JPH09284236A - Radio data communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To analyze how the system has been affected from a surrounding environment when there is any defect in the communication. SOLUTION: A transmitter 3 is composed of a transmitter side clock means 7 measuring a transmission time and a transmitter side recording means 8. Since the transmitter side recording means 8 records the transmission time and the transmission content, when a 1st device 1 is defective, whether or not the transmitter 3 has made normal transmission is analyzed. Furthermore, a receiver 9 is composed of a receiver side clock means 14 measuring a reception time and a receiver side recording means 15. Since the receiver side recording means 15 records the reception time and the reception content, when a 2nd device 10 is defective, whether or not the receiver 9 has made normal reception is analyzed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wireless data communication system which is fixedly installed in a building or the like and wirelessly communicates with the wireless data communication system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Data communication of equipment which is fixedly installed,
For example, the water heater and its remote controller must communicate with each other, and the oil storage tank and its fuel gauge must communicate with each other across the wall of the house. In the past, a wire-type system in which signal lines were connected was the mainstream. However, due to the following advantages, the system is shifting to a wireless system that uses radio waves instead of signal lines.

(1) Installation work is simple without the need to lay signal lines. (2) There is no disconnection of signal lines and maintenance is easy.

(3) A new system which can be installed at any place becomes possible by making it wireless.

As an example of the above-mentioned item 3, a system in which a meter for electricity, water, etc. is provided with a wireless data communication function, and measured data is transmitted and collected remotely can be considered. For example, it is described in JP-A-64-7200.

Hereinafter, such a wireless data communication system will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 201 is a data collector, and 204 is a meter.
Wirelessly connects between the meter 204 and the meter 204,
Data from the meter 204 to the data collector 201. The data collection value request signal is wirelessly transmitted from the transmission unit 203 of the data collector 201. This is the meter 204
When it is received by the receiving unit 205, the measured value of the measured value storage unit 207, which records the value measured by the metering unit 206 of the meter, is wirelessly transmitted to the data collector 201 via the transmitting unit 208. The data collector 201 receives the measured value from the receiving unit 20.
The data is received at 9 and displayed on the data display unit 210 or recorded at the data storage unit 211. This data collector 2
If 01 is connected to a communication line such as a telephone line and collected, data can be collected remotely.

However, wireless communication has the following problems as compared with the conventional wired communication. That is, the wireless communication is easily affected by the surrounding environment such as an obstacle on the radio wave propagation or an interfering signal. For example, the presence of an obstacle such as a person or a car makes it difficult to transmit radio waves, and as a result, the communicable distance may be reduced. Further, when transmitted at a similar frequency and with a large output from near the wireless data communication system, the transmitted signal becomes an interference signal and communication may be difficult.

In response to such a change in the communication state caused by the surrounding environment, the user grasps the communication state in real time by the clarity of the voice of the other party in a telephone such as a mobile phone, and recognizes it when it deteriorates. I was able to know how to deal with it. On the other hand, as described above, a device that collects data also needs a function capable of grasping the communication state and investigating the cause when it deteriorates.

[0009] Conventionally, there is such an apparatus that examines the radio wave environment, for example, an environment monitor described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-149713. This is to record the time, frequency and strength and output an abnormal signal when a preset electric field strength allowable value is exceeded.

[0010]

However, the conventional environmental monitor is a measuring device. That is, it is used only at the time of installation in order to select the place where the device is attached. Or, it is a measuring device that examines the radio wave environment in order to investigate the malfunction of the equipment. With this, even if the radio wave environment changes after installation, it is not known. It is not known what kind of situation the wireless communication was in when the trouble occurred, whether it was functioning normally, or whether the radio wave environment had deteriorated.

In addition, the magnitude of the jamming radio wave is monitored. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the source of the jamming radio wave, the time length of the jamming radio wave (the length of time during which communication is not possible), and the congestion degree of wireless communication. is there.

The radio wave environment is not limited to the interfering signal.
An obstacle such as a person or an automobile may weaken the received signal and shorten the communicable distance. As a result, it is conceivable that a place where communication was possible up to now becomes communication disabled.

In addition, the size of the variation range of the ambient temperature is a problem peculiar to the equipment installed outside the building. With such equipment, there is direct sunlight in the winter and in the summer,
The installed temperature range is very wide. When the temperature drops, the voltage of the battery, which is the driving power supply, drops. As a result, the transmission output of the transmitter decreases, and the reception performance of the receiver deteriorates. Therefore, the wireless communication distance greatly changes depending on the ambient temperature.

Furthermore, depending on the device, when a problem occurs, it is difficult to look at the recorded contents at that location and analyze the recorded contents in terms of temperature environment and space space. Bringing back the entire device and investigating it is a big deal.

In summary, as described above, (1) When an unexplained inconvenience occurs in a device, it is impossible to check whether the wireless data communication system is functioning normally. It is necessary to always guarantee the reliability of communication.

(2) Interfering signals cannot be examined unless a measuring device such as an environmental monitor is newly installed.

(3) It is necessary to monitor not only the strength of the interfering radio waves but also other factors related to wireless communication.

(4) It is necessary to be able to analyze later what has occurred in the surrounding environment when the communication condition deteriorates.

[0019]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a transmitter for transmitting a radio signal, a clock means for measuring the transmission time, and a transmission recording means for recording the transmission time and the transmission content. And have. Further, the receiving device for receiving the wireless signal has a clock means for measuring the reception time and a reception recording means for recording the reception time and the reception content.

With the above configuration, the transmitter records the time of transmission and the contents transmitted, and if the transmitter analyzes the recorded contents when there is a problem in the device, whether the transmitter was transmitting normally or not. Can be found. Then, since the storage means of the receiving device records the received time and the received contents, it is possible to analyze whether the receiving device has normally received when there is a problem in the device.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a transmitter for transmitting a radio signal has a clock means for measuring the transmission time and a recording means for recording the transmission time and the transmission content.
Since the recording means of the transmitting device records the time of transmission and the contents of the transmission, it is possible to analyze whether or not the transmitting device is transmitting normally when there is a problem in the device.

Further, the receiving device for receiving the radio signal has a clock means for measuring the reception time and a recording means for recording the reception time and the contents of the reception. Then, since the storage means of the receiving device records the received time and the received contents, it is possible to analyze whether the receiving device has normally received when there is a problem in the device.

Further, the transmission device has a clock means for measuring the transmission time and a transmission recording means for recording the transmission time and the transmission contents, and the reception device has a clock means for measuring the reception time and the reception time. And a reception recording means for recording the received contents. Since the recording means of each of the transmitting device and the receiving device records the time of transmission and the time of reception, and the contents transmitted and contents received, it can be analyzed whether the communication is normal.

Further, the transmitting device is provided with a first clock means for measuring the transmission time and transmits the radio signal at a predetermined time, and the receiving device is provided with the second clock means for measuring the expected reception time and the time. And a recording means for recording the time when the wireless signal cannot be received at the scheduled reception time. Then, the transmitting device transmits the wireless signal at a predetermined time, and the receiving device measures the expected reception time and records the time in the recording means when the wireless signal cannot be received. Can be analyzed.

Further, the transmitting device which receives the response signal after transmitting the radio signal, has a clock means for measuring the transmission time,
It has a recording means for recording the transmission time and the transmission contents when the response signal cannot be received. And
The transmitting device receives the response signal after transmitting the wireless signal and confirms the communication, and when the response signal cannot be received, the transmission time and the transmission content are recorded in the recording means, so that the stability of the communication situation is maintained at any time. Can be analyzed.

Alternatively, the receiving device has clock means for measuring the reception time, reception electric field strength measuring means for measuring the electric field strength value of the reception signal, and recording means for recording the reception time and the electric field strength value. Is. Since the recording means of the receiving device records the time of reception and the electric field strength, the stability of the received electric field strength can be analyzed at any time.

Further, it has a notifying means for notifying when the electric field strength value of the received signal is below a predetermined value. Then, if the electric field strength of the received signal is insufficient, the notification means notifies, so that the stability of the received electric field strength can be constantly monitored.

Alternatively, the transmission signal has error detection information about the contents of communication, and the reception device has a clock means for measuring the reception time, an error detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a communication error based on the error detection information, and a reception time. And a recording means for recording the result of the error detecting means. Since the recording means of the receiving device records the received time and the communication error determination result, the stability of the communication status can be analyzed at any time.

Further, it has an informing means for informing when the communication error exceeds a predetermined value. If there are many communication errors, the notification means gives notification, so that the stability of the communication status can be constantly monitored.

Further, the transmitting device or the receiving device has clock means for measuring the reception time of the disturbing signal, disturbing electric field strength measuring means for measuring the electric field strength value of the disturbing signal, and the electric field strength value exceeds a preset value. And a recording means for recording the reception time and the electric field strength value. Since the recording means of the transmitting device or the receiving device records the time when the interference signal is detected, the electric field strength, and the contents of the interference signal, the existence of the interference signal can be analyzed at any time.

Alternatively, the transmitting device or the receiving device has a first clock means for measuring the reception time of the disturbing signal, a second clock means for measuring the time length of the disturbing signal, and a time length having a preset value. It has a recording means for recording the reception time and the time length when the time is exceeded. Then, since the recording means of the transmitting device or the receiving device records the time and the length of time when the interference signal is detected, the existence of the interference signal can be analyzed at any time.

Further, there is provided notifying means for notifying when the time length of the interfering signal exceeds a predetermined value. And
If the time length of the interfering signal is long, the notification means will notify,
The presence of jamming signals can be constantly monitored.

Further, the transmitting device or the receiving device has a third clock means for measuring the total time length of the interfering signal for each fixed period, and a recording means for recording the time and the total length of the fixed period. I have. Since the recording means of the transmitting device or the receiving device records the total time length of the interfering signal at regular intervals, the congestion degree can be analyzed at any time.

Further, it has an informing means for informing when the total time length exceeds a predetermined value. When the total time length exceeds the predetermined value, the notifying means notifies, so that the congestion degree can be constantly monitored. Further, since the recording means also records the contents of the disturbing signal, the source of the disturbing signal can be analyzed from the contents of the disturbing signal.

Further, the transmitting device or the receiving device has a power supply voltage monitoring means for measuring the power supply voltage value.
Since the recording means records the power supply voltage value together,
It can be analyzed by adding the power supply voltage.

Further, there is provided a notifying means for notifying when the power supply voltage value is out of the preset range. Then, when the power supply voltage value is out of the range, the notification means gives a notification, so that the power supply voltage can be constantly monitored.

Further, the transmitting device or the receiving device has a temperature measuring means for measuring the ambient temperature value. Since the recording means records the ambient temperature value together, the ambient temperature can be added and analyzed.

Further, it has an informing means for informing when the ambient temperature value is out of a preset range. Then, when the ambient temperature value is out of the range, the notification means gives a notification, so that the ambient temperature can be constantly monitored.

Further, the recording means leaves a record for a predetermined period and overwrites a new record after a predetermined time. Then, after a predetermined period of time, the old recording is erased and the new recording is overwritten, so that the capacity of the recording means can be minimized.

The notifying means is for notifying when the number of times of recording in the recording means exceeds a predetermined value. Then, when the number of recorded times exceeds a predetermined value, the notification is made, so that it is possible to know that there is an occurrence or that the number of occurrences is large. Further, since the notification is given when the number of times of recording is increased and the remaining capacity of the recording means is decreased, the fact that the recording means cannot record does not occur.

Further, it has a recording means detachable from the transmitting device or the receiving device. Then, the recording means can be detached and taken back to read and analyze the recorded contents.

Alternatively, the notification means or the recording means has a communication function. Since the notifying means gives notification by using the communication line, it can be known even at a distant place. Further, since the recording means transmits the recorded contents using the communication line, the recorded contents can be read and analyzed from a remote place.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (Embodiment 1) Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. 1 is a meter which is the first device. The metering device 2 measures the amount of electricity or water used and outputs the measurement data. Reference numeral 3 is a transmitter of the wireless system. The measurement data from the meter 1 is output by radio waves and is configured by the following means. Reference numeral 4 is a transmission data generation means, which generates transmission data for wireless communication based on the measurement data from the weighing device 2. For example, a synchronization code or an identification code for preventing interference is added to the measurement data and scrambled so that a third party cannot see the measurement data. Such transmission data is modulated into a radio signal by the modulation means 5 and transmitted from the transmission antenna 6. At this time, the time and the transmission data measured by the transmission side clock means 7 are recorded in the transmission side recording means 8 so that the transmitted time and the content of the transmission data can be analyzed later. What is recorded may be a part of the transmission data or a symbol indicating the content thereof.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a receiver of the wireless system, which outputs the received data from the transmitter 3 to the telephone line connection device 10 which is the second device. The receiving device 9 is composed of the following means. The radio signal received through the receiving antenna 11 is demodulated by the demodulating means 12 into received data. Then, the reception data analysis means 13 searches for the position of the data by the sync code and analyzes the data. That is, the telephone line connection device 1
Whether or not the data can be output to 0, for example, the signal from the other party to be received is confirmed by the identification code, and the measurement data is extracted from the received data and output. At this time, the time and the reception data measured by the reception side clock means 14 are recorded in the reception side recording means 15 so that the received time and the content of the reception data can be analyzed later. What is recorded may be a part of the received data or a symbol indicating its content. The recording means is preferably a non-volatile semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk so that the recorded contents remain even if the battery runs out or a power failure occurs.

The telephone line connection device 10 has a relay means 16. The relay means 16 is connected to a telephone line, and when receiving the received data from the received data analysis means 13, calls the data collection station and transmits the data. When there is no more data to send to the data collection station, hang up and disconnect the telephone line.

According to the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration, the transmitting device records the time of transmission and the content of transmission, while the receiving device records the time of reception and the content of reception. Was transmitting normal data, and the receiving device can analyze whether there was an error in reception, and it can be clarified whether the wireless data communication system was involved in the trouble that occurred. In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, if recording is performed by each of the transmitting device and the receiving device and a comparative analysis is performed, it is possible to analyze that the data was transmitted but not received.

Transmitting side recording means 8 and receiving side recording means 1
Data is recorded every time wireless communication is carried out in 5, but if the recording capacity becomes full and is insufficient, the old recording is overwritten. That is, when a defect is found, it is sufficient to leave a record for a certain period as long as it is necessary to go back in time and analyze the situation at that time.

It should be noted that when reading the recorded contents during analysis, a device for reading (hereinafter, reading device) may be provided in the field, but the transmitting side recording means 8 is used as the transmitting device 3.
It can be removed from. Then you can remove it, take it home, and analyze it. This is very effective if the reading device is large. Alternatively, the transmitting side recording means 8
Has a communication function and communicates with the reading device to read the recorded contents. For example, the recording content is read by communicating with the reading device through the relay means 16 of the telephone line connection device 10. By doing so, even if the device is installed at a place where recording and reading cannot be performed on the spot, the recording means can be removed and the analysis can be performed at a well-equipped place. In addition, since the records can be read and analyzed without going to the spot, it is possible to respond promptly. The receiving side recording means 15 is also detachable from the receiving device 9 or has a communication function and reads out the recorded contents.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the electric field strength value of the received signal is monitored, recorded, and notified when an abnormality occurs. The same functions as those in FIG. 1 have the same numbers. As compared with FIG. 1, the receiving device 9 has a reception electric field strength measuring means 20 for measuring the electric field strength value of a reception signal and a reception side notifying means 21 for notifying when the abnormality occurs.
Having.

According to the present invention, the receiving side recording means 15 records the reception time measured by the receiving side clock means 14 and the electric field strength value of the received signal for a certain period. Further, the reception side notification means 21 notifies when the electric field strength value is equal to or less than a predetermined value. This predetermined value is set to the lowest electric field strength value required for reliable reception. Further, the reception side notification means 21 notifies when the number of times of recording in the reception side recording means 15 exceeds a predetermined value. That is, it is informed that the recorded content needs to be read out before the recording becomes large and the remaining recording capacity decreases and the recording becomes impossible. Alternatively, it notifies that the recorded contents will be erased after a certain period of time.

As a notification method, a nearby person is notified by a buzzer sound or LED display. In addition, the telephone line connection device 10 is used to automatically notify the manager or the contractor directly through the telephone line. When communicating in this way, if the contents recorded in the receiving side recording means 15 are also reported, it is possible to immediately analyze and investigate.

With the above configuration, assuming that the surrounding environment changes and the received signal becomes weak, the time when the received signal is present and its electric field strength value are recorded for a certain period, and the fluctuation of the electric field strength value is analyzed. be able to. In addition, the electric field strength value is constantly monitored, and when the electric field strength value is too small to be received satisfactorily, a notification is given, so that reliability of communication can be secured. When there is a notification, if the record is read from the receiving side recording means 15 and analyzed, it becomes clear whether the electric field strength value is temporarily small only when there is a notification, or whether the electric field strength value tends to be smaller than usual. However, it becomes easier to judge improvement measures.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the transmitting device gives the wireless signal error detection information about the communication content, and the receiving device monitors and records the communication error and informs if there are many communication errors. The same functions as those in FIG. 1 have the same numbers. As compared with FIG. 1, the error detection information adding means 31 is added to the transmission device 3.
The error detection means 32 and the reception side notification means 2 in the receiving device 9.
One.

According to the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration, the error detection information adding means 31 adds the error detection information to the transmission data from the transmission data creating means 4 and outputs it to the modulation means 5. A parity code, a CRC code, a BCH code, or the like is used as the error detection information. Further, it is more preferable to add error correction information as well as error detection. Based on the error detection information included in the received data, the error detection means 32 of the reception device 9 determines whether a communication error has occurred during wireless communication.
If so, calculate how much has occurred. If there is no communication error as a result of the error detection, the data from which the error detection information has been removed is output to the reception data analysis means 13. When there is a communication error, the received data analysis means 1
No output to 3. In addition, if the error correction information enables the error correction, the received data 1 on which the error correction has been performed
Output to 3. At the same time, the reception time measured by the reception clock means 14 and the presence or absence of communication error are recorded in the reception side recording means 1.
Record in 5 for a certain period. If there is a communication error, record in detail how much it was, what part of the data was, for example, it was in the synchronization signal, was it in the identification code, was it in the data content, etc. To do. Further, the receiving side notification means 21 notifies when the number of communication errors is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. This predetermined value is set to the lowest communication error value allowed for reliable reception. If the predetermined value is set to 1, the communication is notified even if there is a communication error even once. Instead of using the number of communication errors, the communication error rate may be recorded and notified when the error rate is a predetermined value or more.

With the above configuration, assuming that the communication error changes due to changes in the surrounding environment and weakening of the received signal, the time at which the received signal was present and the status of the communication error are recorded for a certain period, Changes in communication errors can be analyzed. In addition, the number of communication errors is constantly monitored, and when the number of communication errors is large and cannot be received satisfactorily, it is notified, so that the reliability of communication can be ensured. When there is a notification, if the record is read from the receiving side recording means 15 and analyzed, it becomes clear whether there were many communication errors temporarily only when there was a notification, or whether there was a slight occurrence of communication error. However, it becomes easier to judge improvement measures.

(Embodiment 4) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, the electric field strength value of the interfering signal is monitored, recorded, and notified when an abnormality occurs. The same functions as those in FIG. 1 have the same numbers. Compared to FIG. 1, the transmitting device 3 has a second receiving antenna 41 for receiving an interfering signal.
And an interfering electric field intensity measuring means 42 for measuring the electric field intensity value of the interfering signal, and a transmitting side informing means 43 for informing when an abnormality occurs.

According to the present invention, the transmitting side recording means 8 has the time measured by the transmitting side clock means 7 and the electric field strength value of the interfering signal when the electric field strength of the interfering signal exceeds a preset value. To record. Further, the transmitting side notifying unit 43 notifies when there is an interfering signal having an intensity of a predetermined value or more. The recorded electric field strength value has a great influence on wireless communication,
For example, it is a value for determining that there is an interfering signal having the same electric field strength as the received signal. The predetermined value to be notified may be the same as the electric field strength value to be recorded, but may be set separately from this value so that it is determined that the interference signal is strong and wireless communication is difficult.

In the receiving device 9, the reception signal and the reception signal are shared by the first receiving antenna 43, and the interference electric field strength measuring means 44 for measuring the electric field strength value of the interference signal and the reception for notifying when the abnormality occurs. It has a side notification means 21.

According to the present invention, the receiving side recording means 15 has the time measured by the receiving side clock means 14 and the electric field strength value of the interfering signal when the electric field strength of the interfering signal exceeds a preset value. To record. Further, the receiving side notification means 21
Indicates when there is an interfering signal having a strength equal to or higher than a predetermined value. The electric field strength value to be recorded is a value that greatly affects wireless communication, for example, a value for determining that there is an interfering signal having the same electric field strength as the received signal. In addition, the predetermined value to be notified is set to a value at which it is determined that the interference signal is extremely strong and wireless communication is difficult.

In addition, the receiving device 9 can demodulate the interference signal by the demodulating means 12 provided therein. Demodulation means 12
The recording means 15 on the receiving side also includes the contents of the interference signal demodulated by
It will be very helpful to analyze the interfering signal later. That is, when the interfering signal is a transmission signal from another wireless system, the transmission content includes an identification code that can identify the sender, so that the source of the interference signal can be limited from the identification code.

With the above configuration, assuming that a disturbing signal is received from the surrounding environment, it is possible to record the time when the disturbing signal was present, its electric field strength value and the contents of the disturbing signal, and analyze the presence of the disturbing signal. it can. In addition, the electric field strength value of the interfering signal is constantly monitored, and when the interfering signal is strong and wireless communication is difficult, the alarm is notified, so that the reliability of communication can be ensured.
If there is a notification, by reading the record from each recording means and analyzing it, it is possible to determine whether there was a temporary large interference signal only when there was a notification, or whether there was a small interference signal from daily life. It becomes clear, and it becomes easier to judge improvement measures.

Further, by measuring the electric field strength of the interfering signal at two places, the transmitting device 3 and the receiving device 9 as in the present embodiment, it is possible to know which device the source of the interfering signal is closer to. Further, if a large number of wireless systems for recording the electric field strength of the disturbing signal are installed in the vicinity, the position of the disturbing signal can be sought in detail from the strength distribution of the electric field strength at each point.

Although the one-way communication from the transmitting device (first device) to the receiving device (second device) has been described, the first device and the second device are used to enhance the reliability of communication. There is a method in which both the transmitter and the receiver are provided for two-way communication. Since such a two-way communication device is provided with the demodulation means in the receiving device, it is possible to easily record the contents of the interfering signal at that location without newly requiring a demodulation circuit. In some bidirectional communications, the frequency transmitted from the first transmitter to the second device and the frequency transmitted from the second device to the first device are different. Even in wireless communication using two frequencies, if the present embodiment is applied to the receiving devices of the first device and the second device, 1
This can be easily done by sharing the frequency and monitoring the interfering signal.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, the time length of the interfering signal is monitored, recorded, and notified when an abnormality occurs. The same functions as those in FIG. 4 have the same numbers. Compared to FIG. 4, the transmitting device 3 has a transmitting side second clock means 51 for measuring the time length of how long the interfering signal has existed continuously. The first clock means on the transmitting side is the same as the clock means on the transmitting side in FIG.

According to the present invention, the transmitting side recording means 8 measures the time length of the interfering signal by the transmitting side second clock means 51 when the electric field strength of the interfering signal exceeds a preset value. . When the measured time length exceeds a preset value, the time measured by the first clock means 7 on the transmitting side and the time length of the interfering signal are recorded. Further, the transmitting side notification means 43
Indicates when there is an interfering signal longer than a predetermined value.
The recording time length is a value that has a great influence on wireless communication, and is a value at which long interference signals are often encountered and cannot be ignored. Also, the time length of the notification is set to a disturbing signal longer than the time allowed by law, for example.

The receiving device 9 also has a second clock means 52 on the receiving side for measuring the length of time that the disturbing signal continuously exists. The first clock means on the receiving side is the same as the clock means on the receiving side in FIG.

According to the present invention, the receiving side recording means 15 measures the time length of the interfering signal by the receiving side second clock means 52 when the electric field strength of the interfering signal exceeds a preset value. . When the measured time length exceeds a preset value, the time measured by the first clock means 14 on the receiving side and the time length of the interfering signal are recorded. Also, the receiving side notification means 2
1 indicates when there is an interfering signal longer than a predetermined value. The recording time length is a value that has a great influence on wireless communication, and is a value at which long interference signals are often encountered and cannot be ignored. Also, the time length of the notification is set to a disturbing signal longer than the time allowed by law, for example.

In addition, the interference signal can be demodulated by the demodulating means 12 provided in the receiving device 9. Demodulation means 12
The recording means 15 on the receiving side also includes the contents of the interference signal demodulated by
It will be very helpful to analyze the interfering signal later. That is, when the interfering signal is a transmission signal from another wireless system, the transmission content includes an identification code that can identify the sender, so that the source of the interference signal can be limited from the identification code.

With the above configuration, assuming that a disturbing signal is received from the surrounding environment, it is possible to record the time when the disturbing signal was present and the length of time, and analyze the presence of the disturbing signal. In addition, the time length of the interfering signal is constantly monitored, and when there is an interfering signal that is not permitted by law, it is notified, so that the reliability of communication can be ensured. If there is a notification, by reading the record from each recording means and analyzing it, it is possible to determine whether there was a temporarily long interfering signal only when the notification was given, or whether there was an interfering signal in a short period from daily life. It becomes clear, and it becomes easier to judge improvement measures.

In FIG. 5, the second clock means in the transmitting device or the receiving device measures the total time length of the interfering signal at regular intervals, and the time and total time length of the constant period are recorded in the recording means. Record. Then, when the total time length exceeds the predetermined value, the notification means notifies. By measuring the total time length of the interfering signal for each fixed period, it is possible to see how busy the wireless signal was during that period. The predetermined value is set to a value at which it is determined that the radio is very congested and the influence of interference is large. If the congestion level is high, wireless communication cannot be performed smoothly. Therefore, by monitoring, recording, and notifying this, the reliability of communication can be secured.

(Sixth Embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, a wireless signal is transmitted from a transmitting device at a predetermined time, and whether the receiving device receives the wireless signal is monitored, recorded, and notified when an abnormality occurs. The same functions as those in FIG. 1 have the same numbers. Compared to FIG. 1, the transmitting device 3 has a transmitting side clock means 61 that causes the transmission data creating means to generate and transmit the transmission data when the time to transmit is reached. On the other hand, the receiving device 9 has a receiving side clock means 62 which measures the time and informs the demodulation means 12 and the received data analysis means 13 that it is time to receive. At this time, the transmitting side clock means 61 and the receiving side clock means 62 are adjusted so that there is no clock shift. In addition, it has a first clock means 63 on the receiving side for measuring the time, and a receiving side informing means 21 for informing of an abnormality.

In this wireless data communication system, the transmitting side clock means 61 causes the transmitting device 3 to transmit a wireless signal every day at the same time or at the same time interval, and the receiving side clock means 6 is provided.
2, the receiver 9 receives the radio signal by measuring the time or the time interval. Thus, for example, by performing communication at least once a day, it is possible to regularly confirm that the wireless data communication system and the device connected thereto are operating normally.

Further, the transmitting side clock means 61 and the receiving side clock means 62 are synchronized with each other so that the transmitting device 3 operates as the transmitting side clock means 6.
Only at the timing of 1. On the other hand, the operating power source of the demodulation means 12 and the received data analysis means 13 of the reception device 9 is supplied at the timing of the reception side clock means 62. In addition, every time the wireless signal from the transmitter 3 is received, the reception data analysis means 13 corrects the time measured by the second clock means 62 on the reception side so that it becomes the same as the clock means 61 on the transmission side. By periodically correcting the clock shift in this way, the receiving device 9 can drastically reduce the current consumption due to the standby reception by the intermittent reception in which the operating power of the reception system is supplied only when the transmission comes. You can

According to the above-mentioned configuration of the present invention, when the transmitter 3 periodically transmits a radio signal and the receiver 9 does not receive the radio signal even after waiting for a certain time,
The receiving side recording means 15 records the time measured by the receiving side first clock means 63 because the wireless system is not operating normally. In addition to the time, the reception status when waiting for a received signal, for example, could not be received because the received signal did not come, could not be received due to an interfering signal, but what seems to be a received signal was received but It records in detail whether it could not be received because it could not be analyzed, the synchronization signal could not be analyzed, the identification code did not match a predetermined code, or a communication error occurred. Further, the reception side notification means 21 notifies when the number of times recorded in the reception side recording means 15 exceeds a predetermined value, that is, when the number of times the signal could not be received exceeds a predetermined value. The predetermined value to be notified is set to the number of times when it is determined that the influence is large. If the predetermined value is once, the notification is given every time the reception fails.

With the above-mentioned configuration, assuming that it is affected by the surrounding environment, the wireless communication is periodically performed and confirmed, and the time when the wireless signal cannot be received and the situation contents at that time are recorded and analyzed. can do. In addition, when the signal cannot be received in many cases, which greatly affects the wireless system, the notification is given, so that the reliability of communication can be ensured. When there is a notification, reading the record from the recording means and analyzing it makes it easier to judge the improvement measure.

(Embodiment 7) Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is for monitoring and recording whether or not the response signal has returned to the transmitted wireless signal, and notifying when there is an abnormality. The same functions as those in FIG. 1 have the same numbers. Compared to FIG. 1, the transmitter 3 includes a reception antenna 71 for receiving a response signal, a response signal demodulating means 72 for demodulating the response signal, and a response signal analyzing means 7 for analyzing the demodulated data.
3, a transmission side recording means 8 for recording that the response signal does not return, and a transmission side notification means 43 for notifying that the response signal does not return. If the result of analyzing the received data is normal, the receiving device 9 creates response data creating means 74 that creates response data, response signal modulating means 75 that modulates the response data and sends a response signal, and a response signal transmitting antenna 76. Have.

According to the present invention, the receiving device 9 returns a response signal when the wireless signal from the transmitting device 3 is correctly received. If it cannot be received correctly, no response signal is returned. The transmitter 3 confirms that the previously transmitted radio signal is transmitted to the receiver 9 by receiving the response signal. If the response signal cannot be received even after waiting for a certain time after the transmission, the wireless signal is retransmitted because it is not transmitted. At the same time, the clock means 7 on the transmitting side for later analysis
The time measured at (= time when the response signal could not be received) and its transmission data are recorded in the transmission side recording means 8. In addition to the time and transmission data, the reception status when waiting for a response signal, for example, whether the response signal could not be received because it did not come, or the interference signal was issued and could not be received,
I received something that seems to be a response signal, but I could not receive it because I could not analyze it, or I could not analyze the synchronization signal,
Details such as the identification code not matching the predetermined code and the occurrence of a communication error are recorded. Further, the transmitting side notification means 43
Indicates when the number of times of recording in the transmitting side recording means 8 exceeds a predetermined value, that is, when the number of times that a response signal could not be received is a predetermined value or more. The predetermined value to be notified is set to the number of times when it is determined that the influence is large. If the predetermined value is the number of times of retransmission, notification is made every time retransmission is repeated but transmission fails.

With the above configuration, assuming that the environment is affected, the reliability of the wireless communication is improved by the response signal, and the time when the response signal cannot be received and the transmission content thereof are recorded and analyzed. You can In addition, when the response signal is not returned in many cases, which has a great influence on the wireless system, the notification is given, so that the reliability of communication can be secured. When there is a notification, reading the record from the recording means and analyzing it makes it easier to judge the improvement measure.

(Embodiment 8) Next, an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is for monitoring and recording the ambient temperature and the power supply voltage value of the wireless data communication system and notifying them when an abnormality occurs. Those having the same functions as those in FIGS. 1 and 4 are designated by the same reference numerals. Compared to FIG. 1, the transmitter 3 includes a temperature measuring unit 81 that measures an ambient temperature value and a transmitting-side informing unit 43 that informs when an abnormality occurs.

With the above-described structure of the present invention, the transmitting side recording means 8 records the ambient temperature value measured by the temperature measuring means 81 in accordance with the transmission time and the transmission contents. Further, the transmitting side notification means 43 notifies when the ambient temperature value exceeds a preset allowable range. The preset allowable range is a design range in which wireless communication normally operates.

The receiving device 9 has a power supply voltage measuring means 82 for measuring the voltage of the battery power source for driving the receiving device, and a receiving side notifying means 21 for notifying when the abnormality occurs.

According to the present invention, the receiving side recording means 15 records the power supply voltage value measured by the power supply voltage measuring means 82 in accordance with the reception time and the received contents. Further, the reception side notification means 21 notifies when the power supply voltage exceeds a preset allowable range. The preset allowable range is a design range in which wireless communication normally operates.

With the above configuration, it is possible to record and analyze the ambient temperature and the power supply voltage together, assuming that the ambient environment affects the temperature. In addition, the temperature and the voltage are constantly monitored, and when the values exceed the design value, the alarm is notified, so that the reliability of communication can be secured. Further, by monitoring the power supply voltage, it is possible to serve also as a notification when the battery runs out.

In FIG. 8, the transmitter 3 has the temperature measuring means 61 and the receiver has the power supply voltage measuring means 82.
The reverse is also possible, and the temperature measuring means may be installed in the outdoor environment where the temperature environment is severe, and the power supply voltage measuring means may be installed in the environment where battery consumption is severe.

Although the above embodiment has been described using the meter and the telephone line connection device, the invention is not limited to this as long as the device is fixedly installed and uses wireless communication. For example, a device that measures the remaining amount of fuel and a device that displays it,
It may be a remote controller that periodically communicates with and controls a device such as an air conditioner or a television. Here, the remote control is installed at a fixed position if it is stored in the remote control stand, and the TV is normally installed because it is not normally moved and viewed.

In the above embodiment, the first device and the second device communicate with each other. However, even if the first device and the plurality of devices communicate with each other, the plurality of devices communicate with each other. It is still effective.

[0087]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the transmitting device that transmits a radio signal records the time of transmission and the contents of the transmission, the transmitting device can operate normally when there is a problem in the device. You can analyze whether it was sent to.

Further, since the receiving device which receives the radio signal records the received time and the received contents, it is possible to analyze whether the receiving device is normally receiving when there is a problem in the equipment.

Further, since the transmitter records the time of transmission and the contents transmitted, and the receiver records the time of reception and the contents received, it is possible to analyze whether the transmitter and the receiver are communicating normally.

Further, while the transmitting device transmits at the predetermined transmission time, the receiving device records the time in the recording means when the radio signal cannot be received even though it is the scheduled reception time, and the number of times is predetermined. When the value exceeds the value, the notifying means notifies, so that the stability of the communication status can be monitored and analyzed.

Further, the transmitting device which receives the response signal after transmitting the wireless signal records the transmission time and the transmission content in the recording means when the response signal cannot be received after transmitting the wireless signal, and When the number of times exceeds the predetermined value, the notifying means notifies, so that the stability of the communication status can be monitored and analyzed.

Alternatively, the receiving device records the time of reception and the electric field strength, and if the electric field strength is insufficient, the notifying means notifies, so that the stability of the received electric field strength can be monitored and analyzed.

Alternatively, the wireless signal has error detection information about the contents of communication, the receiving device records the received time and the judgment result of the communication error, and if there are many communication errors, the notifying means notifies the communication status. The stability of can be monitored and analyzed.

Further, the transmitting device or the receiving device records the time when the interfering signal having a value equal to or more than a preset value is detected and the electric field strength, and informs if there is an interfering signal when the number of times exceeds a predetermined value. Since the means informs, the presence of the interfering signal can be monitored and analyzed.

Alternatively, the transmitting device or the receiving device records the time and the length of time when the interfering signal is detected, and if there is a long-term interfering signal, the announcing means informs it, so that the presence of the interfering signal is monitored and analyzed. be able to.

Alternatively, the transmitting device or the receiving device records the total time length of the interfering signal for each fixed period, and if the total time length occupied by the interfering signal is long, the notifying means gives the notification, so that the congestion degree is monitored. Can be analyzed.

Further, since the recording means records the contents of the disturbing signal together, the source of the disturbing signal can be analyzed from the contents of the disturbing signal.

Further, in the transmitting device or the receiving device, the power supply voltage value is also recorded, and the notification means notifies when the power supply voltage value is out of the preset range. Therefore, the power supply voltage is monitored and analyzed by adding the power supply voltage. be able to.

Further, in the transmitting device or the receiving device, the ambient temperature value is also recorded, and the notifying means gives a notification when it goes out of the preset range, so that the ambient temperature is monitored and analyzed by adding the ambient temperature. be able to.

Further, since the recording means leaves the recording for a predetermined period of time and thereafter erases the old recording and overwrites the new recording, the capacity of the recording means can be minimized.

Further, since the notification means gives notification when the number of times of recording in the recording means exceeds a predetermined value, it can be known that the number of times of occurrence is large. Further, since the notification is given when the number of times of recording is increased and the remaining capacity of the recording means is decreased, the fact that the recording means cannot record does not occur.

Further, since the recording means of the transmitting device or the receiving device can be detached, it is possible to take it back and read and analyze the recorded contents.

Alternatively, since the notification means and the recording means have a communication function and the recorded contents are transmitted using the communication line,
The recorded contents can be read and analyzed from a distance.

In summary, (1) When an unexplained inconvenience occurs in a device, it is checked whether the wireless data communication system is normally communicating at that time. That is, the reliability of communication can always be guaranteed.

(2) Elements suitable for wireless communication can be monitored without installing an environment monitor. (3) What happens in the surrounding environment when the communication state deteriorates can be analyzed later.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a device and a wireless data communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a device and a wireless data communication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a device and a wireless data communication system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a device and a wireless data communication system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a device and a wireless data communication system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a device and a wireless data communication system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a device and a wireless data communication system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a device and a wireless data communication system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a device and a wireless data communication system according to a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 meter (first device) 2 weighing device 3 transmitting device 4 transmission data generating means 5 modulating means 6 transmitting antenna 7 transmitting side clock means 8 transmitting side recording means 9 receiving device 10 telephone line connection device (second device) 11 Reception antenna 12 demodulation means 13 reception data analysis means 14 reception side clock means 15 reception side recording means 16 relay means 20 reception electric field strength measurement means 21 reception side notification means 31 error detection information addition means 32 error detection means 41 second reception antenna 42 Interfering electric field strength measuring means 43 Transmitting side informing means 44 First receiving antenna 45 Interfering electric field strength measuring means 51 Transmitting side second clock means 52 Receiving side second clock means 71 Response signal receiving antenna 72 Response signal demodulating means 73 Response data analyzing means 74 Response data creating means 75 Response signal modulating means 76 Response signal Shin antenna 81 temperature measuring means 82 the supply voltage measuring means

Front page continuation (72) Inventor Terue Matsumura 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Yoshio Horiike, 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. A wireless data communication system for wirelessly communicating between a fixed first device and at least a second device,
A transmission device for transmitting a radio signal is a radio data communication system comprising clock means for measuring a transmission time and recording means for recording the transmission time and transmission contents. 2. A wireless data communication system for wirelessly communicating between a fixed first device and at least a second device,
A receiving device for receiving a wireless signal is a wireless data communication system having a clock means for measuring a reception time and a recording means for recording the reception time and the reception content. 3. A wireless data communication system for wirelessly communicating between a fixed first device and at least a second device,
A transmitting device for transmitting a wireless signal has a clock means for measuring a transmitting time and a transmitting / recording means for recording the transmitting time and transmission contents, and a receiving device for receiving a wireless signal measures a receiving time. A wireless data communication system comprising clock means and reception recording means for recording the reception time and reception contents. 4. A wireless data communication system for wirelessly communicating between a fixed first device and at least a second device,
The transmitting device includes a first clock means for measuring a transmission time, transmits a radio signal at a predetermined time, and a receiving device for receiving the radio signal is a second clock means for measuring a scheduled reception time. Wireless data communication having third clock means for measuring time, and recording means for recording the time measured by the third clock means when the wireless signal cannot be received at the scheduled reception time. system. 5. A wireless data communication system for wirelessly communicating between a fixed first device and at least a second device,
A transmitting device, which receives a response signal after transmitting a wireless signal and confirms communication, records clock means for measuring the transmission time and the transmission time and the transmission content when the response signal cannot be received. A wireless data communication system having a recording means. 6. A wireless data communication system for wirelessly communicating between a fixed first device and at least a second device,
A receiving device for receiving a wireless signal includes a clock means for measuring a reception time, a reception electric field strength measuring means for measuring an electric field strength value of the reception signal, and a recording means for recording the reception time and the electric field strength value. A wireless data communication system having. 7. The wireless data communication system according to claim 6, further comprising notifying means for notifying when the electric field strength value of the received signal is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. 8. A wireless data communication system for wirelessly communicating between a fixed first device and at least a second device,
The wireless signal has error detection information about communication contents, the receiving device for receiving the wireless signal, a clock means for measuring the reception time, error detection means for detecting the presence or absence of communication error by the error detection information, A wireless data communication system comprising: a recording means for recording the reception time and a result of the error detecting means. 9. The wireless data communication system according to claim 8, further comprising notifying means for notifying when a communication error exceeds a predetermined value. 10. A wireless data communication system for wirelessly communicating between a fixed first device and at least a second device, wherein a transmitter for transmitting a radio signal or a receiver for receiving the radio signal is an interference signal. A clock means for measuring the reception time, an interference electric field strength measuring means for measuring the electric field strength value of the interference signal, and the reception time and the electric field strength value when the electric field strength value exceeds a preset value. A wireless data communication system having recording means for recording. 11. A wireless data communication system for wirelessly communicating between a fixed first device and at least a second device, wherein a transmitter for transmitting a radio signal or a receiver for receiving the radio signal is an interference signal. A wireless data communication system comprising: a first clock means for measuring the reception time, a second clock means for measuring the time length of the disturbing signal, and a recording means for recording the reception time and the time length. 12. The wireless data communication system according to claim 11, further comprising notifying means for notifying when the time length of the interfering signal exceeds a preset value. 13. A wireless data communication system for wirelessly communicating between a fixed first device and at least a second device, wherein a transmitting device for transmitting a wireless signal or a receiving device for receiving the wireless signal has a fixed period of time. A wireless data communication system comprising: third clock means for measuring the total time length of the disturbing signal for each time; and recording means for recording the time of the fixed period and the total time length. 14. The wireless data communication system according to claim 13, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying when the total time length exceeds a predetermined value. 15. The wireless data communication system according to claim 10, wherein the recording means also records the contents of the interference signal. 16. The transmitter or the receiver comprises a power supply voltage monitoring means for measuring a voltage value of a power supply, and records the power supply voltage value in a recording means together.
The wireless data communication system according to paragraph. 17. The wireless data communication system according to claim 16, wherein the notifying means notifies when the power supply voltage value is out of a preset range. 18. The wireless data according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting device or the receiving device includes temperature measuring means for measuring an ambient temperature value, and the ambient temperature value is also recorded in a recording means. Communications system. 19. The wireless data communication system according to claim 18, wherein the notifying means notifies when the ambient temperature value is out of a preset range. 20. The recording means leaves a record for a predetermined period and overwrites a new record after the predetermined period.
20. The wireless data communication system according to any one of 19. 21. The wireless data communication system according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit notifies when the number of times of recording in the recording unit exceeds a predetermined value. 22. The wireless data communication system according to claim 1, wherein the recording means is configured to be detachable from the transmitting device or the receiving device and is detached to output the recorded content. 23. The wireless data communication system according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit or the recording unit has a communication function, and notifies the user by using a communication line to transmit the recorded contents.