outside the boundary A, it has moved outside the boundary A after exchanging identification information within the range A1. On the other hand, in the portable information terminal 2g, the identification information is not exchanged in spite of being in the range A1 in which communication with the alarm device 1 by the first communication means 11 is possible, and other than the portable information terminal 2f. This indicates that the exchange of identification information between each portable information terminal and the alarm device 1 is restricted. When the exchange of identification information for communication by the second communication means 12 can be controlled in this way, for example, only a portable information terminal possessed by a specific person among householders who can approach the alarm device 1 immediately. In addition, communication with the alarm device 1 using the second communication means 12 can be limited, for example, preventing a child from operating the alarm device 1 mischievously or taking wrong measures during an alarm operation. it can.

  How to control the exchange of such identification information is not particularly limited. For example, (a) a portable information terminal that has already exchanged identification information (in this paragraph, (Referred to as a portable information terminal 2f), the exchange of identification information is not permitted at all, (b) the exchange of identification information is permitted only when the conditions specified by the portable information terminal 2f are satisfied, (c) the identification Allow the exchange of identification information until the number of portable information terminals that have exchanged information reaches a predetermined number, and / or (d) if registration of the portable information terminal 2f to the alarm device 1 is invalidated, etc. The exchange of the identification information of the portable information terminal may be permitted. Among the examples (a) to (d), as described above, NFC is used for communication by the first communication unit 11 for the example of the identification information exchange operation when the control according to (b) and (c) is performed. An example of the case where Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used for communication by the second communication means 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the first communication means 11 detects the approach of the portable information terminal 2 (S1), first, the control means (not shown) in the first communication means 11 determines in advance the number of portable information terminals 2 already paired. It is determined whether the number is less than the number obtained (S11). In the case of an affirmative determination (“Y” in FIG. 6), the control unit further determines whether or not the condition specified in advance from the already paired portable information terminal 2 is satisfied (S12). As this condition, in the case of a battery-type alarm device, the remaining capacity of the battery is a predetermined value or more. Further, such conditions may be received from the paired portable information terminal 2 and recorded in the storage unit 113 or the storage unit 19 in advance. If the determination in step S12 is affirmative ("Y" in FIG. 6), the first communication unit 11 instructs the portable information terminal 2 to search for a Bluetooth device (S2). Subsequent operations are the same as those described with reference to FIG. In addition, when a negative determination is made in S11 or S12 ("N" in FIG. 6), the first communication unit 11 notifies the portable information terminal 2 that pairing is not possible without proceeding to the steps after S2. (S13). In order to make the determination in S11, the number of paired portable information terminals 2 and the number of portable information terminals 2 that are allowed to be paired are specified by the above-mentioned already paired portable information terminals 2. Similarly to the above, it may be recorded in the storage unit 113 or the storage unit 19. Further, the designation condition by the paired portable information terminal 2 may limit the portable information terminal 2 that allows the pairing to a specific portable information terminal. For example, if an individual identification code assigned to each Bluetooth (registered trademark) device is transmitted from the portable information terminal 2 to the alarm device 1, pairing can be controlled in accordance with such conditions. .

  In FIG. 5B, unlike the example shown in FIG. 5A, the alarm device 1 and a plurality of portable information terminals 2f, 2g, 2i provide identification information for communication by the second communication means 12 (see FIG. 1). An alarm system 50 of one embodiment of the present invention being replaced is shown. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, all portable information terminals except for the portable information terminal 2 h outside the boundary A exchange identification information with the alarm device 1 and are connected by a link C. Although the portable information terminals 2f and 2i are outside the boundary A, they are moved outside the boundary A after exchanging identification information within the range A1. In the alarm device system 50 of the present embodiment, when the second communication means 12 can communicate with a plurality of portable information terminals as shown in FIG. 5B, the alarm device 1 displays the information in the alarm device 1. An order between the mobile information terminals may be defined with respect to the transmission order, and the information in the alarm device 1 may be sequentially transmitted to each mobile information terminal along the order.

  The method of determining such an order is not particularly limited. For example, the communication control unit 13 (see FIG. 1) counts the number of times of communication with the alarm device 1 during a certain period, and this number of times is determined. It may be in order of most. Or it is good also as the order which communicated with the alarm device 1 most recently. Alternatively, the order may be determined according to the instruction received from the user via the portable information terminal 2. Then, information about the determined order may be added to the list of portable information terminals that have exchanged identification information and recorded in the storage unit 19 or the storage unit 113. When transmitting information from the alarm device 1 to the portable information terminal 2, for example, the communication control unit 13 reads out a list of portable information terminals to which information about the rank is added from the storage unit 19 or the storage unit 113. Information can be transmitted to each portable information terminal in the order along the order. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the portable information terminal 2g is within the range A1 in which communication by the first communication means 11 is possible, information is preferentially transmitted to the portable information terminal 2g. It is good also as such a structure.

  For example, if a higher order is set in advance from the portable information terminal held by a person who can deal more appropriately and promptly than a person who tends to be young or absent, the order in which the alarms are activated will be in that order. Accordingly, information is transmitted to the portable information terminals 2f, 2g, and 2i, and it becomes possible to take an appropriate response more quickly. In addition, when the gas concentration is slightly increased although the abnormal state is not reached, the communication is not continuously performed to all the portable information terminals capable of communication by the second communication unit 12, but first, If the mobile information terminal 2f, which has a high order, notifies the mobile information terminal 2f that the gas concentration has increased, and there is no response from the mobile information terminal 2f within a predetermined time, the mobile information terminal 2i, which has the next highest order, for example, You may make it alert | report, and when there exists a predetermined appropriate response from the portable information terminals 2f and 2i, you may abbreviate | omit notification after that. By configuring in this way, unnecessary or urgent communication can be reduced and the power consumption of the alarm device 1 can be suppressed.

  In addition, information to be communicated between the alarm device 1 and the portable information terminal 2 is, for example, for a user during the alarm operation, an instruction for a countermeasure or a telephone number of an emergency contact is illustrated for the user. Is done. The instruction of the coping method may be not only for prompting evacuation but also depending on the type of abnormality, and if the carbon monoxide concentration is high, take ventilation, open windows, and / or take a low posture If the concentration of methane gas or propane gas is high, the message may prompt confirmation of the fire source. If a buzzer sounds when an abnormality occurs, it will be easy to panic anyway, so it is very useful that such specific instructions are displayed on the display screen of the portable information terminal that you carry around the day. . In addition, for gas suppliers who analyze the cause after alarm action, for police officers or firefighters, the detection history of each sensor recorded in time series until the alarm action and each sensor Information such as sensitivity fluctuation history, self-diagnosis results, and alarm operation history is useful. For example, if Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used for communication by the second communication means, a relatively large amount of information such as time-series data over a long period can be easily communicated.

  Also, during normal times, detection data of each physical numerical value of the current environment may be sent at the request of the user, and even if there is no abnormality, attention to heat stroke is urged when the temperature and humidity rise. A message may be sent to confirm the source of fire and humidify when drying, or to promote ventilation when the air becomes dirty. In addition to this, the remaining capacity of the battery in the case of the battery type, the total operating time or the remaining effective period of the alarm may be transmitted to the portable information terminal periodically or at the request of the user. Also, alarm manufacturers and gas suppliers send inspection data, models, serial numbers, etc. at the time of manufacture and installation of alarm devices from the portable information terminal and record them in the storage unit of the alarm device. You may let them. Thus, the utility value of the alarm device 1 is increased by transmitting and receiving various information.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the alarm device has one communication means and another communication means, and the one communication means exchanges identification information necessary for communication by the other communication means. Since one communication means uses a communication standard such as NFC that cannot communicate unless the portable information terminal is brought close to the alarm device 1, for example, other communication means are used. For example, a third party can use a communication standard that has a longer communication distance than NFC, can easily transmit and receive large amounts of data, and can communicate only with registered portable information terminals by exchanging identification information. In addition to alarm notification, a relatively large amount of data such as the history of detection data from each sensor and the operation history of the alarm device can be received. Without being limited to such as near immediately, it is possible to interact with the portable information terminal at a remote location to some extent. In addition, it is possible to automatically exchange the identification information, and by doing so, it is possible to easily start communication by other communication means. As a result, it is possible to safely and easily take out various information that an alarm device can have from a portable information terminal, and manage such information as alarm device management, handling in case of abnormalities, daily life, etc. It can be used effectively in The present invention will become more useful in the future with the spread of portable information terminals such as smartphones.

  Note that the configuration and flowchart of each unit shown in the above embodiment is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various other modifications are possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Alarm device 2, 2a, 2b Portable information terminal 10 Wireless communication apparatus 11 1st communication means 112 Power supply 113 Storage part 12 2nd communication means 13 Communication control part 15a, 15b, 15n Each sensor 17 Sensor control part 18 Power supply 19 Storage part 21a Sensor opening 21b Speaker opening 21c Display unit 50 Alarm system 100 Dwelling

Claims (5)

An alarm device including a wireless communication device that enables communication with a portable information terminal,
The alarm is,
Have a plurality of communication means,
By exchanging identification information for performing communication by another communication means different from the one communication means by one communication means of the plurality of communication means with the portable information terminal, the other communication Configured to be able to communicate with the portable information terminal by means ,
The alarm device , wherein a communication distance of communication by the one communication means is shorter than a communication distance of communication by the other communication means . An alarm device including a wireless communication device that enables communication with a portable information terminal,
The alarm device has a plurality of communication means,
By exchanging identification information for performing communication by another communication means different from the one communication means by one communication means of the plurality of communication means with the portable information terminal, the other communication Configured to enable communication with the portable information terminal by means, and
Wherein in alarm device power off condition, alarm device that is configured to allow replacement of the identification information by causing the power with the approach of the portable information terminal. An alarm device including a wireless communication device that enables communication with a portable information terminal,
The alarm device has a plurality of communication means,
By exchanging identification information for performing communication by another communication means different from the one communication means by one communication means of the plurality of communication means with the portable information terminal, the other communication Configured to enable communication with the portable information terminal by means, and
The alarm operation of the alarm device can be paused using the one communication means and the other communication means from the portable information terminal side, and the case where the alarm operation of the alarm device is paused using the one communication means is better. , alarm device, wherein the alarm operation Ru is stopped longer than when temporarily stopping using the other communication means. An alarm system comprising the alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and a portable information terminal capable of communicating with the alarm device,
An alarm system configured to control the exchange of identification information with a portable information terminal other than the portable information terminal based on the state of the portable information terminal with which the identification information has been exchanged after the exchange of the identification information. . An alarm device comprising a wireless communication device enabling communication with a portable information terminal, and an alarm device system comprising a plurality of portable information terminals capable of communicating with the alarm device,
The alarm device has a plurality of communication means, and communicates with the portable information terminal by another communication means different from the one communication means by one communication means of the plurality of communication means. It is configured to enable communication with the portable information terminal by the other communication means by exchanging identification information,
The alarm device can further exchange the identification information with each of the plurality of portable information terminals, and is configured to rank the plurality of portable information terminals with the identification information exchanged,
An alarm system configured to transmit information in the alarm device to each of the plurality of portable information terminals in order by the other communication means according to the order.

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