Disaster prevention wireless system, control station of disaster prevention wireless system, and designation method of broadcasting slave station for disaster prevention wireless system

Abstract

To provide a disaster prevention wireless system, a control station of the disaster prevention wireless system, and a designation method of a broadcasting slave station for the disaster prevention wireless system, capable of improving convenience.SOLUTION: A disaster prevention wireless system is provided including a control station and a plurality of slave stations connected to each other so as to be able to wirelessly communicate with each other. The control station includes a console operated by a person in charge, and a master station device connected to the console. The console includes map screen display means for displaying a map screen including a map of an area in which a plurality of slave stations are disposed, and slave station selection control means for selecting a slave station to be broadcasted by the person in charge on the map included in the map screen. The master station device includes transmission means for transmitting an audio signal for performing audio broadcasting to a first slave station.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a disaster prevention radio system, a control station of the disaster prevention radio system, and a method for designating a broadcast slave station of the disaster prevention radio system. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, a disaster prevention radio system operated in a local government (local municipality) such as a city, town, or village is a system that broadcasts disaster prevention information, administrative information, etc. to residents of the municipality. The disaster prevention radio system is a system that includes a control station installed in the office building of the local government, for example, and multiple slave stations (devices) installed within the local government.

[0003] In such a disaster prevention radio system, the target slave stations are selected and broadcast according to the contents to be broadcast and the operation of the operator on the control console. The target stations are selected by broadcasting simultaneously to all the districts under the jurisdiction of the local government, broadcasting simultaneously to all the slave stations in the district that need to be broadcast from among multiple slave stations in the district, broadcasting to all the slave stations in the local government, or broadcasting selectively to the slave stations for each district or individually set in advance in the local government.

[0004] However, when considering broadcasting during a disaster, the operability of the control console when selecting an appropriate slave station from among the multiple slave stations described above is not sufficient, and the disaster prevention radio system cannot be said to be highly convenient for the person in charge. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-239959 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2012-004877 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2003-046462 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a disaster prevention radio system, a control station of a disaster prevention radio system, and a method for designating a broadcast slave station of a disaster prevention radio system, which can improve convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to an embodiment, a disaster prevention radio system is provided that includes a control station and a plurality of slave stations connected to each other so as to be capable of wireless communication. The control station includes an operation console operated by a person in charge, and a master station device connected to the operation console. The operation console includes a map screen display means for displaying a map screen including a map of an area in which the plurality of slave stations are installed, a slave station selection control means for allowing the person in charge to select a slave station to be broadcast on a map included in the displayed map screen, and the master station device includes a transmission means for transmitting an audio signal for audio broadcasting to the selected first slave station. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a disaster prevention wireless system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the disaster prevention radio system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a console. [Figure 4] 4 is a sequence chart showing an example of a processing procedure of the disaster prevention wireless system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a slave station selection screen when only the slave station names are displayed. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a map screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a slave station designation method 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a slave station designation method 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a slave station designation method 2. [Figure 10]FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a slave station designation method 3. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a slave station designation method 4. [Figure 12] 10 is a sequence chart showing an example of a processing procedure of the disaster prevention wireless system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a disaster prevention radio system according to this embodiment. The disaster prevention radio system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is operated by a local government such as a city, town, or village, and is configured to perform audio broadcasting (multiple-address radio broadcasting) of disaster prevention information, administrative information, and the like, to residents of the local government.

[0010] 1, the disaster prevention radio system 1 includes a master station 30 that controls the entire system and is installed in a control station (such as a local government office) 2, and an operation console 10 that is also installed in the control station 2 of the local government. The system further includes a remote control device 20 that is installed in a branch office 3 (such as a branch office of a local government or a fire station) that is a location different from the control station 2.

[0011] Furthermore, the disaster prevention radio system 1 includes a plurality of slave stations (wireless slave station devices and individual receivers installed in residents' homes) 40 that are distributed throughout the local government, and a relay station 50 that is installed as necessary between the master station device 30 and the plurality of slave stations 40. A local government may have a plurality of districts (hereinafter referred to as target districts) under its jurisdiction, and the target districts are associated with the slave stations installed in those districts.

[0012] The master station 30, the slave stations 40, and the relay station 50 each include an antenna AT for wireless communication (that is, for transmitting and receiving radio waves).

[0013] The operation console 10 and the remote control device 20 are realized by an information processing device such as a personal computer that is operated (used) when the person in charge instructs audio broadcasting. That is, the person in charge can perform audio broadcasting by operating the operation console 10 and the remote control device 20. Although only one remote control device 20 is shown in FIG. 1, the remote control device 20 may be installed in multiple branches 3.

[0014] The master station device 30 is driven by a power supply voltage obtained by converting a 100V AC commercial power supply to DC through a lightning-resistant transformer T and a DC power supply device E, and operates in response to operations by a person in charge on an operation console 10 in the government building 2 or a remote control device 20 in the branch office 3. Specifically, the master station device 30 wirelessly transmits a broadcast wave Ws and a relay wave Wc including an audio signal for carrying out the above-mentioned audio broadcast.

[0015] Each of the multiple slave stations 40 is driven by a commercial power source of AC 100V. The multiple slave stations 40 include an outdoor slave station (outdoor loudspeaker slave station device) installed outdoors and a home slave station (home receiver) installed indoors. Each of the multiple slave stations 40 receives the broadcast wave Ws or the retransmission wave Wrs and operates to output an audio signal included in the broadcast wave Ws or the retransmission wave Wrs. Specifically, each of the multiple slave stations 40 includes a speaker SP and outputs an audio (sound source) based on the audio signal from the speaker. The multiple slave stations 40 may include a retransmission slave station that operates to transmit the retransmission wave Wrs to another slave station 40 based on the above-mentioned broadcast wave Ws.

[0016] In addition, the above-mentioned master station device 30 and multiple slave stations 40 can operate using an emergency power source (not shown) or storage batteries provided in the master station device 30 and the slave stations 40 in the event of a power outage in the commercial power supply (AC 100V).

[0017] The relay station 50 receives and relays the relay wave Wc transmitted from the parent station 30, and transmits a broadcast wave Ws to the multiple child stations 40. The broadcast wave Ws and the relay wave Wc are transmitted using different channels in a frequency band of, for example, 60 MHz.

[0018] In the disaster prevention radio system 1 as described above, an audio signal transmitted from the parent station device 30 is output from each of the multiple child stations 40 (i.e., audio based on the audio signal is output from the speaker SP), thereby enabling audio broadcasting to be realized for residents and others in the target area.

[0019] In the disaster prevention radio system 1 described above, it is possible to broadcast audio to all of the multiple slave stations 40, but depending on the content of the audio broadcast, audio broadcast may be made to only some of the multiple slave stations 40. For this reason, in the disaster prevention radio system 1, the operation console 10 and the remote control device 20 are configured to allow the selection of the slave station 40 to be the target of the audio broadcast (hereinafter referred to as the broadcast target slave station) in response to the operation of the person in charge. In this case, the broadcast target slave station 40 may be selected individually from the multiple slave stations 40, for example, or may be selected by specifying a group (such as groups G1 and G2 shown in FIG. 1) in which preset slave stations 40 are registered.

[0020] 1 is an example, and some of the components of the disaster prevention radio system 1 shown in Fig. 1 may be omitted. Specifically, for example, when each of the multiple slave stations 40 can directly receive the broadcast wave Ws (audio signal) transmitted from the master station device 30 (that is, when each of the slave stations 40 is installed within a range where it can wirelessly communicate with the master station device 30), the relay station 50 may be omitted.

[0021] An example of a functional configuration of the operation console 10 and the remote control device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Although omitted in Fig. 1, the disaster prevention radio system 1 according to the present embodiment further includes a data file sharing server 60 communicably connected to the operation console 10 and the remote control device 20 as shown in Fig. 2.

[0022] The operation console 10 includes a slave station selection screen display unit 101, a map screen display unit 102 (map screen display means), a slave station selection control unit 103 (slave station selection control means), a data file transmission unit 104, a broadcast processing unit 105, and a storage unit .

[0023] In this embodiment, a broadcast target slave station 40 can be selected from a plurality of slave stations 40 installed in a target area in response to an operation of the operator on the operation console 10 by a person in charge.

[0024] In this case, the child station selection screen display unit 101 displays a screen for selecting a broadcast target child station 40 (hereinafter, referred to as a child station selection screen) on the above-mentioned display device 16. Although details will be described later, the child station selection screen is provided with, for example, a button for specifying a number assigned to the broadcast target child station 40 (i.e., for individually specifying the broadcast target child station 40) and a button for specifying a previously registered group (a broadcast target child station 40 set in the group), etc.

[0025] The map screen display unit 102 displays a map screen including a map of the target area. Note that the multiple slave stations 40 installed in the target area are arranged on the map included in the map screen displayed by the map screen display unit 102. In other words, the map included in the map screen allows the locations in the target area where the multiple slave stations 40 are installed to be confirmed.

[0026] Here, the slave station selection screen displayed by the slave station selection screen display unit 101 described above is provided with buttons for the person in charge to specify the broadcast target slave station 40. In this embodiment, in order to further improve operability, the map screen display unit 102 provides an interface that enables the person in charge to specify the broadcast target slave station 40 on the map included in the map screen described above.

[0027] The slave station selection control unit 103 selects a broadcast target slave station 40 in response to an operation by the person in charge on the slave station selection screen displayed by the slave station selection screen display unit 101 or the map screen displayed by the map screen display unit 102.

[0028] The data file transmitting unit 104 is a transmitting unit that transmits a data file including child station information indicating the broadcast target child station 40 to the remote control device 20 in order to notify the remote control device 20 of the selected broadcast target child station 40. By transmitting this data file, the remote control device 20 can also grasp the selected broadcast target child station.

[0029] The broadcast processing unit 105 executes a process for broadcasting audio via the broadcast target child station 40 selected by the child station selection control unit 103. In this case, the broadcast processing unit 105 executes a process for transmitting an audio signal from a transmitting unit 31 (transmitting means) included in the master station device 30 to the broadcast target child station 40.

[0030] The storage unit 106 stores map information showing a map of a target area used by the map screen display unit 102 to display a map screen, and a data file including child station information showing the above-mentioned broadcast target child stations 40. When the data file stored in the storage unit 106 in this way is reflected, for example, on the above-mentioned map screen, it becomes possible to display the broadcast target child stations 40 among the multiple child stations 40 arranged on the map included in the map screen in a manner distinguished from the other child stations 40.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 2, a map display device 10a may be connected to the operation console 10. In this case, the map screen described above can be displayed on the map display device 10a. A hazard map screen and a sound reachable range screen, which will be described later, may be displayed on the map display device 10a.

[0032] Next, the remote control device 20 installed in a branch office or the like includes a slave station selection screen display unit 201, a map screen display unit 202 (display means), a slave station selection control unit 203 (slave station selection control means), a data file transmission unit 204 (transmission means), a broadcast processing unit 205, and a storage unit 206.

[0033] In this embodiment, the remote control device 20 has the same functional configuration as the above-mentioned operation console 10. That is, the slave station selection screen display unit 201, the map screen display unit 202, the slave station selection control unit 203, the data file transmission unit 204, the broadcast processing unit 205, and the storage unit 206 included in the remote control device 20 are functional units corresponding to the slave station selection screen display unit 101, the map screen display unit 102, the slave station selection control unit 103, the data file transmission unit 104, the broadcast processing unit 105, and the storage unit 106 included in the operation console 10, respectively.

[0034] The data file sharing server 60 is a server device for sharing the above-mentioned data files between the operator console 10 and the remote control device 20, and includes a data file transfer unit 601. The data file transfer unit 601 transfers a data file transmitted from the operator console 10 (a data file transmission unit 104 included in the operator console 10) to the remote control device 20. The data file transfer unit 601 also transfers a data file transmitted from the remote control device 20 (a data file transmission unit 104 included in the operator console 10).

[0035] 3 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the above-mentioned operation console 10. The operation console 10 includes a CPU 11, a non-volatile memory 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a communication device 14, an input device 15, a display device 16, and the like.

[0036] The CPU 11 is a processor for controlling the operation of various components in the operator console 10. The CPU 11 may be a single processor or may be configured with multiple processors. The CPU 11 executes various programs loaded from the non-volatile memory 12 to the RAM 13.

[0037] The non-volatile memory 12 is a storage medium used as an auxiliary storage device. The RAM 13 is a storage medium used as a main storage device. In Fig. 3, only the non-volatile memory 12 and the RAM 13 are shown, but the operation console 10 may include other storage devices such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid state drive (SSD).

[0038] The communication device 14 is a device configured to execute communication with an external device. In this embodiment, the external device that executes communication with the operator console 10 includes, for example, the master station device 30 and other server devices.

[0039] The input device 15 includes, for example, a mouse and a keyboard, etc. The display device 16 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0040] The input device 15 and the display device 16 may be devices other than those described here. Specifically, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the operation console 10 is, for example, a personal computer, but if the operation console 10 is a tablet terminal or the like, the operation console 10 may be provided with a touch screen display in which the input device 15 and the display device 16 are integrated.

[0041] Some or all of the units 101 to 105 shown in FIG. 2 are realized by, for example, CPU 11 (i.e., the computer of the operator console 10) shown in FIG. 3 executing a predetermined program, that is, by software. This program may be distributed by being stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or may be downloaded to the operator console 10 via a network.

[0042] Here, it has been described that some or all of the units 101 to 105 are realized by software, but some or all of the units 101 to 105 may be realized by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0043] The storage unit 106 shown in FIG. 2 is realized by, for example, the non-volatile memory 12 shown in FIG. 3 or another storage device.

[0044] Although the hardware configuration of the operation console 10 has been described in Fig. 3, the hardware configuration of the remote control device 20 is similar to that of the operation console 10, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted here. Also, some or all of the units 201 to 205 shown in Fig. 2 may be realized by software, by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Also, the storage unit 206 shown in Fig. 2 is realized by a non-volatile memory or other storage device provided in the remote control device 20.

[0045] <Embodiment 1> The first embodiment is an embodiment in which a slave station to which a broadcast is to be sent is designated from an operation console 10 of the control station 2, which selects a target slave station 40 for broadcast.

[0046] In the following explanation, it is assumed that the remote control device 20 is installed in two branches 3, and the remote control device 20 installed in one branch 3 is referred to as remote control device 20a, and the remote control device 20 installed in the other branch 3 is referred to as remote control device 20b.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a sequence chart showing a processing procedure of the disaster prevention radio system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0048] First, in step S1, when an audio broadcast is to be performed in the disaster prevention radio system 1, the operation console 10 (slave station selection screen display unit 101) displays a slave station selection screen.

[0049] FIG. 5 shows an example of a slave station selection screen for specifying a slave station by its name. As shown in FIG. 5, the child station selection screen 300 is provided with a child station selection area 310 and a child station display area 320 .

[0050] Arranged in the slave station selection area 310 are an emergency simultaneous selection button 311, a simultaneous selection button 312, a group selection button 313, an individual selection button 314, and a map selection button 315. In the operation console 10, a person in charge presses any of the buttons 311 to 315 arranged in the slave station selection area 310, whereby a broadcast target slave station 40 corresponding to the button can be selected.

[0051] The emergency simultaneous selection button 311 is a selection button for making an emergency audio broadcast. When the emergency simultaneous selection button 311 is pressed, all the slave stations 40 in all areas are selected as the target slave stations 40 for broadcast, and the broadcast from each slave station is made at a loud volume, for example, to convey the emergency.

[0052] On the other hand, the simultaneous selection button 312 is a selection button for performing normal audio broadcasting to all regions. When the simultaneous selection button 312 is pressed, all the slave stations 40 in all regions are selected as the target slave stations 40 for broadcasting, just like the simultaneous selection button 312, but the broadcasts from each slave station are performed at a normal audio volume.

[0053] The group selection button 313 is a button for selecting a slave station 40 for a specific area <for example, for each group> as a broadcast target slave station 40. Note that group information indicating a plurality of slave stations 40 registered in a group is assumed to be stored in the storage unit 106 in advance.

[0054] Note that multiple groups may be designated as the child stations to be broadcasted. In this case, pressing the group selection button 313 causes the child station selection screen 300 shown in Fig. 5 to transition to, for example, a group number input screen (not shown), and the person in charge can input (designate) the group number assigned to the group in which the multiple child stations 40 to be selected as the broadcast target child stations 40 are registered in the group number input screen. In the operation console 10, the multiple child stations 40 registered in the group to which the group number input by the person in charge is assigned can be selected as the broadcast target child stations 40.

[0055] The individual selection button 314 is a button for individually selecting a broadcast target child station 40 from among the multiple child stations 40. When the individual selection button 314 is pressed, the child station selection screen 300 shown in Fig. 5 transitions to, for example, a child station number input screen (not shown), and the person in charge can input (specify) the child station number assigned to the child station 40 selected as the broadcast target child station 40 in the child station number input screen. In the operation console 10, the child station 40 assigned with the child station number input by the person in charge in this manner can be selected as the broadcast target child station 40.

[0056] Next, the map selection button 315 is a button for selecting a broadcast target child station 40 in response to an operation of the person in charge on the map screen. The method of selecting a broadcast target child station using a map will be described in detail later.

[0057] The slave station display area 320 displays (the slave station number assigned to) the broadcast target slave station 40 selected by pressing each of the above-mentioned buttons 311 to 315. In the example shown in Fig. 5, a plurality of slave stations 40 including slave station 1 and slave station 2 selected as the broadcast target slave stations 40 are displayed.

[0058] Returning to FIG. 4, in step S2, when the map selection button 315 is pressed on the slave station selection screen 300 (slave station selection area 310), the operation console 10 (map screen display unit 102) displays a map screen.

[0059] Next, in step S3, the person in charge uses the input device 15 provided on the operation console 10 to specify an area on the map displayed in the map display area 410, thereby selecting a broadcast target slave station 40.

[0060] Next, in step S4, the operator console 10 updates the data file stored in the storage unit 106 based on the broadcast target child station 40 selected in step S3. The data file updated in this manner includes child station information indicating the broadcast target child station 40 selected in step S3.

[0061] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, an example of a method for selecting a broadcast target slave station 40 using a map will be specifically described for each designation method.

[0062] An example of a map screen is shown in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 6, a map screen 400 is provided with a map display area 410 and a slave station display area 420.

[0063] A map of the target area is displayed in the map display area 410. Also, marks 411 representing each of the installed slave stations 40 are displayed on the map displayed in the map display area 410 in accordance with the positions of the installed slave stations 40. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the multiple slave stations 40 represented by each of the multiple marks 411 arranged on the map include slave stations a to j.

[0064] <Slave station specification method 1> The slave station designation method 1 is an embodiment in which each slave station is individually selected from the slave stations displayed on the map.

[0065] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a method for specifying a slave station displayed on a map. The selected broadcast target child stations 40 may be further changed (modified) in response to an operation by a person in charge. Specifically, for example, when a mark 411 representing a child station j other than the selected child stations e to h is designated (clicked) in the map display area 410, the designated child station j is further selected (i.e., child station j is added to the broadcast target child stations 40) as shown in Fig. 7.

[0066] On the other hand, Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a method for specifying a slave station displayed on a map, similar to Fig. 7. For example, when a mark 411 representing a slave station h among the selected slave stations e to h is specified (clicked) in the map display area 410, the selection of the specified slave station h is cancelled as shown in Fig. 8 (i.e., slave station h is excluded from the broadcast target slave stations 40).

[0067] When a broadcast target child station 40 is selected as described above, the data file for managing the broadcast target child station 40 stored in the storage unit 106 is updated. The data file updated in this manner is reflected on the map screen 400. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, a mark 411 representing the selected broadcast target child station 40 is displayed in a manner that allows it to be distinguished from marks 411 representing other child stations 40. Also, the child station display area 420 displays the selected broadcast target child station 40 (the child station number assigned to it, etc.).

[0068] Returning to FIG. 4 again, in step S5, the operator console 10 (data file transmission unit 104) transmits the data file updated in step S4 (i.e., the data file including the child station information indicating the broadcast target child station 40 selected in step S3) to the data file sharing server 60.

[0069] In FIG. 4, when a slave station is selected in step S3, the data file is updated in step S4 and then transferred to the data file server 60 or the remote control device 20. However, it is also possible to notify the selection result first and then transfer the updated data file.

[0070] In step S6, the data file sharing server 60 (data file transfer section 601) receives the data file transmitted from the operator console 10 in step S5, and transfers the data file to the remote control device 20a.

[0071] Here, since the remote control device 20a has the same configuration as the operation console 10 as described above, the remote control device 20a also manages the slave station information indicating the broadcast target slave station 40 in a data file.

[0072] Therefore, in step S7, when the remote control device 20a receives a data file transferred from the data file sharing server 60 in step S6, the remote control device 20a updates the data file managed in the remote control device 20a to the received data file.

[0073] Next, in step S8, the remote control device 20a displays (the slave station information contained in) the data file updated in step S7.

[0074] As described above, the remote control device 20a has the same configuration as the operation console 10, and can display a map screen in the same manner as the operation console 10. In this case, the slave station information included in the updated data file as described above is reflected on the map screen displayed on the remote control device 20a, and the person operating the remote control device 20a can check the broadcast target slave station 40 selected on the operation console 10 on the map screen.

[0075] Similarly, the same process is executed for the remote control device 20b.

[0076] Specifically, in step S9, when the data file sharing server 60 receives the data file transmitted from the operator console 10 in step S5, the data file sharing server 60 transfers the received data file to the remote control device 20b.

[0077] In this case, the remote control device 20b receives the data file transferred from the data file sharing server 60 in step S9, and updates the data file managed in the remote control device 20b to the received data file in step S10.

[0078] Next, in step S11, the remote control device 20b displays (the slave station information contained in) the data file updated in step S10. In this case, the slave station information contained in the data file updated as described above is reflected on the map screen displayed on the remote control device 20b, and the person operating the remote control device 20b can confirm the broadcast target slave station 40 selected on the operation console 10 on the map screen.

[0079] That is, according to the process shown in FIG. 4, when a broadcast target child station 40 is selected on the operation console 10, an updated data file is transferred from the operation console 10 to the remote control devices 20a and 20b via the data file sharing server 60, thereby enabling information about the broadcast target child station 40 selected on the operation console 10 (i.e., a similar map screen) to be shared throughout the entire disaster prevention radio system 1.

[0080] In this way, when the broadcast target child station 40 is selected, in step S12, the operation console 10 (broadcast processing unit 105) executes processing for performing audio broadcasting via the broadcast target child station 40. In this case, the operation console 10 transmits (distributes) audio signals (including broadcast waves Ws and relay waves Wc) for performing audio broadcasting to the broadcast target child station 40 via the parent station device 30. This allows the broadcast target child station 40 to perform audio broadcasting by outputting audio based on the audio signal transmitted from the operation console 10 from the speaker SP.

[0081] In addition, the operation console 10 may transmit, for example, a voice signal that has been pre-registered in the operation console 10, or may transmit a voice signal of the person in charge that has been input via a microphone (not shown) provided on the operation console 10.

[0082] Furthermore, although it has been described here that an audio signal is transmitted to a broadcast target child station 40 at the timing when the child station 40 is selected, for example, the audio signal may be distributed in advance to a plurality of child stations 40, and the operation console 10 may instruct the broadcast target child station 40 to broadcast the audio via the master station device 30. In this case, the broadcast target child station 40 can operate to reproduce the audio signal distributed in advance in response to an instruction from the operation console 10 (master station device 30).

[0083] Here, in the first slave station designation method, the broadcast target slave stations 40 are individually selected by the person in charge on the map included in the map screen. However, another designation method will be described.

[0084] <Slave station specification method 2> Next, a slave station designation method 2 will be described, which is a designation method for designating a region on the map in the map display region 410 to designate a slave station to which broadcasting is to be directed.

[0085] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen configuration in a state where a slave station is selected on a map. Specifically, the person in charge can specify an area surrounded by a perimeter such as a circle (or a rectangle) by operating, for example, a mouse or a touch screen display to draw the perimeter on the map displayed in the map display area 410 as shown in Fig. 9. In this case, on the operation console 10, the slave stations 40 installed within the area specified by the person in charge can be selected as the slave stations 40 to be broadcasted. In the example shown in Fig. 9, slave stations e to h are selected from among slave stations a to j.

[0086] When the broadcast target child station 40 is selected as described above, the data file for managing the broadcast target child station 40 stored in the storage unit 106 is updated. The data file updated in this manner is reflected on the map screen 400.

[0087] <Slave station specification method 3> The slave station designation method 3 is an embodiment in which a third map is also displayed on the map, and a target slave station is selected.

[0088] Considering that the disaster prevention radio system 1 is applied in cases where audio broadcasting is to be performed when a disaster or the like occurs, the above-mentioned map screen may further include, in addition to the map, information useful for the person in charge to select (determine) the target slave station 40 for broadcasting.

[0089] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing slave station designation method 3. In slave station designation method 3, a map screen 400 is displayed in which a hazard map of a target area is superimposed on a map as shown in Fig. 10. Hereinafter, a map screen in which a hazard map of a target area is superimposed on a map, for example, will be referred to as a hazard map screen.

[0090] In addition, the hazard map (information) superimposed on the map on the hazard map screen 400 is created, for example, by a local government (the local government that has jurisdiction over the target area) that uses the disaster prevention radio system 1, and is stored in advance, for example, in the storage unit 106.

[0091] In this embodiment, for example, the map screen 400 shown in Fig. 6 and the hazard map screen 400 shown in Fig. 10 may be displayed, but the map screen 400 and the hazard map screen 400 may be switched between the two screens. Specifically, for example, the hazard map screen 400 may be displayed when a check box 430a shown in Fig. 10 is checked, and the map screen 400 may be displayed when the check box 430a is not checked.

[0092] <Slave station specification method 4> The slave station designation method 4 is an embodiment in which the range of each slave station is displayed on a map, and a slave station requiring broadcasting is selected.

[0093] FIG. 11 is a display example of a map screen (hereinafter referred to as sound reachable range screen) 400 in which the reachable range of the sound output from the speaker SP provided in each of the multiple slave stations 40 is superimposed on the map.

[0094] In addition, the sound reach (information) that is superimposed on the map on the sound reach screen 400 is set based on, for example, the orientation of the speaker SP provided in each slave station 40 and the volume that can be output from the speaker SP, and is stored in advance in, for example, the storage unit 106.

[0095] In this embodiment, for example, the map screen 400 shown in Fig. 6 and the sound reachable range screen 400 shown in Fig. 11 may be displayed, but the map screen 400 and the sound reachable range screen 400 may be switched between the screens. Specifically, for example, the sound reachable range screen 400 may be displayed when a check box 430b shown in Fig. 11 is checked, and the map screen 400 may be displayed when the check box 430b is not checked.

[0096] <Combination of slave station designation method 3 and slave station designation method 4> It is also possible to combine the slave station designation method 3 and the slave station designation method 4. For example, a map screen may be displayed in which both a hazard map as in the slave station designation method 3 and a sound reachable range as in the slave station designation method 4 are superimposed on a map.

[0097] Also, a check box 430a shown in FIG. 10 and a check box 430b shown in FIG. 11 may be used to switch between the map screen 400, the hazard map screen 400, and the sound reachable range screen 400.

[0098] In the present embodiment, the slave station 40 installed within the area designated by the person in charge on the map is selected as the target slave station 40, but the target slave station 40 may be automatically selected based on the hazard map and sound reach range superimposed on the map. Specifically, for example, the hazard map sets areas such as flood danger water area, volcanic disaster prevention area, and landslide disaster area, and the slave station 40 installed near the area may be automatically selected as the target slave station 40. Also, for example, the slave station 40 whose sound reach range overlaps with the areas such as flood danger water area, volcanic disaster prevention area, and landslide disaster area (i.e., the slave station 40 equipped with the speaker SP whose sound reaches the area to which information is to be provided) may be automatically selected as the target slave station 40.

[0099] Here, the configuration has been described mainly as a combination of slave station designation method 3 and slave station designation method 4, but it may be a configuration in which at least two of the slave station designation methods 1 to 4 described above are combined.

[0100] <Embodiment 2> Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the case where the broadcast target child station 40 is selected on the operation console 10 has been described. In the second embodiment, however, a case where the broadcast target child station 40 is selected on the remote control device 20a will be described.

[0101] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the second embodiment. 12, the remote control device 20a executes the processes of steps S21 to S24. These steps are similar to steps S1 to S4 shown in FIG 4, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] Next, in step S25, the remote control device 20a transmits to the data file sharing server 60 the data file updated in step S24 (that is, the data file including the slave station information indicating the broadcast target slave station 40 selected in step S23).

[0103] The data file sharing server 60 receives the data file transmitted from the remote control device 20a in step S25.

[0104] In FIG. 12, when a slave station is selected in step S23, the data file is updated in step S24 and then transferred to the data file server 60 or the remote control device 20. However, the selection result may be notified first, and then the updated data file may be transferred.

[0105] Then, in step S26, the data file is transferred to the operator console 10. The operator console 10 receives the data file transferred from the data file sharing server 60 in step S26.

[0106] Then, in step S27, the data file managed in the operator console 10 is updated to the received data file.

[0107] Next, in step S28, the operator console 10 displays (the slave station information contained in) the data file updated in step S27. In this case, the slave station information contained in the updated data file as described above is reflected on the map screen displayed on the operator console 10. The person operating the operator console 10 can confirm the broadcast target slave station 40 selected on the remote control device 20a on the map screen.

[0108] Furthermore, when the data file sharing server 60 receives the data file transmitted from the operator console 10 in step S25, it transfers the received data file to the remote control device 20b in step S29.

[0109] The remote control device 20b receives the data file transferred from the data file sharing server 60 in step S29.

[0110] Then, in step S30, the data file managed by the remote control device 20b is updated to the received data file.

[0111] Next, in step S31, the remote control device 20b displays (the slave station information contained in) the data file updated in step S30. In this case, the slave station information contained in the data file updated as described above is reflected on the map screen displayed on the remote control device 20b. The person operating the remote control device 20b can confirm the broadcast target slave station 40 selected on the remote control device 20a on the map screen.

[0112] That is, according to the process shown in FIG. 12, when a broadcast target child station 40 is selected on the remote control device 20a, an updated data file is transferred from the remote control device 20a to the operation console 10 and the remote control device 20b via the data file sharing server 60, thereby enabling information about the broadcast target child station 40 selected on the remote control device 20a (i.e., a similar map screen) to be shared throughout the entire disaster prevention radio system 1.

[0113] The remote control device 20a executes the process of step S32. This step is similar to the process of step S12 shown in Fig. 4, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0114] Note that, although the case where a broadcast target child station 40 is selected on the remote control device 20a has been described here, when a broadcast target child station 40 is selected on the remote control device 20b, the updated data file is transferred from the remote control device 20b to the operation console 10 and the remote control device 20a via the data file sharing server 60.

[0115] Further, although two remote control devices 20 (remote control devices 20a and 20b) have been described here, the number of remote control devices 20 may be one, or three or more.

[0116] As described above, in this embodiment, the operation console 10 displays a map screen including a map of a target area where multiple slave stations 40 are installed, and a person in charge (first person in charge) selects a broadcast target slave station 40 on the map included in the displayed map screen, and transmits slave station information (data file) indicating the selected broadcast target slave station 40 to the remote control device 20. In this case, the remote control device 20 displays the slave station information transmitted from the operation console 10. Furthermore, the master station device 30 transmits an audio signal for audio broadcasting to the broadcast target slave station 40 selected on the operation console 10.

[0117] In this embodiment, the above-described configuration can improve the convenience of the disaster prevention radio system 1 (the operation console 10 and the remote control device 20).

[0118] Specifically, in this embodiment, the operation console 10 is configured to select the broadcast target slave station 40 installed within the area surrounded by the perimeter drawn on the map by the person in charge, so that the person in charge can specify the broadcast target slave station 40 by intuitive operation while grasping the positions of the multiple slave stations 40 on the map, as compared with the case where the group selection button 313 and the individual selection button 314 arranged on the slave station selection screen 300 (slave station selection area 310) shown in FIG. 5 are pressed while referring to a map display device or the like provided separately from the operation console 10. That is, in this embodiment, high operability can be realized in the operation console 10. Here, the operation console 10 has been described, but in this embodiment, the remote control device 20 also has the same configuration as the operation console 10, so that high operability can be realized in the remote control device 20 as in the operation console 10.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, the child station information indicating the broadcast target child station 40 selected on the operation console 10 is transmitted (transferred) from the operation console 10 to the remote control device 20, and the child station information is displayed on the remote control device 20, so that the person in charge (second person in charge) can confirm the broadcast target child station 40 selected on the operation console 10 on the remote control device 20. That is, in this embodiment, for example, when the broadcast target child station 40 is selected on the operation console 10 and audio broadcasting is to be performed on the remote control device 20 side, it becomes possible to easily confirm the already selected broadcast target child station 40 (child station 40 for which audio broadcasting has already been performed).

[0120] Similarly, in this embodiment, for example, child station information indicating a broadcast target child station 40 selected on the remote control device 20 is transmitted (transferred) from the remote control device 20 to the operation console 10, and the child station information is displayed on the operation console 10, so that the person in charge (first person in charge) can confirm the broadcast target child station 40 selected on the remote control device 20 on the operation console 10. That is, in this embodiment, for example, when a broadcast target child station 40 is selected on the remote control device 20 and then audio broadcasting is performed on the operation console 10 side, it becomes possible to easily confirm the already selected broadcast target child station 40 (child station 40 for which audio broadcasting has already been performed).

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a map screen (hazard map screen) may be displayed in which a hazard map of a target area is superimposed on a map, or a map screen (sound reach range screen) may be displayed in which the reach range (sound reach range) of the sound output from the speaker SP provided in each of the multiple slave stations 40 is superimposed on the map. With this configuration, it is possible to realize selection of a more appropriate slave station 40 to broadcast to in accordance with, for example, a disaster incident (disaster situation) by referring to the hazard map and the sound reach range.

[0122] In addition, in this embodiment, the broadcast target child stations 40 installed within the area designated by the person in charge are selected as described above, but depending on the operation of the person in charge, child stations 40 other than the broadcast target child station 40 may be further selected, or the selection of the broadcast target child station 40 may be cancelled. That is, in this embodiment, the person in charge can individually adjust the broadcast target child stations 40 selected by drawing the perimeter on the map as described above, so that it is possible to prevent oversight or erroneous selection of the broadcast target child stations 40.

[0123] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1...disaster prevention radio system, 2...government building, 3...branch office, 10...operation console, 11...CPU, 12...non-volatile memory, 13...RAM, 14...communication device, 15...input device, 16...display device, 20...remote control device, 30...parent station, 40...child station, 50...relay station, 60...data file sharing server, 101...child station selection screen display unit, 102...map screen display unit, 103...child station selection control unit, 104...data file transmission unit, 105...broadcast processing unit, 106...storage unit, 201...child station selection screen display unit, 202...map screen display unit, 203...child station selection control unit, 204...data file transmission unit, 205...broadcast processing unit, 206...storage unit, 601...data file transfer unit.

Claims

1. In a disaster prevention radio system having a control station and a plurality of slave stations connected to each other so as to be capable of wireless communication, The control station includes an operation console operated by a person in charge, and a master station device connected to the operation console, The console includes: a map screen display means for displaying a map screen including a map of an area in which the plurality of slave stations are installed; a slave station selection control means for selecting a slave station to be broadcast by the person in charge on a map included in the displayed map screen; the master station device has a transmitting means for transmitting an audio signal for audio broadcasting to the selected slave station; A disaster prevention radio system equipped with:

2. the slave station selection control means selects a first slave station to be installed within an area surrounded by an outer periphery drawn on the map by the person in charge; 2. The disaster prevention radio system according to claim 1.

3. the map screen display means displays a map screen in which a hazard map of the area is superimposed on the map; 2. The disaster prevention radio system according to claim 1.

4. each of the plurality of slave stations includes a speaker that outputs a sound based on the sound signal transmitted from the transmitting means; the map screen display means displays a map screen on which a range reached by a sound output from a speaker provided in each of the plurality of slave stations is superimposed on the map.

2. The disaster prevention radio system according to claim 1.

5. the slave station selection control means further selects a slave station other than the selected slave station in response to an operation by the person in charge; 2. The disaster prevention radio system according to claim 1.

6. the slave station selection control means cancels the selection of the selected slave station in response to an operation by the person in charge.

2. The disaster prevention radio system according to claim 1.

7. The disaster prevention radio system further includes a remote control device installed at a location away from the control station, the console includes a transmitting means for transmitting slave station information indicating the selected slave station to the remote control device; The remote control device includes a map screen display unit for displaying the transmitted child station information.

2. The disaster prevention radio system according to claim 1.

8. The disaster prevention radio system further includes a remote control device installed at a location away from the control station, The remote control device includes: a map screen display means for displaying a map screen including a map of an area in which the plurality of slave stations are installed; A person who operates the remote control device selects a slave station to be broadcast on a map included in the displayed map screen, and a transmission means provided in the remote control device transmits slave station information indicating the selected slave station to the operation console, and a map screen display means provided in the operation console includes a slave station selection control means for displaying the slave station information transmitted to the operation console, and a transmission means for transmitting an audio signal for audio broadcasting to the selected slave station.

2. The disaster prevention radio system according to claim 1.

9. A control station of a disaster prevention radio system operated by a person in charge of the system includes a master station device and a plurality of slave stations connected to the master station device so as to be capable of wireless communication, a map screen display means for displaying a map screen including a map of an area in which the plurality of slave stations are installed; a slave station selection control means for selecting a slave station to be broadcast by the person in charge on a map included in the displayed map screen; the master station device has a transmitting means for transmitting an audio signal for audio broadcasting to the selected slave station; A control station for a disaster prevention radio system equipped with the following:

10. A method for designating a broadcast slave station in a disaster prevention wireless system including a control station and a plurality of slave stations connected to the control station so as to be capable of wireless communication, a step of the control station displaying a map screen including a map of an area in which the plurality of slave stations are installed; a step of the control station selecting a slave station to be installed within an area designated by a person in charge on a map included in the displayed map screen; a step of the control station transmitting an audio signal for audio broadcasting to the selected child station; A method for designating a broadcast slave station in a disaster prevention radio system comprising:

Images