JP7503166B1 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE, GAS DETECTION SYSTEM, GAS DETECTOR, COMMUNICATION METHOD, AND CONTROL METHOD - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] Detector information is confirmed by a communication device located away from the detector. [Solution] A gas detector (30) includes a sensor unit (SM) that detects a predetermined event, and a communication unit (31T) that transmits connection request information including information on the predetermined event detected by the sensor unit (SM) to an external device. [Selected Figure] Figure 3

Description

This disclosure relates to a detector, a communication device, a gas detection system, a communication method, and a control method.

Patent Document 1 discloses a gas detection system in which communication takes place between a mobile gas detector and a reception management unit that receives gas detection data sent from the mobile gas detector.

JP 2004-240823 A

The gas detection system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is one in which communication is performed between a mobile gas detector and a monitoring device equipped with a reception management unit, and therefore the gas detection system does not assume that users will communicate with each other using devices. For this reason, the gas detection system has the problem that a user cannot check information from a gas detector located in a remote location.

One aspect of the present disclosure aims to allow information from a detector to be viewed on a communication device located away from the detector.

To solve the above problem, the detector of the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a detection unit that detects a specific event, and a transmission unit that transmits connection request information including information about the specific event detected by the detection unit to an external device.

The detector transmits connection request information including information on the specified event detected by the detection unit to an external device of the detector. Because the connection request information includes information on the specified event, the information on the specified event can be obtained by having a communication device external to the detector receive the connection request information from the detector. This makes it possible to notify a user of the communication device in a remote location of information on the specified event detected by the detection unit of the detector without pairing the detector with the communication device.

The detector of the second aspect of the present disclosure is the detector of the first aspect, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether the specified event detected by the detection unit satisfies a specified condition, and the transmission unit transmits the connection request information including determination information indicating the determination result by the determination unit to an outside of the detector.

The connection request information includes judgment information that indicates the judgment result as to whether or not a specific event satisfies a specific condition. This allows a user of a communication device in a remote location to check the judgment result.

The detector of the third aspect of the present disclosure is a gas detector that detects a specified gas in the detector of the first or second aspect. Information on a specified event detected by a detection unit included in the gas detector can be notified to a user of a communication device in a remote location.

The communication device of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiving unit capable of receiving, from a gas detector that detects a specific gas, connection request information including detection information indicating the detection result of the specific gas by the gas detector, and includes at least one of a notification unit that notifies the detection information included in the connection request information when the connection request information is received by the receiving unit, a transmission unit that transmits the detection information included in the connection request information to the outside, a display unit that displays the detection information included in the connection request information, and a storage unit that stores the detection information included in the connection request information.

The communication device is capable of receiving connection request information from the gas detector, the connection request information including detection information indicating the detection result of a specific gas detected by the gas detector. When the communication device receives the connection request information from the gas detector, the communication device notifies, transmits to the outside, displays, or stores the detection information included in the connection request information. This allows a user of the communication device to know the detection information of a gas detector located in a remote location without pairing the gas detector with the communication device.

The communication device of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a gas detector that is installed at a predetermined position and is separate from the gas detector of the fourth aspect of the communication device. The communication device, which is a gas detector that detects a predetermined gas at a predetermined position, receives detection information from the other gas detector and reports it, transmits it to the outside, displays it, or stores it. This allows the user of the communication device to not only be aware of the detection of a predetermined gas around the predetermined position, but also to be aware of the detection information of the other gas detectors over a wider range.

A gas detection system according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication device according to the fourth or fifth aspect, a gas detector having a detection unit that detects the specified gas, and a transmission unit that transmits the connection request information, including the detection information indicating the detection result by the detection unit, to an outside of the gas detector.

The gas detector transmits connection request information including detection information indicating the detection result of a specific gas to an external device outside the gas detector. Furthermore, when the communication device receives connection request information from the gas detector, it notifies, transmits to the outside, displays, or stores the detection information included in the connection request information. Thus, a user of the communication device can check the detection information of a gas detector located in a remote location.

The communication method of the seventh aspect of the present disclosure includes a detection step in which a detector detects a predetermined event, and a transmission step in which the detector transmits connection request information including information on the predetermined event detected by the detector to an outside of the detector.

Connection request information including information about the specified event is transmitted from the detector to an external location. Because the connection request information includes information about the specified event, the communication device external to the detector can receive the connection request information from the detector and obtain the information about the specified event. This makes it possible to notify a user of the communication device in a remote location of information about a specified event detected by the detector, without pairing the detector and communication device.

The control method of the eighth aspect of the present disclosure includes a transmission step of transmitting connection request information, including specific information other than information related to a connection request, from a detector that detects a specific event to an external device, a reception step of receiving the connection request information transmitted by the transmission step with a communication device, and a control step of controlling the communication device in accordance with the specific information received by the reception step.

Connection request information including specific information other than information related to the connection request is transmitted from the detector to an external device. In addition, the connection request information transmitted from the detector is received by a communication device, and the communication device is controlled according to the specific information received by the communication device. In this way, the communication device receives specific information from a detector located away from the communication device, and the communication device is appropriately controlled according to the specific information.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, detector information can be viewed on a communication device located away from the detector.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a gas detection system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. 2 is a plan view showing a gas detector included in the gas detection system shown in FIG. 1 . 2 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a gas detector and a portable information terminal included in the gas detection system shown in FIG. 1 . 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the gas detection system shown in FIG. 1 . 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the gas detector shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a gas detection system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the gas detection system shown in FIG. 1 .

[Embodiment 1]
<Gas detection system>
Gas detection system 100 will be specifically described below with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating gas detection system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a plan view showing gas detector 30 provided in gas detection system 100 shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of gas detector 30 and portable information terminal 40a provided in gas detection system 100 shown in Figure 1.

In the first embodiment, an example will be described in which a gas detector 30 that detects a specific gas is used as the detector, and a mobile information terminal 40a capable of data communication is used as the communication device. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and any detection system that constructs a communication network including a detector that detects a specific event and a communication device that can communicate with the detector may be used.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gas detection system 100 includes multiple, for example, four gas detectors 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d (hereinafter collectively referred to as "30") and a mobile information terminal 40a.

<Gas detector>
2, the gas detector 30 includes a main body 31 having, for example, a rectangular shape. The main body 31 has, for example, a box made of synthetic resin, and the box is configured to be portable by a user such as an operator. In other words, the gas detector 30 functions as a portable mobile terminal.

An installation area 32 for installing five sensor units SM is provided, for example, on the front side of the main body 31. The installation area 32 is provided with slots 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e, each of which has a circular opening. The five sensor units SM are detachably attached to the slots 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e, respectively. The number of sensor units SM is not limited to five.

Furthermore, an alarm unit 33 is provided, for example, on the front side of the main body unit 31. The alarm unit 33 is, for example, an audio output unit including a speaker, and notifies the detection information to the outside by outputting audio indicating detection information showing the detection result of the sensor unit SM. The detection information is, for example, concentration information indicating the concentration of a specified gas detected by the sensor unit SM. In addition, a display unit 34 is provided, for example, on the front side of the main body unit 31. The display unit 34 is, for example, configured using a liquid crystal display panel, and displays detection information such as the detection result of the sensor unit SM.

The gas detector 30 is, for example, a gas detector that can be used in a compartment under an explosive atmosphere. Specifically, the gas detector 30 is configured in a structure that complies with explosion-proof construction standards (for example, international standards "IEC 60079-0:2017" and "IEC 60079-1:2014").

In other words, the gas detector 30 is capable of detecting a specified gas within a compartment with an explosive atmosphere, and is configured to minimize damage and maintain operation even if a gas explosion occurs within the compartment, and to prevent the device from becoming an ignition source and causing an explosion. Note that the explosive atmosphere referred to here refers to an atmosphere within the compartment in which an explosion is possible. In other words, it refers to an atmosphere containing a flammable gas at a concentration higher than the gas concentration at which an explosion may occur.

<Electrical configuration of gas detector>
Next, the electrical configuration of the gas detector 30 will be specifically described with reference to reference symbol A1 in Fig. 3. Reference symbol A1 in Fig. 3 indicates the electrical configuration of the gas detector 30. As indicated by reference symbol A1 in Fig. 3, the gas detector 30 includes a sensor unit SM and a main body unit 31. As indicated by reference symbol A1 in Fig. 3, the gas detector 30 is provided with five sensor units SM as shown in Fig. 2. Each sensor unit SM is modularized as a gas sensor module for detecting a predetermined gas.

Specifically, the sensor unit SM includes, for example, a constant potential electrolysis sensor, a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor, a catalytic combustion sensor, a semiconductor sensor, or a MEMS (micro electro mechanical system) type sensor element. The sensor unit SM is also configured to detect a predetermined gas, for example, methane gas, hydrogen gas, carbon dioxide gas, oxygen gas, carbon monoxide gas, hydrogen sulfide gas, sulfur dioxide gas, chlorine gas, or ammonia gas, depending on the sensing format of the sensor element.

For example, in the gas detector 30, two of the five sensor units SM may be used to detect the same type of specified gas, or different types of specified gas. The sensor units SM may also detect the measured value of the concentration of the specified gas.

The sensor unit SM is an example of a detection unit that detects a specified event. In the first embodiment, the gas detector 30 is illustrated as having a sensor unit SM that detects a specified gas as a specified event. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the gas detector 30 may be configured to have a detection unit that detects the occurrence of a malfunction in the gas detector 30 as a specified event. The present disclosure may also be configured to have a detection unit that detects the receipt of an operation instruction from a user, such as an alarm stop, via an operation receiving unit (not shown) as a specified event.

The sensor unit SM is equipped with a calculation unit that performs a predetermined calculation using calibration data pre-stored in the sensor unit SM on the detection result of a predetermined gas, and is configured to be able to transmit the result of the predetermined calculation to the control unit 31C. Because the sensor unit SM is configured in this way, the gas detector 30 makes it easy to replace the sensor unit SM.

In addition, in the gas detector 30, the main body 31 includes a control unit 31C, a communication unit 31T, an alarm unit 33, and a display unit 34, and is configured independently of the sensor unit SM, which is detachable from the main body 31.

The control unit 31C is configured to include, for example, a CPU, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The gas detector 30 also includes a memory unit (not shown) that stores a predetermined control program, and the control unit 31C controls each part of the gas detector 30 in accordance with the control program. The control unit 31C causes the notification unit 33 to notify the predetermined calculation result transmitted from the sensor unit SM as the detection result.

The control unit 31C has a determination unit 35, which determines whether the concentration of the specified gas detected by the sensor unit SM satisfies a specified condition. The specified condition is, for example, that the concentration of the specified gas detected by the sensor unit SM is equal to or greater than a specified value.

The communication unit 31T is configured to include, for example, a communication interface unit equipped with an I/O port (input/output circuit). The communication unit 31T transmits connection request information including detection information indicating the detection result of the sensor unit SM to the outside of the gas detector 30 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 31C.

The communication unit 31T also has the function of a transmitter that transmits the connection request information to the outside of the gas detector 30. The communication unit 31T may also have the function of a receiver that receives specified information from the outside of the gas detector 30. The communication unit 31T may also be composed of a receiver and a transmitter. Furthermore, the communication unit 31T may transmit connection request information including determination information indicating the determination result by the determination unit 35 to the outside of the gas detector 30.

The connection request information is an advertisement in BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication that is transmitted unidirectionally from the communication unit 31T to the outside of the gas detector 30, and is information that requests a connection to the communication unit 31T from the communication unit 31T to the outside of the gas detector 30. The gas detector 30 functions as a peripheral in the above-mentioned BLE communication.

<Electrical configuration of the portable information terminal>
The electrical configuration of the mobile information terminal 40a will be specifically described with reference to symbol A2 in Fig. 3. Symbol A2 in Fig. 3 indicates the electrical configuration of the mobile information terminal 40a. As shown by symbol A2 in Fig. 3, the mobile information terminal 40a includes a communication unit 40T, a notification unit 40H, a display unit 40D, a storage unit 40M, and a control unit 40C. The mobile information terminal 40a is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet. The mobile information terminal 40a is configured to be portable by the user. In other words, the mobile information terminal 40a functions as a portable mobile terminal.

The communication unit 40T is configured similarly to the communication unit 31T, and has the function of a receiver capable of receiving connection request information from the gas detector 30. The communication unit 40T may also have the function of a transmitter that transmits the detection information included in the connection request information to the outside of the mobile information terminal 40a. The communication unit 40T may also be composed of a receiver and a transmitter. The communication unit 40T is capable of communicating with a higher-level device of a higher-level system (higher-level network). Below, an example is given of the communication unit 40T communicating with a server 50 such as a cloud server as an example of a higher-level device.

The notification unit 40H notifies detection information such as the detection result of the sensor unit SM. The notification unit 40H is, for example, an audio output unit including a speaker, and notifies the detection information to the outside by outputting audio indicating the detection information.

The display unit 40D is configured, for example, using a liquid crystal display panel, and displays the detection information. The memory unit 40M stores the detection information. The control unit 40C is configured similarly to the control unit 31C, and controls each part of the mobile information terminal 40a according to a predetermined control program stored in the memory unit 40M.

<Example of gas detection system operation>
Next, an example of operation of the gas detection system 100 of this embodiment will be specifically described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the gas detection system 100 shown in Fig. 1. Reference character B1 in Fig. 4 indicates an example of operation of the gas detector 30, and reference character B2 in Fig. 4 indicates an example of operation of the mobile information terminal 40a. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing another example of operation of the gas detector 30 shown in Fig. 1. In the following description, a communication method of the gas detector 30 of this embodiment will first be described with reference to reference character B1 in Fig. 4.

<Gas detector operation example>
As indicated by reference symbol B1 in Fig. 4, the detection unit of the gas detector 30 detects a predetermined event (S1). Step S1 is an example of a detection process. Specifically, the sensor unit SM of the gas detector 30 detects a predetermined gas as the predetermined event. Note that in step S1, the detection unit of the gas detector 30 may detect the occurrence of a malfunction in the gas detector 30 as the predetermined event. The detection unit of the gas detector 30 may also detect the receipt of an operation instruction from a user, such as an alarm stop, to the operation receipt unit as the predetermined event.

After the detection unit of the gas detector 30 detects a predetermined event, the communication unit 31T, in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 31C, transmits connection request information including information about the predetermined event detected by the detection unit of the gas detector 30 from the gas detector 30 to the outside of the gas detector 30 (S2). Step S2 is an example of a transmission process.

Specifically, the communication unit 31T transmits connection request information including detection information indicating the detection result of the specified gas by the sensor unit SM to the outside of the gas detector 30. Note that in step S2, the communication unit 31T may transmit connection request information including detection information indicating the detection result of the occurrence of a malfunction in the gas detector 30, which is the detection result by the detection unit of the gas detector 30, to the outside of the gas detector 30.

The communication unit 31T may also transmit connection request information to the outside of the gas detector 30, the connection request information including detection information indicating the detection result of the reception of an operation instruction from the user, such as stopping an alarm, to the operation reception unit, which is the detection result of the detection unit of the gas detector 30.

As a result, the gas detector 30 transmits connection request information including information on the specified event detected by the detection unit to the outside of the gas detector 30. Since the connection request information includes information on the specified event, the portable information terminal 40a outside the gas detector 30 can receive the connection request information from the gas detector 30 and obtain the information on the specified event.

This allows the user of the mobile information terminal 40a in a remote location (e.g., in an area with an explosive atmosphere) to be notified of information about a specific event detected by the detection unit of the gas detector 30 without pairing the gas detector 30 with the mobile information terminal 40a. Pairing will be described later.

<Example of mobile information terminal operation>
Next, an example of the operation of the portable information terminal 40a will be specifically described with reference to symbol B2 in Fig. 4. As shown by symbol B2 in Fig. 4, the communication unit 40T receives connection request information including detection information indicating the detection result of a predetermined gas by the gas detector 30 from the communication unit 31T without pairing with the communication unit 31T of the gas detector 30 (S3). Pairing refers to establishing bidirectional communication between two devices, and in this case refers to establishing bidirectional communication between the communication unit 31T and the communication unit 40T.

After the communication unit 40T receives the connection request information, the notification unit 40H notifies the detection information included in the connection request information (S4). Here, the notification unit 40H may notify a specific event, such as the detection result of the occurrence of a malfunction in the gas detector 30, and the detection result of the reception of an operation instruction from the user, such as stopping an alarm, from the operation reception unit, among the detection information included in the connection request information.

After the notification unit 40H notifies the detection information, the communication unit 40T transmits the detection information included in the connection request information to the outside of the mobile information terminal 40a (S5). For example, the communication unit 40T may transmit the detection information included in the connection request information to the server 50. This makes it possible to notify the user who manages the server 50 of the detection information.

The mobile information terminal 40a may also include an acquisition unit (not shown) that acquires location information indicating the location of the mobile information terminal 40a. The communication unit 40T may transmit the location information acquired by the acquisition unit to the server 50. When transmitting information to the server 50, the communication unit 40T may transmit the information to the server 50 by email.

After the communication unit 40T transmits the detection information to the outside of the mobile information terminal 40a, the display unit 40D displays the detection information included in the connection request information (S6). After the display unit 40D displays the detection information, the storage unit 40M stores the detection information included in the connection request information (S7). Note that the execution order of steps S4 to S7 is not limited to the order shown by symbol B2 in FIG. 4, and may be changed as appropriate.

The portable information terminal 40a is capable of receiving connection request information from the gas detector 30, including detection information indicating the detection result of a specific gas detected by the gas detector 30. When the portable information terminal 40a receives connection request information from the gas detector 30, it notifies, transmits to the outside, displays, and stores the detection information included in the connection request information. Therefore, the user of the portable information terminal 40a can grasp the detection information of the gas detector 30 located in a remote location without pairing the gas detector 30 and the portable information terminal 40a.

The user of the portable information terminal 40a can accurately check the detection result of the specified gas in the vicinity of the user of the gas detector 30 who is in a remote location by the display on the display unit 40D. Furthermore, the user of the portable information terminal 40a can check the detection result of the specified gas in the vicinity of the user of the gas detector 30 who is in a remote location by the sound from the notification unit 40H. Therefore, the user of the portable information terminal 40a can immediately check the detection result of the specified gas even when the user is not operating the portable information terminal 40a.

<Another example of gas detector operation>
Next, another example of the operation of the gas detector 30 will be specifically described with reference to Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 5, the detection unit of the gas detector 30 detects a predetermined event (S11). The process of step S11 is the same as the process of step S1 shown by reference character B1 in Fig. 4.

After the detection unit of the gas detector 30 detects a predetermined event, the judgment unit 35 judges whether or not the predetermined event detected by the detection unit of the gas detector 30 satisfies a predetermined condition (S12). Specifically, the judgment unit 35 judges whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied, that is, the concentration of the predetermined gas detected by the sensor unit SM is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

The determination unit 35 may determine whether or not the detection result by the detection unit of the gas detector 30 satisfies a predetermined condition. In this case, the predetermined condition is that the detection result by the detection unit of the gas detector 30 indicates that a malfunction has occurred in the gas detector 30. The predetermined condition may also be that the detection result by the detection unit of the gas detector 30 indicates that an operation instruction from the user, such as to stop an alarm, has been received by the operation reception unit.

After the judgment unit 35 judges whether or not a specified condition is satisfied for a specified event, the communication unit 31T transmits connection request information including judgment information indicating the judgment result by the judgment unit 35 to the outside of the gas detector 30 (S13).

As a result, the connection request information includes judgment information indicating the judgment result as to whether or not a specific event satisfies a specific condition. This allows the user of the mobile information terminal 40a, who is in a remote location, to check the judgment result.

After step S13, the mobile information terminal 40a may execute the processes of steps S3 to S7 described above. In this case, the connection request information to be processed in steps S3 to S7 includes the above-mentioned determination information.

[Embodiment 2]
A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a gas detection system 101 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the gas detection system 101 shown in Fig. 1.

<Gas detection system>
6, gas detection system 101 differs from gas detection system 100 in that gas detection system 101 includes a second gas detector 30e instead of portable information terminal 40a. In the second embodiment, gas detectors 30a to 30d are referred to as first gas detectors 30a to 30d, respectively. Furthermore, first gas detectors 30a to 30d may be collectively referred to as first gas detector 30.

In the second embodiment, a case where a second gas detector 30e that detects a specific gas is used as the communication device will be described as an example. The configuration of the second gas detector 30e may be the same as that of the first gas detector 30. The second gas detector 30e includes a communication unit 40T, a notification unit 40H, a display unit 40D, a memory unit 40M, and a control unit 40C, all of which are indicated by reference character A2 in FIG. 3, and also includes a sensor unit SM, all of which are indicated by reference character A1 in FIG. 3.

The second gas detector 30e is a gas detector separate from the first gas detector 30. In other words, the second gas detector 30e is separate from the first gas detector 30. The second gas detector 30e functions as a central in the above-mentioned BLE communication.

The memory unit 40M may also store group setting information. The group setting information is information that sets at least one first gas detector 30 with which the communication unit 40T can communicate. The communication unit 40T may be capable of communicating with the first gas detector 30 that is set in the group setting information stored in the memory unit 40M.

The user of the second gas detector 30e can change the group setting information by operating an operation reception unit (not shown) provided in the second gas detector 30e. This allows the user of the second gas detector 30e to specify the first gas detector 30 with which the second gas detector 30e can communicate.

<Method of controlling a gas detection system>
Next, a control method of the gas detection system 101 will be specifically described with reference to Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 7, the communication unit 31T of the first gas detector 30 transmits connection request information including predetermined information other than information related to the connection request to an external device (S21). The external device is a predetermined device including the second gas detector 30e. The predetermined information is, for example, detection information indicating the detection result of the sensor unit SM included in the first gas detector 30. Step S21 is an example of a transmission process.

The communication unit 40T of the second gas detector 30e receives the connection request information transmitted by the communication unit 31T of the first gas detector 30 (S22). Step S22 is an example of a receiving process. After the communication unit 40T receives the connection request information, the notification unit 40H of the second gas detector 30e notifies the specified information included in the connection request information received by the communication unit 40T (S23).

After the notification unit 40H notifies the predetermined information, the control unit 40C executes control of the second gas detector 30e in accordance with the predetermined information contained in the connection request information received by the communication unit 40T (S24). Step S24 is an example of a control process. Examples of the control of the second gas detector 30e include the processes of steps S4 to S7 shown as reference character B2 in FIG. 4.

Connection request information including specific information other than information related to the connection request is transmitted from the first gas detector 30 to an external device. In addition, the connection request information transmitted from the first gas detector 30 is received by the second gas detector 30e, and the second gas detector 30e is controlled according to the specific information received by the second gas detector 30e. As a result, the second gas detector 30e receives specific information from the first gas detector 30 located away from the second gas detector 30e, and the second gas detector 30e is appropriately controlled according to the specific information.

[Modification 1]
In the first embodiment, the mobile information terminal 40a may include at least one of the notification unit 40H, the function of the transmission unit in the communication unit 40T, the display unit 40D, and the storage unit 40M. In this case, at least one of the processes of steps S4 to S7 shown by reference symbol B2 in FIG. 4 is executed.

[Modification 2]
In the second embodiment, the second gas detector 30e may be installed at a predetermined position. Specifically, the second gas detector 30e may be a stationary gas detector fixed at a predetermined position to detect gas at a fixed point.

The second gas detector 30e, which detects a specific gas at a specific position, receives the detection information from the first gas detector 30 and reports it, transmits it to the outside, displays it, or stores it. This allows the user of the second gas detector 30e to not only be aware of the detection of the specific gas around the specific position, but also to be aware of the detection information of the first gas detector 30 over a wider range.

[Modification 3]
In step S2 of embodiment 1, the communication unit 31T of the gas detector 30 may transmit connection request information including concentration information indicating the respective concentrations of different types of specified gases detected by the multiple sensor units SM to the outside of the gas detector 30.

In this case, in step S4, the notification unit 40H of the portable information terminal 40a notifies the concentration information included in the connection request information. Similarly, in step S5, the communication unit 40T of the portable information terminal 40a transmits the concentration information to the outside, and in step S6, the display unit 40D of the portable information terminal 40a displays the concentration information. In step S7, the memory unit 40M of the portable information terminal 40a stores the concentration information.

The connection request information includes concentration information indicating the concentration of each of the different types of specified gases. The portable information terminal 40a also reports, transmits, displays, and stores the concentration information. This makes it possible to inform a user of the portable information terminal 40a, who is in a remote location, of the concentrations of multiple types of specified gases in the vicinity of the user of the gas detector 30.

[Modification 4]
In the first embodiment, the gas detector 30 may include a temperature and humidity detection unit (not shown) that detects the temperature and humidity around the gas detector 30. The gas detector 30 may also include an information generation unit (not shown) that generates heat information indicating the degree of heat from the temperature and humidity around the gas detector 30 detected by the temperature and humidity detection unit.

The temperature and humidity detection unit is a temperature and humidity sensor built into the main body 31, and the information generation unit is included in the control unit 31C. The heat information may be information indicated by a heat index (WBGT: Wet Bulb Globe Temperature), for example, or may be information indicated by a color according to the degree of heat. Furthermore, instead of the temperature and humidity detection unit, the gas detector 30 may be provided with a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature around the gas detector 30, and a humidity detection unit that detects the humidity around the gas detector 30.

In step S2, the communication unit 31T may transmit connection request information including the heat information generated by the information generation unit to the outside of the gas detector 30. In this case, in step S4, the notification unit 40H of the mobile information terminal 40a notifies the heat information included in the connection request information. Similarly, in step S5, the communication unit 40T of the mobile information terminal 40a transmits the heat information to the outside, and in step S6, the display unit 40D of the mobile information terminal 40a displays the heat information. In step S7, the memory unit 40M of the mobile information terminal 40a stores the heat information.

The connection request information includes heat information that indicates the degree of heat. In addition, the mobile information terminal 40a reports, transmits, displays, and stores the heat information. This allows the user of the mobile information terminal 40a, who is in a remote location, to check the heat information, and allows the user of the mobile information terminal 40a to check whether the user of the gas detector 30 is in a safe state.

[Modification 5]
The communication unit 31T may transmit connection request information to the outside of the gas detector 30 in response to detection of a predetermined event by the detection unit of the gas detector 30 in step S2 indicated by reference symbol B1 in FIG.

The communication unit 31T may also periodically transmit the connection request information to the outside of the gas detector 30. In this case, in step S2, when the detection unit of the gas detector 30 detects a specified event, the communication unit 31T transmits the connection request information including the detection information at the periodic transmission timing of the next connection request information following the detection of the specified event.

Furthermore, consider a case where the communication unit 31T similarly periodically transmits connection request information to the outside of the gas detector 30. In this case, in step S2, when the detection unit of the gas detector 30 detects a specified event, the communication unit 31T may transmit connection request information including the detection information without waiting for the timing of the next periodic transmission of connection request information following the detection of the specified event. Note that the communication unit 31T may shorten the cycle of the periodic transmission of the connection request information and transmit the connection request information including the detection information in step S2.

In addition, when the communication unit 31T periodically transmits connection request information to the outside of the gas detector 30, the communication unit 31T may always include information regarding a specified event in the connection request information that is periodically transmitted. Furthermore, the communication unit 31T may include information indicating that a specified event has been detected in the connection request information that is periodically transmitted only when the detection unit of the gas detector 30 detects a specified event.

[Modification 6]
In the first embodiment, the determination unit 35 may be included in the control unit 40C of the mobile information terminal 40a, rather than in the control unit 31C of the gas detector 30. In this case, the process of step S12 in Fig. 5 is not executed, and in step S13, the communication unit 31T of the gas detector 30 transmits connection request information including information on a predetermined event detected by the detection unit of the gas detector 30 to the outside of the gas detector 30.

Let us consider a case where the communication unit 40T of the mobile information terminal 40a receives connection request information from the communication unit 31T. In this case, the determination unit 35 included in the control unit 40C refers to the information on the specified event included in the connection request information received by the communication unit 40T, and determines whether the specified event satisfies the specified condition, similar to step S12.

This disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure.

30, 30a to 30d Gas detector 30e Second gas detector (communication device)
31T Communication unit (transmitter)
35 Determination unit 40a Portable information terminal (communication device)
40T Communication section (receiving section, transmitting section)
40H Notification section 40D Display section 40M Memory section SM Sensor section (detection section)

Claims (8)

A communication device that performs BLE communication with a gas detector that detects a predetermined gas,
a receiving unit capable of receiving an advertisement from the gas detector , the advertisement being connection request information requesting establishment of communication with the gas detector, the connection request information including detection information indicating a detection result of the predetermined gas by the gas detector;
a notification unit that notifies the detection information included in the advertisement when the advertisement is received by the receiving unit;
A transmitter that transmits the detection information included in the advertisement to an outside.
A display unit that displays the detection information included in the advertisement ;
and a memory unit that stores the detection information included in the advertisement . The receiving unit is capable of receiving the advertisement periodically transmitted from the gas detector,
The communication device according to claim 1 , further comprising the display unit. A communication device according to claim 1 or 2;
A gas detection system comprising: a gas detector having a detection unit that detects the specified gas; and a transmission unit that transmits the advertisement , which includes the detection information indicating the detection result by the detection unit, to an outside of the gas detector. A gas detector comprising:
The gas detector comprises:
The gas detector in question communicates with another gas detector via BLE communication,
A detection unit for detecting a predetermined gas;
a receiving unit capable of receiving an advertisement from the other gas detector that detects the predetermined gas, the advertisement being connection request information requesting establishment of communication with the other gas detector, the connection request information including detection information indicating a detection result of the predetermined gas by the other gas detector;
a notification unit that notifies the detection information included in the advertisement when the advertisement is received by the receiving unit;
A transmitter that transmits the detection information included in the advertisement to an outside.
A display unit that displays the detection information included in the advertisement ;
a memory unit that stores the detection information contained in the advertisement . The gas detector according to claim 4, characterized in that it is installed at a predetermined position. The gas detector comprises:
Acting as a central in the BLE communication,
The gas detector according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that it is capable of communicating with the other gas detector that functions as a peripheral in the BLE communication. a detection step in which a gas detector detects a predetermined gas;
a transmission step of transmitting, from the gas detector to an outside of the gas detector, an advertisement, which is connection request information requesting establishment of communication with the gas detector, the connection request information including detection information indicating a detection result of the predetermined gas detected by the gas detector;
A receiving step of receiving the advertisement transmitted by the transmitting step by a communication device that performs BLE communication with the gas detector,
a notification step of notifying, from the communication device, the detection information included in the advertisement received by the receiving step;
a transmission step of transmitting the detection information included in the advertisement from the communication device to an outside of the communication device;
a display step of displaying the detection information included in the advertisement on the communication device;
a storage step of storing the detection information included in the advertisement in the communication device. a transmission step of transmitting, from a gas detector that detects a predetermined gas, detection information that is information other than information related to a connection request, the detection information including detection information indicating a result of detection of the predetermined gas by the gas detector, and an advertisement that is connection request information requesting establishment of communication with the gas detector, to an external device;
a receiving step of receiving the advertisement transmitted by the transmitting step by a communication device that performs BLE communication with the gas detector ;
a control step of controlling the communication device in response to the detection information included in the advertisement received by the receiving step ,
The control step includes:
a notification step of notifying the detection information included in the advertisement from the communication device;
a transmission step of transmitting the detection information included in the advertisement from the communication device to an outside of the communication device;
a display step of displaying the detection information included in the advertisement on the communication device;
A control method comprising at least one of the steps of: storing the detection information contained in the advertisement in the communication device; and

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