JPH01126856A - Communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain information transmission with high reliability by sending a signal series comprising the arrangement of plural signals or combined signals in a prescribed order, checking the received signal series and checking whether or not the kind of the signal constituting it or the kind and order is a prescribed kind or order. CONSTITUTION:A communication equipment consists of a master station 1, a slave station 2 and a transmission line 3 and n-kind of signals with different frequency are used and r-set of signals among them constitute combination signals to apply the communication by the methods of nCr kinds. PIural different signals or signal series comprising the arrangement of combined signals in a prescribed order are sent and the received signal series is checked as to whether the kind of the signals constituting the series, kinds of combined signals and the transmission order of the signals are prescribed kinds. Thus, in the transmission of nCr information, the reliability is improved.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention uses a plurality of signals (n types) with different frequencies, and by combining several signals (r pieces) of these plurality of signals, The present invention relates to an nCr (combination) information transmission method (communication method) that configures a combination signal and transmits information by associating predetermined information with each combination signal.

[Prior Art] When using something that is not originally installed as a transmission line for communication, such as a gas pipe, as a transmission line for communication, there is a large amount of noise mixed into the transmission line, and there is also a large attenuation of the signal. Even in such cases, it is necessary to use a sufficiently reliable communication method.

The nCr information transmission method is one of such communication methods. For example, this uses multiple signals (n types) with different frequencies, configures a combined signal by combining several signals (r pieces) of these multiple signals, and corresponds predetermined information to each combined signal. This is used to transmit information.

[Problems to be solved] It can be said that the conventional nCr information transmission method described above is one step closer to practical use as an information transmission method using gas pipes, etc. Under conditions where communication cables or railway rails run through the vicinity, there is a problem of noise entering the gas pipeline as a transmission line, and reliability is at a disadvantage.

The present invention is proposed in view of the above points, and is a conventional method.

The purpose of this invention is to realize a more reliable information transmission method (communication method) in the Cr information transmission method.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention proposes the following communication method as a means for solving the above problems.

A communication method in which a plurality of different signals are used, a predetermined number of the signals are combined to form a combined signal, and the combined signal is associated with predetermined information to transmit information. Transmits a signal sequence made up of combined signals arranged in a predetermined order, examines the received signal sequence, and checks the types of signals that make up these, the types of combined signals, and whether the transmission order of those signals is the predetermined one. communication method.

In addition to the above inspection method, it is also possible to check that the time width of each received signal is within a predetermined range, that the difference between the above time widths is within a predetermined range, and that the number of combinations or the predetermined number of received signals is within a predetermined range. It is also possible to perform this by adding a means for checking whether there is a problem.

[Example] Next, an example of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a communication device that implements the communication method of the present invention. This communication device is composed of a master station 1, a slave station 2, and a transmission line 3, and uses four types of signals with different frequencies, two of which constitute a combined signal, and communicates using the nCr information transmission method. . In the case of the embodiment, since n=4 and r=2, six types of information can be transmitted as shown in Table 1.

In Table 1, 81 to S4 represent four types of signals, and represent information expressed by information 1 to information 6 or a combination of these signals. Also, O uses the signal of that column, ×
indicates that the signal in that column is not used. For example, information
is represented by a combination of signals S1 and S2, and information 2 is represented by a combination of signals SI and S3.

<Space below> Table 1 Both master station 1 and slave station 2 perform transmission and reception, and have their respective functions. We will mainly explain the parts related to reception.

The master station 1 has four oscillators 11. ~114, and generate four types of signals S and ~S4 having different frequencies. The selection circuit 12 includes an oscillator 11. The signals from 114 to 114 are selected based on the selection data output by the output port 13, and the selected signals are superimposed and output. The amplifier circuit 14 amplifies the signal from the selection circuit 12 to a predetermined level and sends it to the transmission line 3.

The input port 15 receives and takes signals corresponding to information 1 to information 6 from outside 11 to i6, and inputs them to the microcomputer 16 as information data.

When the microcomputer 16 transmits information,
Based on the information data from the input port 15, predetermined signal designation data is output to the output port 13. For example, Table 1
As shown in , when transmitting information l, signals S,
, S2, and when transmitting information 2, outputs data for selecting signals S1 and S3. - On the other hand, when information is not transmitted, a signal series consisting of signals 81 to S4 is sent out in order to check whether the transmission line is in good condition or whether there is a failure in the device. That is, selection data for repeatedly generating S2+S3, the signal S, and the signal S4, which are the superimposed signals S2 and S3, in this order and at predetermined time intervals, is output to the output port 13. These signals are sent to the slave station 2 as polling signals, and as will be described later, the slave station 2 sends back the same signal to the master station each time it receives each signal.

The slave station 2 has an amplifier circuit 21 for amplifying the signal sent from the master station I through the transmission line 3, and its output is input to a filter 22. Filter 22 separates the signals from amplifier circuit 21 according to frequency and restores signals 81 to S4. The detection circuit 23 detects the signal from the filter 22, binarizes it into logic level "0" or "1", and outputs it. The input port 24 inputs these signals to the microcomputer 25 as signal data.

When information is being transmitted, the microcomputer 25 determines the information sent based on the signal data from the input port 24 and sends the data to the output port 26.
Output to. Output port 26 is microcomputer 2
Information signals 11 to i6 corresponding to the data from 5 are output. On the other hand, when the above signal series is sent from the master station 1, selection data for generating the same signal is output.

The slave station 2 also includes circuits similar to the output port 13, selection circuit 12, oscillators 111 to 114, and amplifier circuit 14 of the master station I (not shown), and these circuits allow the microcomputer 25 to A signal based on the selection data to be output is sent to the master station 1 side.

The master station 1 also includes an amplifier circuit 21, a filter 22, a detection circuit 23, and a circuit similar to the input port 24 of the slave station 2 (not shown in the figure). A signal based on the link is received and the signal data is input to the microcomputer 16. When the microcomputer 16 receives these data, it checks whether each of these data is equal to the one sent to the slave station 1 as a poll link signal, and if it is equal to the one sent to the slave station 1, it transmits the information. It is determined that the transmission is being performed correctly.

If they are not equal, it is determined that the information is not transmitted correctly, and warning data is output to the output port 17. The output port 17 receives this and outputs a warning signal.

Note that the slave station 2 is also provided with an output port 27 for outputting a warning signal based on warning data from the microcomputer 25, or is not used here.

Next, the operation will be explained.

When the information signals i, to i6 are not input, the master station 1 transmits the predetermined signal sequences S2+S, , Sl, S4, S2+S, . . . as shown in the time chart of FIG. Repeatedly output at time intervals. That is, the microcomputer 16 first outputs signal designation data for selecting the signals S2 and S3 to the output port 13. The output port 13 thereby outputs the selection data to the selection circuit 12, and the selection circuit 12 outputs the selection data to the oscillator 11. The signals S2 and S3 are selected from among the signals SI to S4 outputted by the 114, and the superimposed signals are input to the amplifier 14. Amplifier 14
amplifies this to a predetermined level and sends it to the transmission line 3.

When slave station 2 receives this signal, amplifier 21 first receives #!
and then separated by frequency in a filter 22. In this case, since the signal S2 and the signal S3 are superimposed, these signals S2 and S3 are separated and input to the detection circuit 23. The detection circuit 23 detects these, binarizes them, and outputs them. Input port 24 receives this and inputs signal data representing signals S2 and S3 to microcomputer 25. When the microcomputer 25 receives this data, it outputs signal designation data for selecting these two signals in order to send the signal S2+83 back to the master station 1. From then on, using the same circuit as the master station I,
A signal S2''S:l is sent to the transmission line 3.

When the master station 1 receives this signal, the signal S2 and the signal S3 are separated by a circuit similar to that of the slave station 2, and signal data representing these is input to the microcomputer 16. When the microcomputer 16 receives these data,
It is checked whether these data are equal to the data of the signal transmitted to the slave station I as a baud link signal, and if it is equal to the data transmitted to the slave station I, it is determined that the information transmission is being performed correctly. If they are not equal, it is determined that the information transmission is not performed correctly, and warning data is output to the output port 17. The output port 17 receives this and outputs a warning signal.

When a correct signal is sent back from slave station 2, master station 1 then transmits signal S1. In order to transmit this signal, the microcomputer 16 outputs signal designation data designating the signal S□ to the output port 13. The output port 3 outputs selection data for selecting the signal S1 to the selection circuit 12. The selection circuit thereby selects the oscillator 11. signal S from
, select and output. This signal is sent to the transmission line 3 through the amplifier circuit 14.

When the slave station 2 receives this, it returns the signal S to the master station 1, as in the case of the signal S2+S:l. The master station 1 receives and inspects this, and when the signal S□ is returned, it determines that the information transmission is being performed correctly. If the signal is not returned correctly, a warning signal is output.

The master station l then sends S4 and performs a similar test,
Then, the process returns to the signal S2÷83 and continues this type of test.

The microcomputer 16 repeats the transmission of such a signal sequence, and as long as it is returned correctly, there will be no large noise mixed in on the transmission path, and the condition of the transmission path is therefore good, and there will be no failure of the communication device. I judge that there is no.

On the other hand, the information signal is transmitted as follows.

For example, if an information signal i3 is input to the input port 15 of the master station L, then the microcomputer 1
6 receives the information data from the input port 15 and outputs signal designation data for selecting the signals S8 and S4 to the output port 13. As a result, the output port 13 causes the selection circuit 12 to select the signal S1 and the signal S4, and sends out the superimposed signal S□+84 or the combined signal to the transmission line 3 through the amplifier circuit 14.

When the slave station 2 receives this combined signal, it is first amplified by an amplifier 21, and then separated by frequency by a filter 22. In this case, since the signal s1 and the signal S4 are superimposed, these signals Sl and S4 are separated and input to the detection circuit 23.

The detection circuit 24 detects these, binarizes them, and outputs them.

The input port 24 receives this and the microcomputer 2
Signal data representing the signals S□ and S4 are input to the input signal 5. When the microcomputer 25 receives this data, it outputs the information data of information 3 represented by the signal S1+34 to the output port 26.
Output to. Output port 26 is microcomputer 2
The information signal i4 corresponding to the data from 5 is output.

When the information transmission is completed, the master station 1 transmits the above-mentioned signal sequence to the slave station 2 to carry out the inspection again, and checks the returned signal to check whether it is normal or not.

In this way, since the communication status is constantly checked using a predetermined signal sequence, extremely reliable communication is possible. In addition, through such inspection, it is possible to detect not only the quality of the transmission path but also a failure of the communication device.

By monitoring the output signal of the output port 15, the operator of the communication device can know whether the transmission path 3 is in good condition or whether there is a device failure, and can postpone or retransmit the information signal or restore the device. etc., it will be possible to take appropriate measures.

In addition, here, it is assumed that the slave station returns the same signal in response to the signal transmitted by the master station, but this does not necessarily have to be the same signal, and if a predetermined signal is returned,
Any signal may be used.

In addition, in this example, a signal from the master station is transmitted to the slave station and the signal is checked at the master station, but the same result can be achieved if the slave station does not return the signal and the slave station checks the signal. You can get some effect.

Further, the signal sequence used here is a single line, and it is also possible to use a signal sequence composed of other signals and arranged in a different order.

Embodiment 2 Next, a communication method according to another embodiment will be described. The communication device that implements this communication method is the same as the communication device that implements the communication method according to the embodiment shown in FIG. However, the microcomputers 16 and 25 operate differently from the above embodiment. Therefore, below, the operation of the microcomputer 16.25 will be mainly explained. Note that since the transmission of the information signals 11 to i6 is exactly the same as in the first embodiment, the explanation thereof will be omitted here.

In this example, when the master station 1 is not transmitting information signals, it sequentially sends signals S□ to S4 to check whether the transmission line 3 is in good condition or whether there is a failure in the equipment. It is transmitted to slave station 2 one by one. The slave station 2 then checks whether these signals can be received correctly.

The microcomputer 16 of the master station 1 transmits signals SI to S4 to the slave station 2 in this order when information is not being transmitted, so it sequentially sends signal designation data for selecting these signals to the output port 13. Output. by this,
The selection circuit 12 sequentially selects one of the signals 81 to S4,
It is transmitted to slave station 2.

When the slave station 2 receives this, the microcomputer 25
The signal data of the signals S and S4 are input from the input cover 24. The microcomputer 25 confirms that these data have been input, and if all the data can be confirmed, there is no large noise mixed in the transmission line 3, and therefore the condition of the transmission line 3 is good. It is also determined that there is no failure in the communication device.

On the other hand, if even one of the signal data of the four signals 81 to S4 cannot be confirmed, it is determined that the state of the transmission line 3 is poor or that a failure has occurred in the communication device.
Warning data is sent to the output port 27 to output a warning signal.

By monitoring the output signal of the output port 27, the operator of the communication device can know whether the transmission line 3 is in good condition or whether there is a device failure, and can postpone or retransmit the information signal or restore the device. Appropriate measures can be taken.

On the other hand, when information is generated, the information signal is transmitted as a predetermined combination signal corresponding to the information.

In the communication method according to this embodiment, the signals used for inspection are not superimposed signals, and the time intervals of the signals and the order of the signals are not particularly defined. Therefore, the abnormality detected by the communication method according to the previous embodiment may not be detected. However, the method according to this embodiment is superior in terms of simplicity of the test method, and in particular, whether or not four types of signals having different frequencies can be correctly transmitted or received can be sufficiently tested by this method.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of another embodiment. This embodiment is comprised of a transmitter 31, a receiver 32, and a transmission line 33 made of a gas pipe. The transmitter 31 sends a signal to the transmission line 33 based on the nCr communication system, and the receiver 32 receives and receives this signal via the transmission line 33.

Here, the transmitter 31 uses four types of signals with different frequencies, extracts and combines any two signals from these signals, generates a combination signal 4C2 representing predetermined information, and transmits this. do. The transmitter 31 is 4
As the type of signal, a signal with a frequency other than the frequency of the commercial power supply or its harmonics is used in all cases. These signals are burst waves, and two signals with different frequencies are superimposed on each other and sent to the transmission path 33.

By extracting two of these four types of signals with different frequencies and combining them, 6 signals are generated as shown in Table 1 above.
It is possible to send different types of information.

The receiver 32 has an amplifier circuit 34 and a detection circuit 35, and the combined signal from the transmission line 33 is amplified to a predetermined level by the amplifier circuit 34 and input to the detection circuit 35. The detection circuit 35 separates the combined signal from the amplifier circuit 34 into four types of signals with different frequencies before superimposition, and then performs envelope detection. An example of the combined signal and the separated signal is shown in FIG. The detection circuit 35 further provides a predetermined threshold and binarizes the detected signal. Of the four resulting signals, normally only two signals are at logic level "1" and the remaining two signals are at logic level "0". These binary signals are input to a signal determination circuit 36, a combination number determination circuit 37, a time width determination circuit 38, and a time difference determination circuit 39.

The signal determination circuit 36 checks which of the four binary signals from the detection circuit 35 has the logic level "l" and outputs signals j□ to j6 corresponding to information 1 to information 6. For example, when the signals S□ and S2 are sent from the transmitter 31, the output of the detection circuit 35 corresponding to these becomes logic level "l", and the signal judgment circuit 36 outputs the signal jI corresponding to the information l. do. Similarly, when the signals S, , S, the signal j2 is output.

The combination number determination circuit 37 receives the four 2 signals from the detection circuit 35.
Check how many of the value signals are at logic level "1". Then, only when the two signals are at logic level "1", it is determined that these signals are correct signals.

The time width determination circuit 38, as shown in FIG.
The time width T of the 1'' signal is measured, and only when the width is within a predetermined range T1 to T2, the signal is determined to be a correct signal.

The time difference determination circuit 39, as shown in FIG.
11'' signal, for example, a binary signal a.

The time widths of b are compared, and only when the time width difference ΔT is within a predetermined range, these signals are determined to be correct signals.

When the combination number determination circuit 37, the time width determination circuit 38, and the time difference determination circuit 39 all determine that the input signal is a correct signal, the signal selection circuit 40 selects the signals j+ to j6 from the signal determination circuit 36. Output.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be explained.

When transmitting Ja31 or, for example, information 1, the transmitter 31 superimposes two signals S1 and S2 of different frequencies and sends the superimposed signal to the transmission path 33.

This combined signal representing information l is input to the receiver 32 from the transmission line 33, first amplified to a predetermined level by the amplifier circuit 34, and then input to the detection circuit 35. The detection circuit 35 separates the combined signal from the amplifier circuit 34 into four types of signals with different frequencies before superimposition, and then performs envelope detection. The detection circuit 35 further binarizes the detected signal using a predetermined threshold. Assuming that the four signals obtained as a result are not affected by SI sound, etc., only the binary signals corresponding to the signals S□ and S2 are at the logic level ゛°1'', and the other two signals are at the logic level. It is “0”.

These binary signals are then input to a signal determination circuit 36, a combination number determination circuit 37, a time width determination circuit 38, and a time difference determination circuit 39.

The signal determination circuit 36 checks which of the four binary signals from the detection circuit 35 has the logic level "1" and outputs signals j, ~j6 corresponding to information 1 to information 6. . In this case, since the output corresponding to the signal Sl, 32 is at the logic level "1", the signal determination circuit 36 outputs the signal j, corresponding to information 1.

On the other hand, the combination number determination circuit 37 detects the four signals from the detection circuit 35.
Check how many of the two binary signals are at logic level "1". In this case, the number of signals in which the above two signals are at logic level "1" is two. Therefore, the combination number determining circuit 37 determines that these signals are correct signals. If the number is other than 2 due to noise, etc.,
It is determined that the signal is not correct.

At the same time, the time width determination circuit 38 measures the time widths of the two logic level "t" signals corresponding to the signals S, , S2 from the detection circuit 35. Then, assuming that the width is within a predetermined range without the influence of noise or the like, this determination circuit determines that these signals are correct signals.

Further, the time difference determination circuit 39 compares the time widths of the two logic level "1" signals from the detection circuit 35. If the difference in time width is within a predetermined range, the time difference determination circuit 39 determines that these signals are correct signals.

In the signal selection circuit 40, the number of combinations determining circuit 37, the time width determining circuit 38, and the time difference determining circuit 39 are all
As described above, since the input signal is determined to be a correct signal, the signal from the signal determination circuit 36 is output.

In this case, since the signal determination circuit 36 outputs jl, the signal selection circuit 40 outputs a signal j0 representing information l.

Above, we have explained the case where all three judgment circuits judge the signal as correct, but if the influence of noise is large and even one of the three judgment circuits judges that the signal is incorrect, the signal No signal is output from the circuit 40.

As explained above, according to this embodiment, the combination number determining means, the time width determining means, and the time difference determining means are provided, and the combined signals sent through the transmission line are
The transmitted signal is determined to be a correct signal only when all the judgment means judge that the signal is correct.

Therefore, the final output signal is extremely reliable.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to perform communications using underground pipes such as gas pipes as transmission lines with extremely high reliability without being affected by noise.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, the communication method according to the invention of the present invention has the following effects:
8. A communication method for transmitting information by using a plurality of different signals, combining a predetermined number of the signals to form a combination signal, and associating predetermined information with each combination signal, A signal series composed of the above-mentioned combined signals arranged in a predetermined order is transmitted, and the received signal series is examined to check whether the types or types and order of the signals constituting it are the predetermined ones. Through such inspection, it is possible to know whether the state of the transmission path is good or not, and whether there is a failure in the equipment, and it becomes possible to take appropriate measures such as postponing or retransmitting the transmission of the information signal, restoring the equipment, etc. Therefore, extremely reliable information transmission is possible. According to experiments, the number of unsuccessful communications is 62 compared to the number of communications of 40,161, and this value is only o, isx.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a communication device according to a first embodiment that uses a communication method according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the communication device, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the communication device. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the combined signal and this separated signal in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the signal from the detection circuit in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6
The figure is an explanatory diagram of the time width determination of the two-digit number in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. 1...Master station 2...Slave station 3...Transmission line 12...Selection circuit 13.17.26.27...Output port 14.21.
...Amplification circuit 15.24...Input port 16.25...Microcomputer 22...Filter 23.35...Detection circuit

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) A communication method in which a plurality of different signals are used, a predetermined number of the signals are combined to form a combined signal, and the combined signal is associated with predetermined information to transmit information, comprising: Alternatively, transmit a signal sequence composed of the above-mentioned combined signals arranged in a predetermined order, check the received signal sequence, and check whether the types of signals constituting these, the types of combined signals, and the transmission order of those signals are the predetermined ones. Communication method to check. (2) Claim 1: When the noise on the transmission line is dominated by high frequency components of the commercial power supply, the S/N ratio necessary for transmission is secured by selecting a combination signal between these frequencies. Communication method described. (3) Check that the time width of each received signal is within a predetermined range, that the difference in time width is within a predetermined range, and that the number of combinations is a predetermined number. A communication method according to claim 1.