Measurement information management device, measurement program, measurement method, and measurement system

Abstract

A measurement information management apparatus includes a measurement information management unit that transmits a measurement command signal, receives a measurement result signal transmitted from each of a plurality of measurement instruments, and manages a plurality of measurement result signals. The measurement information management unit includes a first wireless transceiver unit that transmits a measurement command signal using a first communication scheme and receives a measurement result signal. The first wireless transceiver unit uses different radio frequency channels to send measurement command signals multiple times at different timings. And receive measurement result signals transmitted by second wireless transceiver units respectively included in the plurality of measurement instruments at mutually different timings according to a second communication scheme having a radio frequency band different from the radio frequency band of the first communication scheme.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the embodiments described herein relates to a measurement information management device, a measurement program, a measurement method, and a measurement system. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, measurement systems are known that include: multiple measuring instruments; an information processing unit for processing information output from each measuring instrument; and a transmission unit for transmitting information between the measuring instruments and the information processing unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Furthermore, techniques for transmitting measurement data measured by the measuring instruments to a data processing unit via a wireless medium are known (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Various other techniques for transmitting and receiving measurement information have been proposed, including proposals for transmitting and receiving measurement information via a wireless medium (see, for example, Patent Documents 3 to 7).

[0003] Multi-point measuring devices for measuring the shape of an object are known (see, for example, Patent Document 8). These devices comprise multiple measuring instruments. In such devices, it is desirable for the measuring instruments to perform measurements at approximately the same time intervals. Therefore, it is convenient if the exchange of measurement-related information can be transmitted and received via a wireless medium. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-129416 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-033422 Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-114906 Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-116210 Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-118727 Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-125794 Patent Document 7: International Publication 2009 / 148003 Patent Document 8: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-200248 Summary of the Invention The problem the invention aims to solve

[0005] Incidentally, in measurement systems comprising multiple measuring instruments, signal interference can be a problem when various signals are exchanged via wireless media. Interference within the measurement system is assumed when multiple measuring instruments are included. Furthermore, interference can occur in the measurement system due to disturbances caused by the operating environment. When such interference occurs, there is a possibility that the proper acquisition of measurement information may be suppressed.

[0006] In any of the aforementioned patent documents, there is room for improvement as a countermeasure against interference in the measurement system.

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention relates to efficiently acquiring measurement information in a measurement system comprising multiple measuring instruments. means for solving problems

[0008] In one aspect, a measurement information management device includes: a measurement information management unit for transmitting measurement command signals, receiving measurement result signals transmitted from each of a plurality of measuring instruments, and managing the plurality of measurement result signals, wherein the measurement information management unit includes a first wireless transceiver unit, the first wireless transceiver unit being used to transmit the measurement command signals using a first communication scheme and to receive the measurement result signals, and wherein the first wireless transceiver unit transmits the measurement command signals multiple times at different timings using different radio frequency channels, and receives measurement result signals transmitted at different timings by second wireless transceiver units respectively included in the plurality of measuring instruments according to a second communication scheme having a radio frequency band different from that of the first communication scheme.

[0009] Furthermore, in the measurement information management device with the above configuration, the first communication scheme may be a wireless scheme with a higher communication speed compared to the wireless scheme used in the second communication scheme.

[0010] In addition, in the measurement information management device with the above configuration, the first communication scheme can be a broadcast communication scheme, and the second communication scheme can be a unicast communication scheme.

[0011] Furthermore, in the measurement information management device with the above configuration, when the measurement command signal is executed multiple times, the first wireless transceiver unit can set the time interval of the measurement command signal to different time intervals.

[0012] Furthermore, in the measurement information management device with the above configuration, the measurement information management unit can assign identifiers to the plurality of measuring instruments, and the first wireless transceiver unit can receive measurement result signals sequentially transmitted by the second wireless transceiver unit included in the measuring instruments that have successfully received the measurement command signal, based on the identifiers.

[0013] In the measurement information management device with the above configuration, the first wireless transceiver unit can receive measurement result signals that are retransmitted multiple times within a predetermined time using the second communication scheme.

[0014] Furthermore, in the measurement information management device with the above configuration, the predetermined time can be changed.

[0015] In the measurement information management device with the above configuration, the first wireless transceiver unit can receive a number of measurement result signals equal to or less than the number of times the second wireless transceiver unit can retransmit within the predetermined time.

[0016] On the other hand, the measurement procedure causes a computer to perform processing. This processing includes: executing measurement command signals according to a first communication scheme multiple times at different timings using different radio frequency channels; and receiving measurement result signals, which are obtained by wirelessly transmitting measurement results measured by multiple measuring instruments at mutually different timings using a second communication scheme having a radio frequency band different from that of the first communication scheme.

[0017] In another aspect, a measurement method includes: using a measurement information management unit to execute a measurement command signal according to a first communication scheme multiple times at different timings using different radio frequency channels; and using the measurement information management unit to receive a measurement result signal, the measurement result signal being obtained by wirelessly transmitting measurement results measured by multiple measuring instruments that have received the measurement command signal at different timings using a second communication scheme having a radio frequency band different from that of the first communication scheme.

[0018] In another aspect, the measurement system is a measurement information management system, comprising: multiple measuring instruments; and a measurement information management unit for sending measurement command signals, receiving measurement result signals sent from each of the multiple measuring instruments, and managing the multiple measurement result signals. The measurement information management unit includes a first wireless transceiver unit, which is used to send the measurement command signals and receive the measurement result signals via a first communication scheme. Each of the multiple measuring instruments includes a second wireless transceiver unit, which is used to receive the measurement command signals and send the measurement result signals. The first wireless transceiver unit uses different radio frequency channels to send the measurement command signals multiple times at different timings, and the second wireless transceiver unit sends the measurement result signals at mutually different timings according to a second communication scheme having a radio frequency band different from that of the first communication scheme. Effects of the present invention

[0019] Measurement information can be efficiently acquired in a measurement system that includes multiple measuring instruments. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the measurement system according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the measurement information management device included in the measurement system of the first embodiment. Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the measuring instruments included in the measuring system of the first embodiment. Figure 4 This is a part of a flowchart illustrating an example of control performed by the measurement system of the first embodiment. Figure 5 This is a part of a flowchart illustrating an example of control performed by the measurement system of the first embodiment. Figure 6 This is a time diagram illustrating an example of signal transmission and reception during a measurement performed by the measurement system of the first embodiment. Figure 7 These are timing diagrams illustrating other examples of signal transmission and reception during measurements performed by the measurement system of the first embodiment. Figure 8 This is a timing diagram illustrating yet another example of signal transmission and reception during a measurement performed by the measurement system of the first embodiment. Figure 9 This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of signal transmission and reception during a measurement performed by the measurement system of the second embodiment. Figure 10 This is a timing diagram illustrating other examples of signal transmission and reception during measurements performed by the measurement system of the second embodiment. Figure 11 This is a timing diagram illustrating yet another example of signal transmission and reception during a measurement performed by the measurement system of the second embodiment. Figure 12 It is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a measurement system based on a modified example. Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a measurement information collection unit included in a measurement system according to a modified example. Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the information transmission unit included in a measurement system according to a modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0021] In the following description, embodiments will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] (First Embodiment) Reference Figures 1 to 3 A schematic configuration of the measurement system 100 according to the first embodiment is described. Figure 1This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the measurement system 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the measurement information management device 10 included in the measurement system 100 of the first embodiment. Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the measuring instrument 30 included in the measuring system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0023] [Measurement System] The measurement system 100 includes a measurement information management device 10 and a plurality of measuring instruments 30. The measuring instruments 30 may include any number of instruments, either two or more. As described later, numbering the plurality of measuring instruments 30 is an example of identifier assignment. In the following description, the reference numerals assigned to each measuring instrument are indicated by #. For example, a measuring instrument 30 with the number 1 may be indicated by #1, and a measuring instrument 30 with the number n may be indicated by #n. The measurement information management device 10 and the plurality of measuring instruments 30 can wirelessly exchange signals. In this embodiment, numbers are assigned, but symbols other than numbers may be used, as long as the symbol is an identifier that can recognize the plurality of measuring instruments 30.

[0024] The measurement system 100 can perform multi-point measurements by including multiple measuring instruments 30. The measuring instruments 30 are, for example, indicators (dial gauges). By providing multiple indicators and obtaining measurement values ​​at multiple points, the shape of the object being measured can be determined, for example.

[0025] <Measurement Information Management Device> like Figure 2 As illustrated, the measurement information management device 10 includes a first central processing unit (CPU) 11, a first random access memory (RAM) 12, a storage unit 13, a first wireless transceiver unit 14, a display unit 15, and an operation unit 16. The first CPU 11 is a central processing unit. The CPU 11 functions as the measurement information management unit. The CPU 11 includes one or more cores. The RAM 12 is volatile memory that temporarily stores programs executed by the CPU 11, as well as data processed by the CPU 11. The storage unit 13 is a storage device. The storage unit 13 includes a program storage unit 13a and a recording unit 13b for recording measurement results. The program stored in the program storage unit 13a is a system control program for controlling the entire measurement system 100. The storage unit 13 may include, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a solid-state drive (SSD) such as flash memory, or a hard disk driven by a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 13 appropriately uses these hardware components according to the functions of the program storage unit 13a and the recording unit 13b.

[0026] The first wireless transceiver unit 14 transmits data to the second wireless transceiver unit 32c included in the various measuring instruments 30 described later (see also...). Figure 3 It transmits signals and receives signals from the second wireless transceiver unit 32c. The communication scheme of the first wireless transceiver unit 14 will be described in detail later.

[0027] The display unit 15 is a liquid crystal display or an electroluminescent panel, etc., and can display measurement results. The operation unit 16 can be set with measurement conditions when using the measurement system 100, and can input commands to start the measurement. The operator can operate the operation unit 16 while referring to the information displayed on the display unit 15.

[0028] In this embodiment, the operation of each unit included in the measurement information management device 10 is implemented by executing a program, but hardware such as dedicated circuits can be used.

[0029] <Measuring Instruments> Next, the measuring instrument 30 will be described. For example... Figure 3 As illustrated, the measuring instrument 30 includes a measuring tool 31 and a measuring tool control unit 32. The measuring tool 31 is, for example, an indicator, but may be other measuring tools such as calipers or micrometers. The measuring tool control unit 32 includes a second CPU 32a, a program storage unit 32b, and a second wireless transceiver unit 32c.

[0030] The second CPU 32a is a central processing unit. The program storage unit 32b stores the measurement tool program. The measurement tool program is linked with the system control program stored in the program storage unit 13a of the measurement information management device 10 to cause the measurement tool 31 to start measuring and to cause the second wireless transceiver unit 32c to send the measurement results.

[0031] <Wireless Solution> The first wireless transceiver unit 14 transmits a measurement command signal to the second wireless transceiver unit 32c included in each of the plurality of measuring instruments 30 (#1 to #n). The first wireless transceiver unit 14 receives a measurement result signal transmitted from the second wireless transceiver unit 32c. The second wireless transceiver unit 32c transmits the measurement result signal back to the first wireless transceiver unit 14. The second wireless transceiver unit 32c receives the measurement command signal transmitted by the first wireless transceiver unit 14. Here, the measurement command signal transmitted by the first wireless transceiver unit 14 is transmitted via a first communication scheme. On the other hand, the measurement result signal transmitted by the second wireless transceiver unit 32c is transmitted via a second communication scheme. The first communication scheme is a wireless scheme with a higher communication speed compared to the wireless scheme used in the second communication scheme.

[0032] <<First Wireless Solution>> The first wireless scheme is a broadcast communication scheme that enables simultaneous transmission. The measurement system 100 of this embodiment is required to receive measurement result signals from multiple measuring instruments 30 with the smallest possible timing deviation. Therefore, the first wireless transceiver unit 14 needs to send measurement command signals to all the multiple measuring instruments 30 at once. Therefore, in this embodiment, a broadcast communication scheme is used as the first wireless scheme.

[0033] The communication speed of the measurement command signal is expected to be as fast as possible. Therefore, the first wireless scheme has a higher communication speed compared to the second communication scheme. However, the higher the communication speed, the greater the likelihood of being affected by interference. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first wireless transceiver unit 14 uses different radio frequency bands (i.e., different wireless channels) to simultaneously transmit multiple times at different timings. All multiple simultaneous transmissions are performed using the first wireless scheme (i.e., a broadcast communication scheme). Using different radio frequency bands can address interference in the environment where the measurement system 100 is used. In other words, by using different wireless frequency bands to simultaneously transmit multiple times, the measurement command signal can be transmitted to each of the second wireless transceiver units 32c while avoiding the effects of interference.

[0034] Note that by using a wireless solution with high communication speed, multiple retransmissions can be completed in a short period of time.

[0035] As the primary wireless protocol used, short-range wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) can be employed. Multiple simultaneous transmissions can be achieved by broadcasting advertisements. Note that the communication speed in Bluetooth Low Energy is essentially around 50 kbps. Bluetooth Low Energy uses the 2.4 GHz band as its communication frequency and can be used in Japan without a license, provided the output is equal to or less than 10 mW. Furthermore, although Bluetooth Low Energy can achieve a range of 50 m or less, the actual range is approximately 5 m. Bluetooth Low Energy is characterized by a short latency of less than 10 ms required for device searching and communication. The radio frequency band depends on the wireless protocol, and the communication speed also depends on the wireless protocol.

[0036] <<Second Wireless Solution>> The second wireless scheme is a unicast communication scheme that enables highly reliable communication. The signal transmitted by the second wireless transceiver unit 32c is the measurement result signal. That is, since the measurement in the measuring instrument 30 is completed by itself, it is important to transmit the measurement data with high reliability. The slower the communication speed, the more resistant it is to interference, and the higher the reliability of wireless communication. Therefore, the second wireless scheme is a wireless scheme with a lower communication speed than the first wireless scheme. This makes it possible to cope with interference in the environment where the measuring system 100 is used.

[0037] Because the radio frequency band used by the first wireless transceiver unit 14 is different from that used by the second wireless transceiver unit 32c, interference between the measurement command signal and the measurement result signal is avoided.

[0038] The second wireless scheme has an arrival confirmation function or a retransmission function, which is also convenient. By using the retransmission function, the timing of the measurement result signals transmitted by multiple second wireless transceiver units 32c can be offset. The timing of the transmission of measurement result signals by multiple second wireless transceiver units 32c is assigned to different retransmission timings. Therefore, the measurement result signals are transmitted at different timings, and interference between the measurement result signals is avoided.

[0039] As a second wireless solution, a wireless protocol such as Zigbee (registered trademark) can be used. Since wireless channels can be set in Zigbee (registered trademark), channels other than those used in the first wireless solution can be configured. Note that the communication speed in Zigbee (registered trademark) is generally around 10 to 20 kbps.

[0040] [Measurement and Control] Next, we will refer to Figures 4 to 8 An example is described of the control of each unit during measurement using the measurement system 100 of this embodiment. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Each is a part of a flowchart illustrating an example of control performed by the measurement system 100 of the first embodiment. Figure 4 and Figure 5 For the sake of convenience, one flowchart is divided into two diagrams. Figure 4 The reference numeral (A) in the figure is connected to Figure 5 Reference numeral (A) in the attached figures. Figure 5 The reference numeral (B) in the attached figure is connected to Figure 4 Reference numeral (B) in the attached figures. Figures 6 to 8 This is a time diagram illustrating an example of signal transmission and reception during a measurement performed by the measurement system of the first embodiment. Figures 6 to 8 Examples illustrating different reception states of measurement command signals. Figures 6 to 8In the example shown, five measuring instruments 30 are provided as #1 to #5.

[0041] First, an overview of measurement control will be described. Measurement control includes... Figure 4 The illustrated steps S1 to S4 related to the transmission of the measurement command signal and the steps related to... Figure 5 The illustrated steps related to the transmission of the measurement result signal are S11 to S22.

[0042] Step S1 is the initial step of sending the measurement command signal. Steps S2 to S4 are steps for retransmitting the measurement command signal. The number of retransmissions can be freely set. However, the number of retransmissions is set considering the time resolution, which can be regarded as simultaneous measurement in the measurement system 100. Figure 4 In this context, the number of resends is m. Figure 6 In the example shown, the number of resends is set to five.

[0043] The intervals for sending measurement command signals can be appropriately set. In this embodiment, the intervals between the initial transmission and the first retransmission, the intervals between the first and second retransmissions, the intervals between the third and fourth retransmissions, and the intervals between the fourth and fifth retransmissions are all the same. The interval between the second and third retransmissions is longer than the other transmission intervals. This takes into account ensuring sufficient time for receiving the measurement result signal. Furthermore, by setting the interval between the second and third retransmissions to be longer than the other intervals, power consumption can be suppressed. Note that the interval set to be longer than the other intervals is not limited to the interval between the second and third retransmissions and can be appropriately selected. That is, the transmission intervals can be appropriately set.

[0044] The radio frequency (RF) used in the initial transmission and the RF used in the first retransmission are different from each other. The RF used in the second retransmission is different from the RF used in the initial transmission and the RF used in the first retransmission. This takes into account interference in the environment in which the measurement system 100 is used. When radio waves, acting as interference, are present in the environment in which the measurement system 100 is used, if the radio waves and the measurement command signal interfere with each other, the measurement command signal cannot maintain its normal form, and the measurement command signal may be discarded as an malformed error packet. Furthermore, it is assumed that the lowest-level radio control mechanism determines that there is no available space in the radio space and that transmission cannot begin within the specified time; therefore, the radio control mechanism times out and the measurement command signal is discarded. Different RF frequencies have a high probability of not interfering with radio waves acting as interference. This allows the measurement command signal to be transmitted appropriately.

[0045] When the second wireless transceiver unit 32c receives the measurement command signal, each measuring instrument 30 begins measurement and obtains the measurement results. Measurement result signals are transmitted sequentially using a repeated unicast communication scheme. (Reference) Figure 6 The initial transmission of the measurement result signal occurs at time T0. Time T0 is set as the timing for measurement to begin and for the transmission of the measurement result signal after receiving the initially transmitted measurement command signal. A first retransmission is performed at a point after a delay time D2 from time T0. Similarly, a second retransmission is performed at a point after a delay time D3 from time T0. A third retransmission is performed at a point after a delay time D4 from time T0, and a fourth retransmission is performed at a point after a delay time D5 from time T0.

[0046] Notice, Figure 6 An example is given where the initial transmission is successful and all five measuring instruments 30 receive the measurement command signal. Therefore, at time T0, all measuring instruments 30 are in a state capable of transmitting measurement result signals. However, if all measurement result signals are transmitted at once, they may interfere with each other. Therefore, in this embodiment, the measurement result signals are transmitted at offset transmission times by performing repeated transmissions.

[0047] The delay time Di is (reception order - 1) × maximum communication time. When... Figure 6 When multiple measuring instruments 30 successfully receive signals simultaneously, as illustrated in the example, the receiving order can be the numbered order described later. The maximum communication time is a predetermined time set in the unicast communication scheme. That is, the maximum communication time is determined by the specifications of the adopted unicast communication scheme. The maximum communication time can be appropriately set according to the environment in which the measuring system 100 is used. For example, when the measuring system 100 is used in an environment with poor communication, the maximum communication time can be set to be longer. The maximum communication time can be set taking into account the intervals for sending measurement command signals.

[0048] In unicast communication schemes, retransmissions can be performed multiple times within a single maximum communication time. Figures 6 to 8 In the illustrated example, a single transmission occurs within a maximum communication time, but multiple retransmissions can occur within the same maximum communication time. This aspect will be described later as a second embodiment.

[0049] Next, we will refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The illustrated flowchart describes measurement control.

[0050] The operator operates the operating unit 16 (see...) Figure 2The measurement system 100 is then used to begin measurement. In step S1, the measurement information management device 10 included in the measurement system 100 sends an initial measurement command signal. All measurement command signals are transmitted at once by the first wireless transceiver unit 14 using a broadcast communication scheme. At this time, the measurement information management device 10 performs connection processing with each measuring instrument 30. Each measuring instrument 30 is numbered. In this embodiment, numbers #1 to #5 are assigned to five measuring instruments 30.

[0051] When the measurement system 100 begins measurement, the measurement information management device 10 executes the processing of step S1 in parallel with step S11. In step S11, the measuring instruments 30 that can receive the initial measurement command signal sent in step S1 perform their respective measurements. Figure 6 In the example shown, since it is assumed that all measuring instruments 30 successfully received the initial measurement command signal, measuring instruments 30 #1 to #5 perform all measurements at once.

[0052] Then, in step S12, the measuring instrument 30, having received the initial measurement command signal, sends the measurement result signal in ascending order of its number. Figure 6 In the illustrated example, the measurement result signals are sent in the order of #1 to #5. That is, the measurement result signal #1 is sent at time T0. After a delay time D2, the measurement result signal #2 is sent. After a delay time D3, the measurement result signal #3 is sent. After a delay time D4, the measurement result signal #4 is sent. After a delay time D5, the measurement result signal #5 is sent.

[0053] In step S13, the measurement information management device 10 determines whether all measuring instruments 30 have received the measurement command signal and completed the measurement. When the determination result in step S13 is affirmative ("yes"), the measurement information management device 10 ends the processing. When the determination result in step S13 is negative ("no"), the measurement information management device 10 proceeds to step S14.

[0054] The measurement information management device 10 performs step S2 after step S1. In step S2, the measurement information management device 10 retransmits the measurement command signal for the first time. Subsequently, in step S3, the measurement information management device 10 performs a second retransmission. Finally, a m-th retransmission is performed (step S4 = m-th retransmission). In this embodiment, this process continues sequentially until the fifth retransmission (step S4 = fifth retransmission). When the processing up to step S4 is completed, the measurement information management device 10 temporarily stops retransmitting the measurement command signal.

[0055] On the other hand, in step S14, the measuring instrument 30, which has successfully received the measurement command signal in the first retransmission, performs the measurement. Figure 7 The illustrated example indicates a situation where measuring instrument 30 of #1 fails to receive the measurement command signal during the initial transmission of the measurement command signal. Figure 7 In the illustrated example, as part of step S12, measuring instrument 30 of #2 sends a measurement result signal at time T0. Therefore, when measuring instrument 30 of #1 can receive the initial measurement command signal by retransmission, as part of step S15, the measurement result signal of measuring instrument 30 of #1 is sent after a delay time D2.

[0056] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated example, it is also assumed that measuring instruments 30 #3 and #4 have successfully received the measurement command signal upon initial transmission. Even in this case, when the measurement command signal is retransmitted for the first time before the delay time D2 has elapsed, and measuring instrument 30 #1 is in a state capable of transmitting the measurement result signal, measuring instrument 30 #1 will transmit the signal before measuring instrument 30 #3.

[0057] In other words, transmission is performed in ascending order of the numbers of the measuring instruments 30 that can be used to transmit measurement result signals in a timely manner. Figure 7 In the example shown, the processing after delay time D3 is the same as... Figure 6 The processing in the illustrated examples is common.

[0058] In step S16, which follows step S15, the measurement information management device 10 determines, in the same manner as in step S13, whether all measuring instruments 30 have received the measurement command signal and completed the measurement. If the determination in step S16 is affirmative, the measurement information management device 10 ends the process. If the determination in step S16 is negative, the measurement information management device 10 proceeds to step S17.

[0059] In step S17, the measuring instrument 30, which has successfully received the measurement command signal in the second retransmission, performs the measurement. Figure 8 The illustrated example indicates a situation where measuring instruments 30 #1, #2, #4, and #5 fail to receive the measurement command signal during the initial transmission of the measurement command signal. That is, in... Figure 8 In the illustrated example, only measuring instrument 30 #3 successfully received the measurement command signal during the initial transmission of the measurement command signal. Therefore, in Figure 8In the illustrated example, as part of step T0, measuring instrument 30 #3 sends a measurement result signal at time S12. When measuring instruments 30 other than #3 can receive the measurement command signal through a second retransmission of the measurement command signal, as part of step S18, the measurement result signal of measuring instrument 30 #1 is sent after a delay time D2. Then, after a delay time D3, the measurement result signals of measuring instruments 30 #2, #4, and #5 are sent sequentially.

[0060] In step S19, which follows step S18, the measurement information management device 10 determines, in the same manner as in step S13, whether all measuring instruments 30 have received the measurement command signal and completed the measurement. If the determination in step S19 is affirmative, the measurement information management device 10 ends the process. If the determination in step S19 is negative, the measurement information management device 10 proceeds to step S20.

[0061] Steps S20, S21, and S22 instruct that the m-th retransmission be processed in the same manner as the previous retransmission. Figures 6 to 8 In the example shown, since the number of resends is five, this process is repeated until m=5.

[0062] When the determination is negative in step S22, the measurement information management device 10 repeats the process from step S2. This is because, assuming that depending on the environment in which the measurement system 100 is used, even after a series of retransmission processes, the measurement using all the measuring instruments 30 is not completed. In such a case, the processes from step S2 to step S4 and from step S11 to step S22 are repeated again. In the second and subsequent processes, the processes from step S11 to step S13 can be skipped, and the processes from step S14 and subsequent steps can be performed.

[0063] In the measurement system 100 of this embodiment, the first wireless transceiver unit 14 transmits measurement command signals simultaneously multiple times at different timings using different radio frequency bands. Therefore, measurement command signals can be transmitted without being affected by disturbances in the environment where the measurement system 100 is used.

[0064] The measurement system 100 sends a measurement command signal using a first communication scheme and a measurement result signal using a second communication scheme. Therefore, interference between the measurement command signal and the measurement result signal can be avoided.

[0065] Furthermore, the measurement system 100 uses a disturbance-resistant wireless scheme as a secondary communication method. This makes the transmission of measurement result signals less susceptible to disturbances.

[0066] The measurement system 100 sends measurement result signals at different time intervals. This avoids interference between measurement result signals.

[0067] (Second Embodiment) Next, we will refer to Figures 9 to 11 The second embodiment is described. In the first embodiment, in the unicast communication scheme, a transmission is performed once within a maximum communication time. In contrast, in the second embodiment, multiple retransmissions are performed within a maximum communication time. That is, multiple retransmissions are performed within a predetermined time. (See reference...) Figure 9 During the period up to the delay time D2, the measurement result signals for #1 to #3 are transmitted. That is, multiple retransmissions are performed within a single maximum communication time. This retransmission occurs even during the period from the time after delay time D2 until the time after delay time D3. Furthermore, multiple retransmissions also occur during the period from the time after delay time D3 until the time after delay time D4.

[0068] The hardware configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, so its detailed description will be omitted.

[0069] In the second embodiment, twelve measuring instruments 30, numbered #1 to #12, are prepared. These measuring instruments 30 are divided into four groups, numbered 1 to 4, such that the number of measuring instruments 30 belonging to each group is three. Here, considering the number of retransmissions that can be performed within the maximum communication time, the number of measuring instruments 30 belonging to each group is three. For example, when the number of retransmissions that can be performed within the maximum communication time is four, the number of measuring instruments 30 belonging to each group is set to four or less. In this way, the second wireless transceiver unit 32c (whose number is equal to or less than the number corresponding to the number of retransmissions that can be performed within the predetermined time) transmits the measurement result signal within the predetermined time, thus enabling efficient transmission of the measurement result signal. In this embodiment, the number of retransmissions that can be performed within the maximum communication time is set to four, and the number of measuring instruments 30 belonging to each group is set to three, such that the number of measuring instruments 30 is four or less.

[0070] Figure 9The illustrated example is a case where all measuring instruments 30 successfully receive the initial measurement command signal. Therefore, at time T0, all measuring instruments 30 have completed their measurements. Then, starting from time T0, the measurement result signals of measuring instruments 30 #1 to #3 belonging to group 1 are transmitted sequentially. Furthermore, starting from the point after delay time D2, the measurement result signals of measuring instruments 30 #4 to #6 belonging to group 2 are transmitted sequentially. Furthermore, starting from the point after delay time D3, the measurement result signals of measuring instruments 30 #7 to #9 belonging to group 3 are transmitted sequentially. Then, starting from the point after delay time D4, the measurement result signals of measuring instruments 30 #10 to #12 belonging to group 4 are transmitted sequentially.

[0071] In this way, a large number of measurement result signals can be sent by retransmitting multiple times within the maximum communication time.

[0072] Figure 10 The illustrated example illustrates a scenario where measuring instruments 30 #1 through #3 fail to receive the initial measurement command signal. Assume that measuring instrument 30 #2 successfully receives the initial measurement command signal in the first retransmission, and measuring instrument 30 #1 successfully receives the initial measurement command signal in the second retransmission. Also assume that measuring instrument 30 #3 successfully receives the initial measurement command signal in the fourth retransmission. Assume that measuring instruments 30 #4 through #12 successfully receive the initial measurement command signal.

[0073] In this scenario, measuring instruments 30 #2 and #1, which have already completed measurements during the time interval from time T0 to delay time D2, transmit measurement result signals during the same time interval. Since measuring instrument 30 #2 received the measurement command signal earlier than measuring instrument 30 #1, it also transmits its measurement result signal earlier than measuring instrument 30 #1.

[0074] Measuring instrument 30 #3 receives the measurement command signal in the fourth retransmission. However, the measurement by measuring instrument 30 #3 is not performed in time during the delay time D2. Therefore, the measurement result signal of measuring instrument 30 #3 is transmitted together with measuring instruments 30 #4 to #6 included in group 2 during the period from delay time D2 to delay time D3. However, measuring instruments 30 #4 to #6 complete reception earlier than measuring instrument 30 #3. Therefore, the measurement result signal of measuring instrument 30 #3 is retransmitted after the transmission of the measurement result signal of measuring instrument 30 #6. In this embodiment, since four retransmissions can be performed within the maximum communication time, the transmission of measuring instrument 30 #3 can be included in the period from delay time D2 to delay time D3.

[0075] Figure 11 The illustrated example illustrates a scenario where measuring instruments 30 #1 and #3 fail to receive the initial measurement command signal. Assume that measuring instrument 30 #1 successfully receives the initial measurement command signal in the third retransmission, and measuring instrument 30 #3 successfully receives the initial measurement command signal in the fourth retransmission. Assume that measuring instruments 30 #2 and #4 through #12 successfully receive the initial measurement command signal.

[0076] In this scenario, measuring instrument 30 #2, which has already received the measurement command signal upon initial transmission, transmits its measurement result signal at time T0. Next, the measurement result signal of measuring instrument 30 #1, which was successfully received in the third retransmission, is transmitted along with measuring instruments 30 #4 to #6 included in group 2 during the period from delay time D2 to delay time D3. However, measuring instruments 30 #4 to #6 completed reception earlier than measuring instrument 30 #1. Therefore, the measurement result signal of measuring instrument 30 #1 is retransmitted after the transmission of the measurement result signal of measuring instrument 30 #6.

[0077] The measurement result signal of measuring instrument 30 #3, which was successfully received in the fourth retransmission, was transmitted together with measuring instruments 30 #7 to #9 included in group 3 during the period from delay time D3 to delay time D4. However, measuring instruments 30 #7 to #9 completed reception earlier than measuring instrument 30 #3. Therefore, the measurement result signal of measuring instrument 30 #3 was retransmitted after the transmission of the measurement result signal of measuring instrument 30 #9. Similar to measuring instrument 30 #1, measuring instrument 30 #3 also completed measurement before delay time D3. However, the period from delay time D2 to delay time D3 already included measuring instrument 30 #1, and four measuring instruments 30 were allocated to this period. Therefore, measuring instrument 30 #3 was allocated to the next opportunity.

[0078] These are just examples, and there are countless ways to receive measurement command signals, but measurements can be completed efficiently by sending measurement result signals in these ways sequentially.

[0079] (Modified Example) Next, we will refer to Figures 12 to 14 A modified measurement system 200 is described. The measurement information management unit 50 included in the modified measurement system 200 includes a measurement information collection unit 60, an information transmission unit 70, and a communication line 80 connecting these units. The communication line 80 can be a wireless communication line or a wired communication line.

[0080] As with the measurement information management device 10 in the first embodiment Figure 13 The illustrated measurement information collection unit 60 includes a CPU 11, RAM 12, a storage unit 13, a display unit 15, and an operation unit 16. A second communication unit 64 is provided in place of the first wireless transceiver unit 14.

[0081] Figure 14 The illustrated information transmission unit 70 includes a CPU 71, a program storage unit 72, RAM 73, a first wireless transceiver unit 74, and a first communication unit 75. The first wireless transceiver unit 74 corresponds to the first wireless transceiver unit 14 in the first embodiment. The first communication unit 75 communicates with the second communication unit 64 via a communication line 80.

[0082] The measurement system 200 of the second embodiment can improve the communication speed in the measurement system 200 by separately configuring the information transmission unit 70. The SSD or HDD used as the storage unit 13 is typically a high-capacity, low-speed device. Therefore, it is assumed that the CPU 11 is occupied during the timing of writing to the storage unit 13. Therefore, in Figure 2 In the illustrated measurement information management device 10, the operation of the first wireless transceiver unit 14 may be affected while the CPU 11 is occupied. The operation of the first wireless transceiver unit 14 requires real-time performance. Therefore, in the measurement system 200 of the second embodiment, the measurement information management unit 50 is divided into a measurement information collection unit 60 including a storage unit 13 and an information transmission unit 70 not including a storage unit. The CPU 71 included in the information transmission unit 70 does not exchange data with the storage unit, which is a low-speed device. This improves the processing speed of the first wireless transceiver unit 74 and the first communication unit 75, and ensures the real-time performance of the wireless transceiver. As a result, the overall processing speed of the measurement system 200 is also improved.

[0083] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the spirit of the invention as described in the claims.

[0084] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 10, 50 Measurement Information Management Unit 11 CPU 12 RAM 13 storage units 13a Program storage unit 13b Recording Unit 14, 74 First Wireless Transceiver Unit 15 display units 16 operating units 30 Measuring instruments 31 Measuring tools 32 Measuring Tool Control Unit 32a CPU 32-bit program storage unit 32c Second Wireless Transceiver Unit 50 Measurement Information Management Unit 60 Measurement Information Collection Unit 70 Information Transmission Units 100, 200 measurement systems

Claims

1. A measurement information management device, comprising: The measurement information management unit is used to send measurement command signals, receive measurement result signals from multiple measuring instruments, and manage multiple measurement result signals. The measurement information management unit includes a first wireless transceiver unit, which is used to send the measurement command signal using a first communication scheme and to receive the measurement result signal. The first wireless transceiver unit transmits the measurement command signal multiple times at different time intervals using different radio frequency channels, and receives measurement result signals transmitted at different time intervals by the second wireless transceiver units included in the plurality of measuring instruments according to a second communication scheme having a radio frequency band different from that of the first communication scheme.

2. The measurement information management device according to claim 1, in, Compared with the wireless scheme used in the second communication scheme, the first communication scheme is a wireless scheme with a higher communication speed.

3. The measurement information management device according to claim 1, in, The first communication scheme is a broadcast communication scheme, and the second communication scheme is a unicast communication scheme.

4. The measurement information management device according to claim 1, in, When the measurement command signal is executed multiple times, the first wireless transceiver unit sets the time interval of the measurement command signal to different time intervals.

5. The measurement information management device according to claim 1, in, The measurement information management unit assigns identifiers to the plurality of measuring instruments, and The first wireless transceiver unit receives measurement result signals sequentially transmitted by the second wireless transceiver unit included in the measuring instrument, which has successfully received the measurement command signal, based on the identifier.

6. The measurement information management device according to claim 1, in, The first wireless transceiver unit receives the measurement result signal that is retransmitted multiple times within a predetermined time using the second communication scheme.

7. The measurement information management device according to claim 6, in, The scheduled time can be changed.

8. The measurement information management device according to claim 6, in, The first wireless transceiver unit receives a number of measurement result signals equal to or less than the number of times the second wireless transceiver unit can retransmit within the predetermined time.

9. A measurement program for causing a computer to perform processing, said processing comprising: The measurement command signal according to the first communication scheme is executed multiple times at different timings using different radio frequency channels; as well as The measurement result signal is received by wirelessly transmitting measurement results measured by multiple measuring instruments at different timings using a second communication scheme having a different radio frequency band than the first communication scheme.

10. A measurement method, comprising: Using the measurement information management unit, measurement command signals according to the first communication scheme are executed multiple times at different time intervals using different radio frequency channels; as well as The measurement information management unit receives a measurement result signal, which is obtained by wirelessly transmitting measurement results measured by multiple measuring instruments that have received the measurement command signal at different timings using a second communication scheme having a different radio frequency band than the first communication scheme.

11. A measurement information management system, comprising: Multiple measuring instruments; as well as The measurement information management unit is used to send measurement command signals, receive measurement result signals sent from each of the plurality of measuring instruments, and manage the plurality of measurement result signals. The measurement information management unit includes a first wireless transceiver unit, which is used to send the measurement command signal and receive the measurement result signal through a first communication scheme. Each of the plurality of measuring instruments includes a second wireless transceiver unit, which is used to receive the measurement command signal and transmit the measurement result signal. The first wireless transceiver unit transmits the measurement command signal multiple times at different time intervals using different radio frequency channels, and The second wireless transceiver unit transmits the measurement result signal at different timings according to a second communication scheme having a different radio frequency band than the first communication scheme.

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