Display system

Abstract

A display system (18) displays a recommended frequency (54) recommended for use in a wireless device that performs transmission and reception of data while switching a frequency band at a predetermined frequency, including a measurement unit (42) that measures a frequency and a power level of a radio wave transmitted in the vicinity of the wireless device during a predetermined set time, and a control unit (44) that determines a frequency of a radio wave whose power level measured by the measurement unit (42) is less than a predetermined power threshold as the recommended frequency (54) and causes the recommended frequency (54) to be displayed on a display unit (36).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a display system for displaying frequencies within a specified frequency band. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-261557 discloses a network for computer-aided design (FA). This FA network is installed in industrial equipment using robots or the like. This FA network has a main network and multiple sub-networks. The main network and the multiple sub-networks transmit and receive data wirelessly with each other.

[0003] The 2.4 GHz frequency band (ISM band) is generally open. The number of wireless devices using the 2.4 GHz band for data communication is increasing. Therefore, the possibility of radio wave interference in the 2.4 GHz band is also increasing.

[0004] When users managing industrial equipment install new wireless devices, they must avoid setting the operating frequencies of the wireless devices on frequencies that are already in use. Therefore, when using multiple channels, users must investigate unused frequencies. Unused frequencies are also called idle frequencies. This process causes inconvenience for users. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] The first aspect of the present invention is a display system that displays a recommended frequency for use in a wireless device by a display unit. The wireless device transmits and receives data by switching frequencies within a predetermined frequency band. The system includes: a measurement unit that measures the frequency and power level of radio waves transmitted around the wireless device during a predetermined time period; and a control unit that determines the frequency of the radio waves whose power level measured by the measurement unit is less than a predetermined power threshold as the recommended frequency, and displays the recommended frequency on the display unit.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is a display system that displays a non-recommended frequency that is not recommended for use in a wireless device, which transmits and receives data by switching frequencies within a predetermined frequency band. The system includes: a measurement unit that measures the frequency and power level of radio waves transmitted around the wireless device during a predetermined time period; and a control unit that determines the frequency of a radio wave whose power level, as measured by the measurement unit, is above a predetermined power threshold as the non-recommended frequency, and displays the non-recommended frequency on the display unit.

[0008] According to the present invention, users can easily obtain the idle frequencies in a specified frequency band.

[0009] The above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages should be readily understood from the following description of embodiments, which are illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of an industrial wireless communication system that uses a display system.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the display system involved in this embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of frequency information.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a flowchart representing the first display process performed by the display system.

[0014] Figure 5 It is a graph showing the measurement results of the power level at each frequency.

[0015] Figure 6 This diagram shows an example of an image displayed by the display unit during the first display process.

[0016] Figure 7 This diagram shows an example of an image displayed by the display unit during the first display process.

[0017] Figure 8 This diagram shows an example of an image displayed by the display unit during the first display process.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a flowchart representing the second display process performed by the display system.

[0019] Figure 10 It is a graph showing the measurement results of the power level at each frequency.

[0020] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates an example of an image displayed by the display unit during the second display processing.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a flowchart representing the third display processing performed by the display system.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a flowchart representing the fourth display process performed by the display system.

[0023] Figure 14 It is a graph showing the results of periodic power level measurements at each frequency.

[0024] Figure 15 This diagram illustrates an example of an image displayed by the display unit in the fourth display processing. Detailed Implementation

[0025] (1 Industrial Wireless Communication System 10)

[0026] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the structure of an industrial wireless communication system 10 using a display system 18. The industrial wireless communication system 10 includes a computer 12, multiple base wireless devices 14, multiple remote wireless devices 16, and a display system 18. The industrial wireless communication system 10 includes multiple networks 22. Each network 22 includes one base wireless device 14 and multiple remote wireless devices 16. The computer 12, multiple base wireless devices 14, and display system 18 are connected via wired or wireless means to communicate. The wired connection can be a fieldbus 20. The wireless connection can be short-range wireless communication. The multiple remote wireless devices 16 are synchronously connected to one base wireless device 14.

[0027] Computer 12 is capable of monitoring industrial equipment. Computer 12 may be composed of, for example, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), but is not limited to this. Computer 12 is capable of communicating with other devices using input / output interfaces (not shown).

[0028] The base wireless device 14 is also referred to as the main network wireless device. The base wireless device 14 can communicate with the computer 12 and the display system 18 using an input / output interface (not shown) or a first communication unit (not shown). The base wireless device 14 can also communicate with the remote wireless device 16 using a second communication unit (not shown) that performs wireless communication in the 2.4 GHz frequency band.

[0029] The remote wireless device 16 is also called a subnet wireless device. It is used in multiple machines 24 constituting industrial equipment (see reference). Figure 1 Each of the components includes a remote wireless device 16. Examples of devices that can be used with the machine 24 include sensors, valves, etc., but are not limited to these. The remote wireless device 16 includes a communication unit (not shown) that performs wireless communication in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The remote wireless device 16 can use this communication unit to communicate with the base wireless device 14. Furthermore, in Figure 1 In the example shown, a machine 24 is provided on a remote wireless device 16. However, multiple machines 24 may also be provided on a remote wireless device 16.

[0030] The base wireless device 14 and the remote wireless device 16 communicate with each other using a frequency-hopping method. That is, the base wireless device 14 and the remote wireless device 16 switch the hopping frequency at a predetermined hopping period to transmit and receive data.

[0031] (2 Display System 18)

[0032] Figure 2This is a block diagram illustrating the display system 18 according to this embodiment. The display system 18 includes, for example, a personal computer or a mobile terminal (such as a tablet computer or a smartphone). The personal computer or mobile terminal is capable of communicating with other devices via wired or wireless means. Figure 1 This indicates that the display system 18, equipped with a personal computer, is connected to other devices via the fieldbus 20. Alternatively, the display system 18 may be located on the base wireless device 14. Furthermore, the display system 18 may be composed of multiple devices. For example, the display system 18 may consist of a personal computer or mobile terminal and the base wireless device 14. In this case, the personal computer or mobile terminal and the base wireless device 14 can communicate with each other via wired or wireless means. Moreover, the display system 18 may also include a personal computer and a frequency measuring device (frequency counter, spectrum analyzer, etc.).

[0033] The display system 18 includes an operation unit 30, an arithmetic unit 32, a storage unit 34, a display unit 36, an input / output interface 38, and a receiver 40. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the display system 18 is a personal computer will be described. Furthermore, the operation unit 30, arithmetic unit 32, storage unit 34, display unit 36, input / output interface 38, and receiver 40 may be composed of multiple devices. For example, a personal computer may include an operation unit 30 and a display unit 36, and the base station wireless device 14 may include an arithmetic unit 32, a storage unit 34, a display unit 36, and a receiver 40.

[0034] The operation unit 30 includes at least one of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, a touch panel, and a microphone. The operation unit 30 is a human-machine interface for users to input data and instructions to the display system 18. Data input through the operation unit 30 is stored in the storage unit 34.

[0035] The arithmetic unit 32 has a processor, i.e., a processing circuit, such as a CPU. The arithmetic unit 32 is responsible for the overall control of the display system 18. The arithmetic unit 32 functions as both the measurement unit 42 and the control unit 44 by executing programs stored in the storage unit 34. The measurement unit 42 measures the frequency and power level of radio waves transmitted around the wireless device. The control unit 44 determines the non-recommended frequency 52 (…). Figure 5 (etc.) and recommendation frequency 54 ( Figure 5 The non-recommended frequency 52 and the recommended frequency 54 are displayed on the display unit 36. The non-recommended frequency 52 refers to a frequency already in use within the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The recommended frequency 54 refers to an unused frequency within the 2.4 GHz frequency band. Furthermore, at least a portion of the arithmetic unit 32 can be implemented using integrated circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs. Moreover, at least a portion of the control unit 44 can also have electronic circuitry including discrete components. Additionally, the measurement unit 42 can also include a frequency measuring device.

[0036] The storage unit 34 includes volatile memory and non-volatile memory. Examples of volatile memory include enumerable RAM. Examples of non-volatile memory include enumerable ROM and flash memory. The volatile memory serves as the processor's working memory, temporarily storing data required for processing or computation. Non-volatile memory includes, for example, stored programs, graphs, and images. At least a portion of the storage unit 34 may be included in processors, integrated circuits, etc., as described above.

[0037] The storage unit 34 stores frequency information 46 in its non-volatile memory. For example, the frequency information 46 is information that associates the channel numbers (channel numbers) allocated to the 2.4 GHz frequency band with occupied frequency band information. The channel number is the number assigned to each channel in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. Each channel has a 22 MHz occupied frequency band. The occupied frequency band information is information related to each occupied frequency band. For example, the occupied frequency band information includes the center frequency of the occupied frequency band, the upper limit frequency of the occupied frequency band, and the lower limit frequency of the occupied frequency band. For example, in the case of a wireless LAN with the communication standard IEEE 802.11b, such as... Figure 3 As shown, frequency information 46 associates channel numbers from 1ch to 14ch with the occupied frequency bands of each channel. The same applies to other wireless standards. Furthermore, the non-volatile memory of this embodiment stores the channels and occupied frequency bands of the IEEE 802.11b wireless LAN as frequency information 46. Additionally, the number of channels used in the 2.4 GHz band is sometimes determined independently by a country. Frequency information 46 is set in accordance with the country where the industrial wireless communication system 10 is installed.

[0038] The display unit 36 ​​includes a monitor, such as a liquid crystal display. The display unit 36 ​​displays an image 50 corresponding to the display commands output from the control unit 44. Figure 6 (etc.). For example, display unit 36 ​​displays image 50 including non-recommended frequency 52 and recommended frequency 54.

[0039] Input / output interface 38 has interfaces for implementing fieldbus connections (e.g., connectors, modems, etc.).

[0040] The receiving unit 40 is, for example, composed of an antenna and a communication module. The receiving unit 40 receives radio waves transmitted in the space where the industrial equipment is installed.

[0041] (3. Display processing at a recommended frequency of 54 and a non-recommended frequency of 52)

[0042] (3.1 First Display Processing)

[0043] Figure 4 This is a flowchart representing the first display process performed by the display system 18. Figure 5It is a graph showing the measurement results of the power level at each frequency. Figures 6-8 This diagram illustrates an example of the image 50 displayed on the display unit 36 ​​during the first display process. Before installing a wireless device on industrial equipment, the user investigates unused frequencies using the display system 18. The user inputs data such as setting time and power threshold using the operation unit 30. The operation unit 30 outputs the set time, power threshold, and other data to the storage unit 34 based on the user's input. The storage unit 34 stores the data output from the operation unit 30. Alternatively, the storage unit 34 may pre-store the set time and power threshold. When the user performs a specified operation using the operation unit 30, the display system 18 begins the following first display process.

[0044] In step S1, the receiving unit 40 receives radio waves propagating in the space where the industrial equipment is installed. The measuring unit 42 measures the frequency and power level of the radio waves received by the receiving unit 40 during an input set time period. When the measurement is completed, the process transitions to step S2.

[0045] In step S2, the control unit 44 identifies the frequencies of radio waves with power above the power threshold and the frequencies of radio waves with power below the power threshold based on the measurement results of the measurement unit 42. The control unit 44 determines the frequencies of radio waves with power above the power threshold as non-recommended frequencies 52. The control unit 44 determines the frequencies of radio waves with power below the power threshold as recommended frequencies 54. Figure 5 In the examples shown, the power levels of the radio waves with frequencies of 2404MHz, 2456MHz, and 2457MHz are above the power threshold (Vth). Figure 5 In the example shown, control unit 44 determines that 2404MHz, 2456MHz, and 2457MHz are non-recommended frequencies 52. Control unit 44 determines that frequencies other than 2404MHz, 2456MHz, and 2457MHz are recommended frequencies 54. When step S2 ends, the process transitions to step S3.

[0046] In step S3, the control unit 44 displays the non-recommended frequency 52 and the recommended frequency 54 separately on the display unit 36. The display unit 36 ​​displays the image 50 corresponding to the display command output from the control unit 44. Figure 6 The image below shows an example of image 50. Image 50 displays a graph. This graph arranges the frequencies from 2403MHz to 2481MHz horizontally, and distinguishes between the non-recommended frequency 52 and the recommended frequency 54 vertically. Figure 6In image 50, frequencies within the 2403MHz to 2481MHz band, excluding 2404MHz, 2456MHz, and 2457MHz, are shown in solid lines. These frequencies are recommended frequencies 54. Each recommended frequency 54 has a bandwidth of 1MHz. Conversely, 2404MHz, 2456MHz, and 2457MHz are shown in dashed lines. These frequencies are non-recommended frequencies 52.

[0047] like Figure 6 As shown, the display unit 36 ​​displays the non-recommended frequency 52 as a dashed line and the recommended frequency 54 as a solid line, as an example. However, the display unit 36 ​​may also change the colors of the non-recommended frequency 52 and the recommended frequency 54 for display. Alternatively, the display unit 36 ​​may display the non-recommended frequency 52 and the recommended frequency 54 as numerical values ​​respectively.

[0048] The display unit 36 ​​can also display the non-recommended frequency 52 and the recommended frequency 54 in different display formats. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, the display unit 36 ​​can display the non-recommended frequency 52 as a protrusion 60 protruding towards the positive side of the vertical axis. The display unit 36 ​​can also display the recommended frequency 54 as a flat portion 62 overlapping the horizontal axis. Conversely, as... Figure 8 As shown, the display unit 36 ​​can display the recommended frequency 54 as a protrusion 60 protruding towards the positive side of the vertical axis. The display unit 36 ​​can also display the non-recommended frequency 52 as a flat portion 62 overlapping the horizontal axis. In this case, the display unit 36 ​​can also display... Figure 7 Image 50 and Figure 8 The image 50 shown is displayed in a switching manner. The switching of image 50 can also be performed through operations performed on the operation unit 30.

[0049] According to the first embodiment, the display unit 36 ​​displays frequencies that are not used in industrial equipment. Therefore, the user can easily obtain information about available frequencies within a specified frequency band, such as the 2.4 GHz band.

[0050] (3.2 Second Display Processing)

[0051] The frequency in use changes constantly. Therefore, the measured frequency may vary depending on the measurement time in step S1 of the first display processing. Thus, when a predetermined number or more of non-recommended frequencies 52 exist in the occupied frequency band corresponding to the channel, the second display processing displays all frequencies contained in the occupied frequency band corresponding to that channel as non-recommended frequencies 52. The power level of the non-recommended frequencies 52 is above a power threshold. This prevents frequencies already in use in industrial equipment from being mistakenly identified as recommended frequencies 54.

[0052] Figure 9This is a flowchart representing the second display process performed by the display system 18. Figure 10 It is a graph showing the measurement results of the power level at each frequency. Figure 11 This diagram illustrates an example of an image 50 displayed by display unit 36 ​​in the second display processing. Figure 9 The processing of steps S11 and S12 shown is similar to... Figure 4 The processes shown in steps S1 and S2 are the same. Therefore, the processes of steps S13 to S15, which are different from the first display process, will be explained below.

[0053] In step S13, the control unit 44 reads the frequency information 46 stored in the storage unit 34. The control unit 44 determines whether there is a relationship between the non-recommended frequency 52 determined in step S12 and the occupied frequency band associated with the channel shown in the frequency information 46. For example, the control unit 44 determines the number of non-recommended frequencies 52 contained in each occupied frequency band. The control unit 44 determines whether there is an occupied frequency band containing a predetermined number of non-recommended frequencies 52. The predetermined number can be pre-stored in the storage unit 34. The predetermined number can also be set by the user. If there is an occupied frequency band containing the predetermined number of non-recommended frequencies 52 (step S13: YES), the process transitions to step S14. On the other hand, if there is no occupied frequency band containing the predetermined number of non-recommended frequencies 52 (step S13: NO), the process transitions to step S15.

[0054] In step S14, the control unit 44 determines an occupied frequency band containing a predetermined number of non-recommended frequencies 52. The control unit 44 determines that all frequencies included in the determined occupied frequency band are non-recommended frequencies 52. It is well known that the frequency band from 2401MHz to 2483MHz contains channels from 1ch to 13ch. Each channel has 22 frequencies divided into 1MHz increments. Figure 10 In the example shown, 18 frequencies within the 2-channel occupied frequency band (2406MHz to 2428MHz) have power levels above the power threshold. Assuming that the predetermined number is less than 18, the control unit 44 determines all frequencies within the 2-channel occupied frequency band as non-recommended frequencies 52. At the end of step S14, the process transitions to step S15.

[0055] In step S15, the control unit 44 displays the non-recommended frequency 52 and the recommended frequency 54 separately on the display unit 36. The display unit 36 ​​displays the frequency according to the display command output from the control unit 44, for example, indicating... Figure 11 Image 50 is shown. Figure 11 In image 50, at least one recommended frequency 54 included in the 2403MHz to 2481MHz frequency band is shown with a solid line. However, in Figure 11In the image, the occupied frequency band of 2ch (2406MHz~2428MHz) is shown, but the frequency of 2457MHz is not displayed with a solid line. Figure 11 In the image, the occupied frequency band of 2ch (2406MHz~2428MHz) and the frequency of 2457MHz are shown as non-recommended frequency 52 with dashed lines.

[0056] According to the second display processing, when a channel is in use, even if a portion of the frequencies within the occupied frequency band of that channel are not detected during measurement, all frequencies within that occupied frequency band can be determined as non-recommended frequencies 52. Therefore, it is possible to prevent frequencies already in use in industrial equipment from being mistakenly determined as recommended frequencies 54.

[0057] (3.3 Third Display Processing)

[0058] The third display processing is a simplified version of the second display processing. When the difference between the two non-recommended frequencies 52 is less than a specified difference (MHz), the third display processing displays all frequencies between the two non-recommended frequencies 52 as non-recommended frequencies 52.

[0059] Figure 12 This is a flowchart representing the third display processing performed by the display system 18. Figure 12 The processing of steps S21 and S22 shown is... Figure 4 The processes shown in steps S1 and S2 are the same. Therefore, the processes of steps S23 to S25, which are different from the second display process, will be explained below.

[0060] In step S23, if multiple non-recommended frequencies 52 exist, the control unit 44 determines whether there are two non-recommended frequencies 52 whose frequency difference is less than or equal to a predetermined difference. Furthermore, the predetermined difference can be pre-stored in the storage unit 34. The predetermined difference can also be set by the user. If there are two non-recommended frequencies 52 whose frequency difference is less than or equal to the predetermined difference (step S23: YES), the process transitions to step S24. On the other hand, if there are no two non-recommended frequencies 52 whose frequency difference is less than or equal to the predetermined difference (step S23: NO), the process transitions to step S25.

[0061] In step S24, the control unit 44 makes a further determination for two unrecommended frequencies 52 whose frequency difference is less than or equal to a predetermined difference. That is, the control unit 44 determines all frequencies between the two unrecommended frequencies 52 as unrecommended frequencies 52. When step S24 ends, the process transitions to step S25.

[0062] In step S25, the control unit 44 displays the non-recommended frequency 52 and the recommended frequency 54 separately on the display unit 36. The display unit 36 ​​displays the non-recommended frequency 52 and the recommended frequency 54 separately according to the display command output from the control unit 44.

[0063] According to the third display processing, if the difference between two non-recommended frequencies 52 is less than a specified difference, all frequencies between the two non-recommended frequencies 52 are determined to be non-recommended frequencies 52. Therefore, it is possible to prevent frequencies already in use in industrial equipment from being mistakenly determined as recommended frequencies 54.

[0064] (3.4 Fourth Display Processing)

[0065] Figure 13 This is a flowchart representing the fourth display process performed by the display system 18. Figure 14 It is a graph showing the results of periodic power level measurements at each frequency. Figure 15 This diagram illustrates an example of the image 50 displayed on the display unit 36 ​​in the fourth display process. The user performs various data input operations using the operation unit 30, similar to the first to third display processes. Furthermore, as unique data for the fourth display process, there are a maximum value Nmax of the number of measurements and a level threshold. The operation unit 30 outputs the user-input maximum value Nmax and level threshold, etc., to the storage unit 34. When the user performs a specified operation using the operation unit 30, the display system 18 begins the following fourth display process. In this specification, "usage frequency" refers to the number of times the device is used within a fixed time period. "Level threshold" is a threshold value for the usage frequency.

[0066] In step S31, the measuring unit 42 sets the count value N to 0. In step S32, the measuring unit 42 and... Figure 4 In step S1, the frequency and power level of the radio waves received by the receiving unit 40 are measured during the input set time. In step S33, the measuring unit 42 increments the count value N by 1. In step S34, the measuring unit 42 determines whether the count value N is greater than or equal to the maximum value Nmax. If the count value N is greater than or equal to the maximum value Nmax (step S34: YES), the process transitions to step S35. On the other hand, if the count value N is not greater than or equal to the maximum value Nmax (step S34: NO), the process returns to step S32. That is, in the fourth display process, the process of step S32 is performed the number of times set by the user. The process of step S32 is performed periodically. Moreover, the interval between the nth measurement and the (n+1)th measurement is about 20 (μs) to 5 (ms). The storage unit 34 saves the measurement results for each measurement.

[0067] In step S35, the control unit 44 reads the measurement results from step S32 from the storage unit 34. The control unit 44 determines the frequencies of radio waves with power levels above the power threshold and usage levels above the level threshold as non-recommended frequencies 52. Furthermore, the control unit 44 determines the frequencies other than non-recommended frequencies 52 within the 2.4 GHz frequency band as recommended frequencies 54. A detailed explanation follows.

[0068] Figure 14 The X-axis represents frequency, the Y-axis represents power level, and the Z-axis represents time. The time on the Z-axis corresponds to the elapsed time from the start of the first measurement in step S32 to the end of the last measurement in step S32. Figure 14 This refers only to the power level of radio waves whose power level is above the power threshold. In this example, the usage frequency of frequency f1 is 5 times, the usage frequency of frequency f2 is 2 times, and the usage frequency of frequency f3 is 4 times. For example, if the power threshold is set to 3 times, the usage frequency of frequency f1 (5 times) and the usage frequency of frequency f3 (4 times) are above the power threshold. In this case, the control unit 44 determines that frequencies f1 and f3 are non-recommended frequencies 52. The control unit 44 determines frequencies other than non-recommended frequencies 52 as recommended frequencies 54. When step S35 ends, the process transitions to step S36.

[0069] In step S36, the control unit 44 displays the non-recommended frequency 52 and the recommended frequency 54 on the display unit 36. Furthermore, the control unit 44 displays the frequency with the degree of use appended to it. The display unit 36 ​​displays, for example, the display command output from the control unit 44. Figure 15 Image 50 is shown. Figure 15 In image 50, non-recommended frequencies 52 and recommended frequencies 54 are displayed separately. Non-recommended frequencies 52 are displayed with the information "high usage". Furthermore, a portion of the recommended frequencies 54 (frequency f2) are displayed with the information "low usage".

[0070] The control unit 44 can also set the recommended frequency 54 as the operating frequency in the base wireless device 14. When there are multiple recommended frequencies 54, the control unit 44 can set the frequency with the lowest usage. The control unit 44 can also set any frequency.

[0071] Furthermore, the display system 18 can display the usage rate as a percentage. In this case, the control unit 44 counts the number of times the power level of the radio wave is above the power threshold at each frequency. Then, in step S36, the control unit 44 divides the number of counts at each frequency by the total number of measurements (=Nmax). The control unit 44 displays the calculated value as the usage rate (%) on the display unit 36.

[0072] According to the fourth display processing, users can know the usage level of frequencies already in use in industrial equipment. Moreover, users can avoid setting frequencies with high usage levels among the frequencies already in use in industrial equipment.

[0073] (4. Frequency settings)

[0074] The user can operate the operation unit 30 to designate the base wireless device 14. The user can set any frequency from the recommended frequencies 54 displayed on the display unit 36. The control unit 44 sends the user-selected frequency to the base wireless device 14. The base wireless device 14 uses this frequency for wireless communication.

[0075] (5 Technical Ideas Obtained from Implementation Methods)

[0076] The following describes the technical concepts that can be grasped from the above implementation methods.

[0077] The first aspect of the present invention is a display system 18 that displays a recommended frequency 54 recommended for use in wireless devices (base wireless device 14 and remote wireless device 16) by a display unit 36. The wireless devices 14 and 16 transmit and receive data by switching hopping frequencies in a predetermined frequency band (e.g., a 2.4 GHz band). The system includes: a measurement unit 42 that measures the frequency and power level of radio waves transmitted around the wireless devices during a preset time period; and a control unit 44 that determines the frequency of the radio waves whose power level measured by the measurement unit 42 is less than a preset power threshold as the recommended frequency 54, and displays the recommended frequency 54 on the display unit 36.

[0078] According to the above structure, unused frequencies are displayed on the display unit 36. Therefore, users can easily determine the available frequencies within a specified frequency band, such as the 2.4 GHz band.

[0079] In the first embodiment of the present invention, an operation unit 30 for allowing a user to input the set time may also be included.

[0080] Based on the above structure, users can set appropriate setup times according to the operating conditions of the industrial equipment. For example, when the industrial equipment is frequently communicating wirelessly, the setup time can be shortened. When there is no wireless communication, the setup time can be extended.

[0081] In the first embodiment of the present invention, an operation unit 30 for allowing a user to input the power threshold may also be included.

[0082] Based on the above structure, users can appropriately set the power threshold according to the electromagnetic wave conditions of industrial equipment. For example, the power threshold can be increased when the electromagnetic wave intensity is high, and decreased when the electromagnetic wave intensity is low.

[0083] In the first embodiment of the present invention, a storage unit 34 may be provided, which pre-stores a plurality of occupied frequency bands set in the frequency band. The control unit 44 determines the frequency of the radio wave with a power level of the power threshold or above as a non-recommended frequency 52. ​​Furthermore, it determines all frequencies of the occupied frequency band that include a predetermined number or more of the non-recommended frequencies 52 as the non-recommended frequencies 52, and determines frequencies included in the frequency band but other than the non-recommended frequencies 52 as the recommended frequencies 54.

[0084] When a channel of a specified communication standard is in use, it is preferable that the control unit 44 designates all frequencies contained in the occupied frequency band of that channel as non-recommended frequencies 52. According to the above structure, when a channel is in use, even if a portion of the frequencies contained in the occupied frequency band of that channel are not detected during measurement, all frequencies contained in that occupied frequency band can be determined as non-recommended frequencies 52. Therefore, it is possible to prevent frequencies already in use from being mistakenly designated as recommended frequencies 54.

[0085] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 44 may determine the frequency of the radio wave with a power level above the power threshold as a non-recommended frequency 52, and further, if the difference between the two non-recommended frequencies 52 is less than a predetermined difference, determine all frequencies between the two non-recommended frequencies 52 as the non-recommended frequency 52, and determine the frequencies included in the frequency band but not the non-recommended frequency 52 as the recommended frequency 54.

[0086] When the frequencies of two radio waves with power levels above the power threshold are close, frequencies between the two frequencies may be used. According to the above structure, if the difference between the two non-recommended frequencies 52 is less than a specified difference, all frequencies between the two non-recommended frequencies 52 are determined to be non-recommended frequencies 52. Therefore, it is possible to prevent frequencies already in use from being mistakenly determined as recommended frequencies 54.

[0087] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 44 may determine the frequency of the radio wave with a power level above the power threshold as a non-recommended frequency 52, and determine the frequency of the frequency band that is included in the frequency band but is not the non-recommended frequency 52 as the recommended frequency 54, so that the non-recommended frequency 52 and the recommended frequency 54 are displayed on the display unit 36 ​​in different display forms.

[0088] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the measuring unit 42 may periodically perform the process of measuring the frequency and power level of the radio wave during the set time period, and the control unit 44 may display the usage of the frequency of the radio wave with a power level above the power threshold on the display unit 36.

[0089] Based on the above structure, users can know the frequency of use.

[0090] In the first embodiment of the present invention, an operation unit 30 may be provided, which is used to allow a user to input a threshold value for the degree of the non-recommended frequency. The measurement unit 42 periodically performs processing to measure the frequency and power level of the radio wave during the set time period. The control unit 44 determines the frequency of the radio wave with a power level of 52 or higher and the usage degree of 52 or higher as the non-recommended frequency, and determines the frequency 54 as the recommended frequency, which is included in the frequency band but not the non-recommended frequency 52.

[0091] Based on the above structure, users can avoid setting frequencies that are already in use or have high usage rates.

[0092] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 44 may set the recommended frequency 54 as the operating frequency for the wireless device (base station wireless device 14).

[0093] A second aspect of the present invention is a display system 18, in which a display unit 36 ​​displays a non-recommended frequency 52 that is not recommended for use in wireless devices (base wireless device 14 and remote wireless device 16), which transmit and receive data by switching hopping frequencies in a predetermined frequency band (e.g., a 2.4 GHz band). The system includes: a measurement unit 42 that measures the frequency and power level of radio waves transmitted around the wireless devices during a preset time period; and a control unit 44 that determines the frequency of the radio waves whose power level measured by the measurement unit 42 is above a preset power threshold as the non-recommended frequency 52, and displays the non-recommended frequency 52 on the display unit 36.

[0094] According to the above structure, the frequency being used is displayed on the display unit 36. Therefore, the user can easily determine the frequency being used within a specified frequency band, such as the 2.4 GHz band. Consequently, the user can also easily determine available frequencies.

[0095] Furthermore, the display system involved in this invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be adopted in various structures without departing from the spirit of this invention.

Claims

1. A display system, wherein the display unit displays a recommended frequency for use in a wireless device, the wireless device transmitting and receiving data by switching frequencies within a predetermined frequency band, characterized in that, have: A measuring unit that measures the frequency and power level of radio waves transmitted around the wireless device during a preset set time period; and The control unit determines the frequency of the radio wave whose power level, as measured by the measuring unit, is below a preset power threshold as the recommended frequency, and displays the recommended frequency on the display unit. The measuring unit periodically performs the process of measuring the frequency and power level of the radio wave during the set time period. The control unit determines the frequency of the radio wave with a power level above the power threshold as a non-recommended frequency, and determines the frequency of the frequency band that is included in the frequency band but is outside the non-recommended frequency as the recommended frequency. The non-recommended frequency and the recommended frequency are displayed on the display unit in different display forms, and the usage degree of the frequency of the radio wave with a power level above the power threshold is displayed on the display unit.

2. The display system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It includes an operation unit for allowing the user to input the set time.

3. The display system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It includes an operation unit for allowing the user to input the power threshold.

4. The display system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit sets the wireless device using the recommended frequency as the operating frequency.

Images