Relay device and communication system

Abstract

A relay device (1) is characterized by being provided with: a first communication unit (16) that wirelessly communicates with an external measurement device that transmits measurement data and an external setting device that transmits communication setting data relating to a communication condition, in accordance with a prescribed wireless communication standard; a second communication unit (17) that transmits the measurement data received from the external measurement device to the data management device in accordance with a wireless communication standard different from that of the first communication unit; a storage unit (18) that stores the measurement data and the communication setting data; and a communication control unit (151) that controls wireless communication by the first communication unit (16) and the second communication unit (17) on the basis of the communication setting data stored in the storage unit (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a relay device and a communication system. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a device monitoring control apparatus that connects a device and a client PC that monitors the device via an Internet line (for example, Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5027445).

[0003] In Document 1, the equipment monitoring and control device has a plurality of communication ports for connecting to equipment-type devices, and includes identification information adding means for adding identification information to data received from one of the plurality of communication ports.

[0004] This makes it possible to connect to a plurality of device-type machines without changing the processor.

[0005] However, in the relay device described in Document 1, there is a demand to set communication conditions such as the communication frequency of data through a device such as a smartphone.

[0006] However, since Document 1 is not configured to be connectable to a device that transmits communication setting data, such as a smartphone, there is a problem that communication conditions cannot be set by an external device. Summary of the invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a relay device and a communication system capable of setting communication conditions through an external device.

[0008] The relay device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a first communication unit, which wirelessly communicates with an external measurement device that sends measurement data and an external setting device that sends communication setting data related to communication conditions according to a prescribed wireless communication standard; a second communication unit, which sends the measurement data received from the external measurement device to an external device according to a wireless communication standard different from that of the first communication unit; a storage unit, which stores the measurement data and the communication setting data; and a communication control unit, which controls the wireless communication by the first communication unit and the second communication unit based on the communication setting data stored in the storage unit.

[0009] In the present invention, a first communication unit is provided for wireless communication with an external setting device, the external setting device sends communication setting data related to communication conditions, and a communication control unit controls wireless communication by the first communication unit and the second communication unit based on the communication setting data received via the first communication unit. Therefore, it is possible to use an external setting device such as a smartphone to set communication conditions such as the communication frequency of data. Moreover, in the present invention, since the relay device is connected to the external measuring device, the external setting device, and the external device through wireless communication, it is not necessary to connect them through wired wiring. Therefore, the work for laying wiring can be omitted.

[0010] In the relay device of the present invention, it is preferably provided with: an operating unit operated by an operator; and a mode switching unit, which switches, according to an operation added to the operating unit, a first mode in which the external measuring device and the first communication unit communicate wirelessly, and a second mode in which the external setting device and the first communication unit communicate wirelessly.

[0011] In this configuration, since the mode switching unit that switches between the first mode and the second mode in accordance with the operation added to the operating unit is provided, the first mode and the second mode can be set at any timing desired by the operator.

[0012] The relay device of the present invention preferably includes a mode display unit that displays the mode set by the mode switching unit.

[0013] In this configuration, since the mode display unit that displays the operation mode is provided, the operation mode set by the operator can be easily confirmed.

[0014] In the relay device of the present invention, it is preferable that the mode display unit is configured to include a plurality of display lamps.

[0015] In this configuration, the mode display unit is configured to include a plurality of display lamps, so that the configuration of the mode display unit can be simplified compared to the case where the operation mode is displayed on a liquid crystal screen, etc. Therefore, the power consumption associated with the mode display unit can be suppressed.

[0016] In the relay device of the present invention, it is preferable that the communication control unit causes the plurality of external measurement devices and the first communication unit to perform wireless communication in sequence based on the communication setting data stored in the storage unit.

[0017] In this configuration, the communication control unit causes the plurality of external measurement devices to communicate with the first communication unit in sequence, so that measurement data of the plurality of external measurement devices can be received by one relay device. Therefore, the number of relay devices can be reduced.

[0018] In the relay device of the present invention, the communication control unit preferably starts the first communication unit and the second communication unit at a specified time based on the communication setting data stored in the storage unit, so that the external measuring device and the first communication unit can communicate wirelessly, and the external device and the second communication unit can communicate wirelessly.

[0019] In this configuration, measurement data can be communicated from the external measurement device to the external device at a predetermined timing.

[0020] In the relay device of the present invention, the communication control unit preferably starts the first communication unit and the second communication unit according to an operation added to the operating unit, so that the external measuring device and the first communication unit can communicate wirelessly, and the external device and the second communication unit can communicate wirelessly.

[0021] In this configuration, the external measuring device and the first communication unit communicate wirelessly, and the external device and the second communication unit communicate wirelessly according to an operation added to the operating unit, so that measurement data can be communicated from the external measuring device to the external device at any timing desired by the operator.

[0022] The communication system of the present invention is characterized by comprising the above-mentioned relay device, the above-mentioned external measuring device, and the above-mentioned external device.

[0023] In the present invention, the same effects as described above can be obtained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a front view schematically showing the relay device according to the above embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 This is an enlarged front view showing the main part of the relay device according to the above embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the relay device according to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0028] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing a method of setting an operation mode of the relay device according to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a method of setting an operation mode of the relay device according to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a method of setting an operation mode of the relay device according to the above-mentioned embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] [Implementation Method]

[0032] An embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication system 100 according to the present embodiment. The communication system 100 according to the present embodiment is a system for communicating measurement data measured by an external measurement device 2 .

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 100 includes a relay device 1 , an external measurement device 2 , a data management device 3 , and an external setting device 4 .

[0035] [Relay device 1]

[0036] Figure 2 is a front view schematically showing the relay device 1. Figure 3 is an enlarged front view showing the main parts of the relay device 1, Figure 4 1 is a schematic structural diagram showing the relay device 1. In addition, the relay device 1 of the present embodiment is configured as a so-called base station capable of wireless communication with the external measurement device 2. In addition, the relay device 1 is configured to be able to communicate with the data management device 3 via a network such as an Internet line or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area-network). Furthermore, the relay device 1 is configured to be able to communicate with the external setting device 4 by wireless communication.

[0037] like Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown, the relay device 1 includes an operation unit 11 , a mode display unit 12 , a timer unit 13 , a power supply unit 14 , a control unit 15 , a first communication unit 16 , a second communication unit 17 , and a storage unit 18 .

[0038] [Operation unit 11]

[0039] The operation unit 11 is used to operate the relay device 1. Specifically, the operation unit 11 is used as an input unit for turning the power on or off or changing the set value. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 11 includes a first operation button 111 and a second operation button 112. In addition, the details of the operation using the operation unit 11 will be described later.

[0040] [Mode display unit 12]

[0041] The mode display unit 12 is configured as a display unit that displays the operation mode set in the relay device 1. In the present embodiment, the mode display unit 12 includes a first mode display lamp 121, a second mode display lamp 122, and a third mode display lamp 123 configured as LED display lamps. That is, in the present embodiment, the mode display unit 12 is configured to include a plurality of display lamps.

[0042] Thus, in this embodiment, since the mode display unit 12 for displaying the operation mode is provided, the operation mode set by the operator can be easily confirmed. Furthermore, since the mode display unit 12 is configured to include a plurality of display lamps, the structure of the mode display unit 12 can be simplified compared to the case where the operation mode is displayed on a liquid crystal screen, etc. Therefore, the power consumption related to the mode display unit 12 can be suppressed.

[0043] [Timer section 13]

[0044] The timer unit 13 is configured to output the start signal P to the control unit 15 at a predetermined time based on the communication setting data stored in the storage unit 18. In the present embodiment, for example, the timer unit 13 is configured to switch the start signal P from Low to High at every hour.

[0045] In addition, the timer unit 13 is independently supplied with power from the power supply unit 14. That is, even if the control unit 15 is in a stopped state, power is supplied from the power supply unit 14 to the timer unit 13.

[0046] [Power supply unit 14]

[0047] The power supply unit 14 is configured to be able to supply power to the timer unit 13, the control unit 15, etc. In the present embodiment, the power supply unit 14 is configured as a so-called battery such as a primary battery or a secondary battery.

[0048] In addition, the power supply unit 14 is not limited to the above-mentioned structure, and may be configured to be able to supply power from the outside, for example.

[0049] [Control unit 15]

[0050] The control unit 15 is constituted by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and the CPU executes a program stored in the storage unit 18 to perform processing.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the control unit 15 includes a communication control unit 151 and a mode switching unit 152 .

[0052] The communication control unit 151 is configured to control the wireless communication by the first communication unit 16 and the second communication unit 17 according to the communication setting data stored in the storage unit 18 and the operation added to the operation unit 11. More specifically, the communication control unit 151 is configured to be able to control the power supply from the power supply unit 14 to the first communication unit 16 and the second communication unit 17 to enable or stop the first communication unit 16 and the second communication unit 17.

[0053] In addition, the details of the control of the first communication unit 16 and the second communication unit 17 by the communication control unit 151 will be described later.

[0054] The mode switching unit 152 is configured to switch the operation mode of the relay device 1 according to the operation added to the operation unit 11. Specifically, the mode switching unit 152 is configured to be able to switch between a first mode in which the external measurement device 2 and the data management device 3 perform wireless communication with the relay device 1, a second mode in which the external setting device 4 performs wireless communication with the relay device 1, a third mode in which the data management device 3 performs wireless communication with the relay device 1, and a fourth mode in which the relay device 1 is placed in a low power consumption state.

[0055] In addition, the details of each operation mode will be described later.

[0056] [First Communication Department 16]

[0057] The first communication unit 16 is configured to perform wireless communication with the external measurement device 2 and the external setting device 4. In the present embodiment, the first communication unit 16 is configured to perform wireless communication with the external measurement device 2 and the external setting device 4 via Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0058] Note that details of wireless communication between the first communication unit 16 and the external measurement device 2 and the external setting device 4 will be described later.

[0059] [Second Communication Section 17]

[0060] The second communication unit 17 is configured to transmit the measurement data received from the external measurement device 2 to the data management device 3 according to a wireless communication standard different from that of the first communication unit 16. In the present embodiment, the second communication unit 17 is configured to transmit the measurement data to the data management device 3 via LPWA (Low Power Wide Area-network).

[0061] The storage unit 18 is composed of a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a nonvolatile memory such as an SD card, and is configured to store measurement data received from the external measurement device 2 and communication setting data received from the external setting device 4 .

[0062] [External measurement device 2]

[0063] return Figure 1 The external measuring device 2 is configured to measure a physical quantity and transmit the measured data to the relay device 1. In the present embodiment, the external measuring device 2 is configured as a pressure gauge and is configured to measure the pressure of the measured part. Furthermore, the external measuring device 2 is configured to transmit the measured pressure data to the first communication unit 16 of the relay device 1 via Bluetooth.

[0064] The external measuring device 2 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and may be configured to measure the flow rate of a fluid flowing through a pipe and transmit flow rate data, as long as it can transmit measurement data of a physical quantity.

[0065] [Data management device 3]

[0066] The data management device 3 is a device for storing the measurement data transmitted via the relay device 1 as data or monitoring the data. The data management device 3 is an example of an external device of the present invention.

[0067] In the present embodiment, the data management device 3 includes a server device 31 and a client device 32 .

[0068] The server device 31 is configured to include a so-called server and store measurement data. The client device 32 is configured to include a so-called personal computer and is configured to be able to output or display the measurement data stored in the server device 31.

[0069] [External setting device 4]

[0070] The external setting device 4 is configured as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and is configured to send communication setting data related to the communication conditions to the relay device 1. In the present embodiment, the external setting device 4 sends, as the communication setting data, identification information of the external measurement device 2 with which the relay device 1 wirelessly communicates, a communication interval between the relay device 1 and the external measurement device 2, a timing at which the timer unit 13 outputs the start signal P, and the like.

[0071] [How to set the operation mode]

[0072] Next, a method of setting the operation mode of the relay device 1 will be described.

[0073] Figure 5 to Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a method of setting the operation mode of the relay device 1 .

[0074] First, if Figure 5As shown, in the fourth mode for setting the relay device 1 to a low power consumption state, the first mode indicator lamp 121, the second mode indicator lamp 122, and the third mode indicator lamp 123 are turned off. In addition, when the relay device 1 is set to the fourth mode, in order to suppress power consumption, power is not supplied to the control unit 15, the first communication unit 16, and the second communication unit 17.

[0075] In this state, when the first operation button 111 is long pressed, the first mode display lamp 121 is lit. In addition, when the first operation button 111 is long pressed, power supply from the power supply unit 14 to the control unit 15 starts. Then, when the second operation button 112 is long pressed, the first mode display lamp 121 becomes a flashing state, and the mode switching unit 152 sets the first mode. In addition, in this embodiment, long pressing refers to a state in which the first operation button 111 or the second operation button 112 is pressed for more than 2 seconds.

[0076] When the first mode is set, the communication control unit 151 starts supplying power from the power supply unit 14 to the first communication unit 16 and the second communication unit 17 based on the start signal P output from the timer unit 13 at a predetermined time. Then, the communication control unit 151 causes the first communication unit 16 to communicate with the external measurement device 2 wirelessly based on the communication setting data stored in the storage unit 18, receives pressure data as measurement data from the external measurement device 2, and stores the pressure data in the storage unit 18.

[0077] In addition, the communication control unit 151 enables the second communication unit 17 to communicate with the data management device 3 wirelessly, and transmits the pressure data stored in the storage unit 18 to the data management device 3. After the pressure data is transmitted to the data management device 3, the communication control unit 151 stops the power supply from the power supply unit 14 to the first communication unit 16 and the second communication unit 17.

[0078] Thus, in this embodiment, when the relay device 1 is set to the first mode, the relay device 1 starts the control unit 15, the first communication unit 16, and the second communication unit 17 at predetermined intervals, receives pressure data from the external measurement device 2, and transmits the pressure data to the data management device 3. Therefore, the measurement data can be communicated from the external measurement device 2 to the data management device 3 at predetermined times.

[0079] Then, if Figure 6As shown, when the first operation button 111 is long pressed in the state where the fourth mode is set, as described above, the first mode indicator light 121 is lit, and power supply from the power supply unit 14 to the control unit 15 is started. Next, when the second operation button 112 is short pressed, the second mode indicator light 122 is lit. Then, when the second operation button 112 is long pressed in this state, the second mode indicator light 122 becomes a flashing state, and the mode switching unit 152 sets the second mode. In addition, in this embodiment, short pressing refers to a state where the first operation button 111 or the second operation button 112 is pressed for less than 2 seconds.

[0080] When the second mode is set, the communication control unit 151 starts supplying power from the power supply unit 14 to the first communication unit 16. Then, the communication control unit 151 causes the first communication unit 16 to communicate with the external setting device 4 wirelessly, receives communication setting data related to communication conditions from the external setting device 4, and stores the data in the storage unit 18.

[0081] Thus, in this embodiment, the first communication unit 16 for wireless communication with the external setting device 4 is provided, and the external setting device 4 sends communication setting data related to communication conditions, and the communication control unit 151 is configured to control the wireless communication between the first communication unit 16 and the second communication unit 17 based on the communication setting data received via the first communication unit 16. Therefore, the communication conditions such as the communication frequency of the data can be set using the external setting device 4 such as a smartphone. In addition, in this embodiment, the relay device 1 is connected to the external measurement device 2, the data management device 3, and the external setting device 4 through wireless communication, so it is not necessary to connect them through wired wiring. Therefore, the work for laying wiring can be omitted.

[0082] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the mode switching unit 152 is provided to switch between the first mode and the second mode in accordance with an operation added to the operation unit 11 , the first mode and the second mode can be set at any timing desired by the operator.

[0083] Then, if Figure 7 As shown, when the first operation button 111 is long pressed in the state where the fourth mode is set, as described above, the first mode display lamp 121 is lit, and the power supply from the power supply unit 14 to the control unit 15 is started. Next, when the second operation button 112 is short pressed, the second mode display lamp 122 is lit. In addition, when the second operation button 112 is short pressed, the third mode display lamp 123 is lit. Then, when the second operation button 112 is long pressed in this state, the third mode display lamp 123 becomes a flashing state, and the mode switching unit 152 sets the third mode.

[0084] When the third mode is set, the communication control unit 151 starts supplying power from the power supply unit 14 to the first communication unit 16. Then, the communication control unit 151 causes the first communication unit 16 to communicate with the external measurement device 2 wirelessly, receives pressure data as measurement data from the external measurement device 2, and stores the pressure data in the storage unit 18.

[0085] Next, the communication control unit 151 starts supplying power from the power supply unit 14 to the second communication unit 17. Then, the communication control unit 151 causes the second communication unit 17 to communicate with the data management device 3 wirelessly, and transmits the pressure data and communication setting data stored in the storage unit 18 as measurement data to the data management device 3.

[0086] Thus, in this embodiment, according to the operation added to the operating unit 11, the external measuring device 2 and the first communication unit 16 are wirelessly communicated, and the data management device 3 and the second communication unit 17 are wirelessly communicated, so that the measurement data and the communication setting data can be sent to the data management device 3 at any timing desired by the operator.

[0087] [Effects of this embodiment]

[0088] In this embodiment as described above, the following effects can be achieved.

[0089] (1) In the present embodiment, the first communication unit 16 is provided for wireless communication with the external setting device 4, and the external setting device 4 transmits communication setting data related to communication conditions. The communication control unit 151 controls the wireless communication between the first communication unit 16 and the second communication unit 17 based on the communication setting data received via the first communication unit 16. Therefore, the communication conditions such as the communication frequency of the data can be set using the external setting device 4 such as a smartphone. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the relay device 1 is connected to the external measurement device 2, the data management device 3, and the external setting device 4 by wireless communication, so it is not necessary to connect them by wired wiring. Therefore, the work for laying wiring can be omitted.

[0090] (2) In the present embodiment, since the mode switching unit 152 is provided for switching the first mode, the second mode, the third mode, and the fourth mode according to the operation added to the operation unit 11, the operation mode can be set at any timing desired by the operator.

[0091] (3) In the present embodiment, since the mode display unit 12 for displaying the operation mode is provided, the operation mode set by the operator can be easily confirmed.

[0092] (Effect of Scheme 4)

[0093] (4) In the present embodiment, the mode display unit 12 includes a plurality of display lamps, so that the configuration of the mode display unit 12 can be simplified compared to the case where the operation mode is displayed on a liquid crystal screen, etc. Therefore, the power consumption of the mode display unit 12 can be reduced.

[0094] (5) In the present embodiment, the measurement data can be communicated from the external measurement device 2 to the data management device 3 at a predetermined timing. The pressure data as the measurement data can be communicated from the external measurement device 2 to the data management device 3 at a predetermined timing.

[0095] (Effect of Scheme 7)

[0096] (6) In the present embodiment, since the external measuring device 2 and the first communication unit 16 are in wireless communication according to the operation added to the operating unit 11, and the data management device 3 and the second communication unit 17 are in wireless communication, the pressure data as the measurement data can be sent from the external measuring device 2 to the data management device 3 at any timing desired by the operator.

[0097] [Modifications]

[0098] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope that can achieve the purpose of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, the relay device 1 is configured to wirelessly communicate with one external measurement device 2, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the relay device may be configured to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of external measurement devices.

[0100] In this case, the communication control unit may be configured to sequentially communicate wirelessly between the plurality of external measurement devices and the first communication unit based on the communication setting data stored in the storage unit. With this configuration, the communication control unit sequentially communicates wirelessly between the plurality of external measurement devices and the first communication unit, and thus measurement data of the plurality of external measurement devices can be received by one relay device. Therefore, the number of relay devices can be reduced.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the first communication unit 16 is configured to wirelessly communicate with the external measurement device 2 and the external setting device 4 via Bluetooth, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first communication unit may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the external measurement device and the external setting device via a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the second communication unit 17 is configured to send the measurement data to the data management device 3 via LPWA (Low Power Wide Area-network), but is not limited thereto. For example, the second communication unit may also be configured to send the measurement data to the data management device via a communication line such as an Internet line. In addition, the second communication unit may also be configured to receive data such as communication setting data from the data management device.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the first communication unit 16 is configured to receive communication setting data from the external setting device 4 via wireless communication, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first communication unit may be configured to transmit measurement data or a set operation mode to the external setting device via wireless communication.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the mode display unit 12 is configured to include a plurality of display lamps, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the mode display unit may be configured to include a liquid crystal screen as long as it can display the set operation mode.

Claims

1. A relay device, characterized in that: have: a first communication unit for wirelessly communicating with an external measurement device that transmits measurement data and an external setting device that transmits communication setting data related to communication conditions in accordance with a predetermined wireless communication standard; a second communication unit that transmits the measurement data received from the external measurement device to an external device according to a wireless communication standard different from that of the first communication unit; a storage unit storing the measurement data and the communication setting data; as well as A communication control unit controls wireless communication by the first communication unit and the second communication unit based on the communication setting data stored in the storage unit.

2. The relay device according to claim 1, characterized in that: have: An operating unit operated by an operator; and A mode switching unit switches between a first mode in which the external measuring device and the first communication unit perform wireless communication and a second mode in which the external setting device and the first communication unit perform wireless communication according to an operation added to the operation unit.

3. The relay device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A mode display unit is provided for displaying the mode set by the mode switching unit.

4. The relay device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The mode display unit is configured to include a plurality of display lamps.

5. The relay device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The communication control unit causes the plurality of external measurement devices and the first communication unit to perform wireless communication in sequence based on the communication setting data stored in the storage unit.

6. The relay device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The communication control unit activates the first communication unit and the second communication unit at a predetermined timing based on the communication setting data stored in the storage unit, and causes the external measuring device to perform wireless communication with the first communication unit and causes the external device to perform wireless communication with the second communication unit.

7. The relay device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The communication control unit activates the first communication unit and the second communication unit according to an operation added to the operation unit, and causes the external measuring device to perform wireless communication with the first communication unit and causes the external device to perform wireless communication with the second communication unit.

8. A communication system, characterized in that: have: The relay device according to claim 1; said external measuring device; and the external device.

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