Communication device

Abstract

To provide a technique for inputting commands to a communication device that houses various units such as a wireless communication antenna within a housing.SOLUTION: A communication device 100 is provided that includes: a housing 101; a wireless communication antenna 165 arranged inside the housing; a plurality of first sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, 1454 arranged inside the housing for measuring distortion of the housing; and a control section 110 arranged inside the housing for accepting a command corresponding to a position where the housing is pressed based on measurement values of the plurality of first sensors.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology of a communication device that houses a wireless communication antenna in a housing.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in houses, offices, etc., a meter for meter reading for measuring the usage amount of water supply or the like has been installed. Also known is a communication device that can be retrofitted to an object such as a meter reading meter and can transmit the meter reading value to a server.

[0003] For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-015129 (Patent Document 1) discloses a communication device. According to Patent Document 1, the communication device transmits information indicating the measurement result of a measuring device related to resources or energy to a center device. The communication device includes a vibration detection unit, a trigger unit, and a control unit. The vibration detection unit detects the vibration of the communication device. The trigger unit generates a trigger signal for starting an operation mode in response to an external operation. The control unit starts an operation mode according to the detection result of the vibration detection unit in response to the trigger signal for starting the operation mode.

[0004] Also, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-015130 (Patent Document 2) discloses a communication device. According to Patent Document 2, the communication device transmits information indicating the measurement result of a measuring device related to resources or energy to a center device. The communication device includes an attitude detection unit, a trigger unit, and a control unit. The attitude detection unit detects the attitude of the communication device. The trigger unit generates a trigger signal for starting an operation mode in response to an external operation. The control unit starts an operation mode according to the attitude in response to the trigger signal for starting the operation mode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for inputting a command to a communication device that houses various units such as a wireless communication antenna in a housing.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication device including a housing, a wireless communication antenna disposed inside the housing, a plurality of first sensors disposed inside the housing for measuring distortion of the housing, and a control unit disposed inside the housing for receiving a command corresponding to a position where the housing is pushed based on measurement values of the plurality of first sensors.

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] As described above, according to the present invention, a command can be input to a communication device that houses various units such as a wireless communication antenna in a housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. <First Embodiment> <Overall Configuration of Network System 1>

[0011] First, the overall configuration of the network system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The network system 1 according to the present embodiment mainly includes a water meter 200, an NCU 100 as a communication device, a network 500, a center-side network control device 400, a center server 300, and the like.

[0012] The water meter 200 is a metering device that measures the amount of water used. The water meter 200 stores or outputs externally the cumulative value of the amount of water used so far as a measurement result.

[0013] The NCU100 is a device that can be retrofitted and attached around the water meter 200. In this embodiment, the NCU100 receives the measured value of the water meter 200 via a cable for wired signals and transmits the measured value to the server 300 via the base station of the carrier network by wireless communication.

[0014] The central server 300 obtains the measured value from the NCU100 via a network 500 such as the Internet, and calculates the water usage of each household, each office, and each building.

[0015] Thus, regarding the network system 1 according to this embodiment, by connecting the NCU100 to the water meter 200, instead of the operator visiting, the NCU100 can periodically and automatically provide the meter reading value by the water meter 200 to the server 300. <Configuration inside the water meter BOX>

[0016] Hereinafter, the configuration of the water meter BOX10 in which the NCU100 and the water meter 200 according to this embodiment are stored will be described.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the water meter BOX10 is mainly buried underground and is composed of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box body 11 and a lid 12. A water pipe 13 penetrates horizontally through the lower part of the box body 11. Inside the water meter BOX10, a water pipe 13, a water meter 200, an NCU100, etc. are stored.

[0018] The water meter 200 measures the amount of water flowing through the water pipe 13, stores the meter reading result in the internal memory, and periodically transmits the meter reading result to the NCU100 via the communication cable 25.

[0019] For example, the NCU100 is fixed by being tied to the side surface, upper surface, etc. of the water meter 200 using a binding band or the like. However, the method of fixing the NCU100 to the water meter 200 or fixing it inside the water meter BOX10 is not particularly limited. <NCU Instruction Input Configuration>

[0020] Next, the hardware configuration for inputting instructions to the NCU100 will be described. Referring to FIG. 3, for the NCU100 according to the present embodiment, a wireless communication antenna 165, a plurality of force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, 1454, etc. are housed inside the housing 101.

[0021] In particular, since the water meter BOX10 is buried underground, rainwater or the like may enter the water meter BOX10. Therefore, the inside of the NCU100 is sealed and waterproofed. In the present embodiment, the operation unit and the display unit are configured not to be exposed outside the housing 101 of the NCU100. The housing 101 is preferably made of resin so as not to easily cause interference with wireless communication.

[0022] Specifically, in the present embodiment, inside the housing 101, on the substrate 105, four force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, 1454, a first LED 131, a second LED 132, a magnetic sensor 140, a communication unit 160, a wireless communication antenna 165, a connection unit 150, etc. are arranged. In addition, inside the housing 101, as will be described later, a control unit, a battery, etc. are also provided. And the housing 101 is sealed so that water does not enter the inside and water does not adhere to these devices. <NCU Operation Outline>

[0023] As described above, for waterproofing, in the NCU100 according to this embodiment, input interfaces such as buttons and switches are not exposed outside the housing 101. Therefore, commands are input according to the position on the surface of the housing 101 that is pushed in by a service technician or the like. In this embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, in a plan view, four force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, and 1454 are arranged at the four corners of the housing 101 respectively. Then, from the strain of the four force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, and 1454, the position on the upper surface of the housing 101 that is pressed by a finger is specified, and a command corresponding to the position is input. More specifically, the following command input procedure is adopted.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 5(A), when inputting a command to the NCU100, a service technician approaches a magnet 190 to the vicinity of the magnetic sensor 140 from the outside of the housing 101. When the magnetic sensor 140 detects a magnetic force, the first LED 131 lights up as a mode for receiving a command.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 5(B), in this state, the service technician presses any position on the upper surface of the housing 101. The four force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, and 1454 detect the direction and magnitude of the strain of the housing 101 directly above themselves, thereby specifying the position pressed by a finger. Then, a command corresponding to the position is presented as a reception candidate. More specifically, the second LED 132 emits light corresponding to the command corresponding to the specified position.

[0026] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the force sensor 145 is not in direct contact with the housing 101, but is in contact with the back surface of the housing 101 via an elastic member such as a rubber 144.

[0027] The service technician changes the position where the housing 101 is pushed in by sliding or re-pressing a finger until the desired command is presented as a candidate by the second LED 132.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 5(C), the serviceman can determine the input of the command by separating the magnet 190 from the housing 101 while the second LED 132 emits the light of the candidate command he desires. As a result, the first LED 131 and the second LED 132 are turned off. <Detailed Configuration of NCU>

[0029] Next, referring to FIG. 6, an aspect of the configuration of the NCU 100 will be described. The NCU 100 according to the present embodiment mainly includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 115, a trigger unit 141, a depression position detection unit 146, a communication unit 160, a wireless communication antenna 165, a notification unit 130, a first connection unit 171, a second connection unit 172, a third connection unit 173, a battery 180, a power control unit 185, and the like.

[0030] The control unit 110 is composed of a processor 111 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage unit 115. The processor 111 controls each part of the NCU 100 according to the programs and various data stored in the storage unit 115.

[0031] The storage unit 115 stores control programs, stitch inspection values, stitch inspection dates and times, a command table 116, the electric field strength of the radio wave of the base station measured by the communication unit 160, and the like. As shown in FIG. 7, the command table 116 is data showing the correspondence relationships such as the depression position, the light emission method of the second LED, the name of the operation mode, and the content of the program of the operation mode for each operation mode as a command.

[0032] Returning to FIG. 6, the trigger unit 141 is realized by a magnetic sensor 140, measures the magnetic force, and inputs the measurement result to the control unit 110. In the present embodiment, while the trigger unit 141 detects magnetism, the depression position detection unit 146 receives the input of various commands.

[0033] In this embodiment, the pressing position detection unit 146 is realized by four force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, and 1454. Each of the force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, and 1454 measures the strain or load directly above itself and inputs it to the control unit 110. For example, when a load is input, the force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, and 1454 output their respective voltages (V1, V2, V3, V4) to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 can convert the voltage values into loads (f1, f2, f3, f4) and calculate the center of gravity position, that is, the position pressed by the finger, from the balance conditions of the moments in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0034] The notification unit 130 includes the first LED 131 and the second LED 132. The first LED 131 lights up or blinks with light of a predetermined color according to an instruction from the control unit 110. Similarly, the second LED 132 also lights up or blinks with light of a predetermined color according to an instruction from the control unit 110. In this embodiment, while detecting the magnetic force, the control unit 110 lights up the first LED 131 and lights up the second LED 132 with light corresponding to an instruction or an operation mode according to the pressed position as an input candidate for the instruction.

[0035] The first connection unit 171 receives a meter reading value from the water meter 200 via the communication cable 25 according to an instruction from the control unit 110.

[0036] The second connection unit 172 and the third connection unit 173 are used for connection with other meters and devices. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, by connecting a personal computer 700 as a setter owned by a serviceman, the initial setting of the communication device 100 can be performed.

[0037] Returning to FIG. 6, in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 110, the communication unit 160 transmits various information such as the meter reading value of the water meter 200 to the center server 300 via the base station of the carrier network through the wireless communication antenna 165. Also, the communication unit 160 receives various commands and data from the center server 300 via the wireless communication antenna 165 and inputs them to the control unit 110.

[0038] Each part of the NCU 100 according to the present embodiment is driven by the power of the battery 180 via the power control unit 185.

[0039] With the above configuration, the control unit 110 according to the present embodiment periodically receives the meter reading value from the water meter 200 according to the mode and instruction received via the magnetic sensor 140 and the force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, 1454, stores it in the storage unit 115, and transmits the meter reading value to the center server 300 using the wireless communication antenna 165. <NCU's Control Processing>

[0040] Hereinafter, the information processing at the time of receiving an instruction of the NCU 100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. When the service technician changes the operation mode of the NCU 100, the control unit 110 of the NCU 100 executes the process shown in FIG. 8.

[0041] First, when the control unit 110 is in the standby state, that is, the sleep state (step S102), and the magnetic sensor 140 detects a magnetic force (when it is ON in step S104), the control unit 110 is activated and the first LED 131 is turned on (step S106).

[0042] The control unit 110 determines whether the housing 101 has been pushed in based on the signals from the force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, 1454 (step S112).

[0043] When the housing 101 is not pushed in (when it is OFF in step S112), the control unit 110 refers to the table 116, does not cause the second LED 132 to emit light (step S114), and identifies the operation mode corresponding to the case where the housing 101 is not pressed (step S116). Thereafter, the process from step S130 is executed.

[0044] When the housing 101 is pushed in (when it is ON in step S112), the control unit 110 receives signals from the force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, 1454, and based on the strain and load of each of the force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, 1454, identifies the position pressed by the finger, that is, the two-dimensional coordinates (X, Y) that are most recessed on the upper surface of the housing 101 (step S118). The control unit 110 refers to the table 116, identifies the operation mode corresponding to the pressed position, and causes the second LED 132 to emit light in a lighting method corresponding to the pressed position and the operation mode (step S120).

[0045] The control unit 110 determines whether the magnetic sensor 140 is detecting magnetic force (step S130). When detecting a magnet (when it is ON in step S130), the control unit 110 repeats the process from step S102.

[0046] When the magnet is no longer detected (when it is OFF in step S130), the control unit 110 turns off the first LED 131 and the second LED 132 (step S132). The control unit 110 finalizes the change to the operation mode corresponding to the last identified position, that is, the operation mode that was being received when the magnet was no longer detected (step S134). The control unit 110 ends the process of receiving the current operation mode change command (step S136). <Second Embodiment>

[0047] In the above-described embodiment, while the magnet was being detected, the input of command candidates was continuously accepted, and when the magnet was no longer detected, the last accepted command was determined. However, the present embodiment is not limited to such a form. In the present embodiment, while the force sensor 145 detects the pressing of the housing 101, the input of command candidates is continuously accepted, and when the magnet is detected and then no longer detected, the last accepted command is determined.

[0048] Hereinafter, the information processing at the time of command reception of the NCU 100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. When a serviceman changes the operation mode of the NCU 100, the control unit 110 of the NCU 100 executes the process shown in FIG. 9.

[0049] First, when the control unit 110 is in the standby state (step S102), the control unit 110 determines whether the housing 101 has been pushed in based on the signals from the force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, and 1454 (step S112).

[0050] When the housing 101 has not been pushed in (when it is OFF in step S112), the control unit 110 refers to the table 116, does not cause the second LED 132 to emit light (step S114), and specifies the operation mode corresponding to the case where it has not been pushed in (step S116). Thereafter, the process from step S122 is executed.

[0051] When the housing 101 has been pushed in (when it is ON in step S112), the control unit 110 receives the signals from the force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, and 1454, and based on the distortion and intensity of each of the force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, and 1454, specifies the position pressed by the finger, that is, the two-dimensional coordinates (X, Y) where the upper surface of the housing 101 is most recessed (step S118). The control unit 110 refers to the table 116 to specify the operation mode corresponding to the pressed position, and causes the second LED 132 to emit light in a lighting method corresponding to the pressed position and the operation mode (step S120).

[0052] The control unit 110 determines whether the magnetic sensor 140 is detecting a magnetic force (step S122). If no magnet is detected (if it is OFF in step S122), the control unit 110 repeats the process from step S102.

[0053] If a magnet is detected (if it is ON in step S122), the control unit 110 turns on the first LED 131 (step S124).

[0054] The control unit 110 determines whether the magnetic sensor 140 is detecting a magnetic force (step S130). If a magnet is detected (if it is ON in step S130), the control unit 110 repeats the process from step S102.

[0055] If the magnet detection stops (if it is OFF in step S130), the control unit 110 turns off the first LED 131 and the second LED 132 (step S132). The control unit 110 finalizes the change to the last specified mode, that is, the operation mode it was accepting when the magnet detection stopped (step S134). The control unit 110 ends the process of accepting the current operation mode change command (step S136). <The Third Embodiment>

[0056] Alternatively, while the force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, 1454 are detecting the pressing of the housing 101, the input of commands may be continuously accepted, and the commands accepted when the magnet 190 is detected may be finalized.

[0057] Hereinafter, the information processing at the time of command reception of the NCU 100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. When a service technician changes the operation mode of the NCU 100, the control unit 110 of the NCU 100 executes the process shown in FIG. 10.

[0058] First, when the control unit 110 is in the standby state (step S102), the control unit 110 determines whether the housing 101 has been pushed in based on the signal from the force sensor 145 (step S112).

[0059] When the housing 101 has not been pushed in (when it is OFF in step S112), the control unit 110 refers to the table 116, does not cause the second LED 132 to emit light (step S114), and identifies the operation mode corresponding to the case where it has not been pressed (step S116). Then, the process from step S122 is executed.

[0060] When the housing 101 has been pushed in (when it is ON in step S112), the control unit 110 receives the signals from the force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, 1454, and based on the strain and load of each of the force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, 1454, identifies the position where it has been pressed with a finger, that is, the two-dimensional coordinates (X, Y) where the upper surface of the housing 101 is most indented (step S118). The control unit 110 refers to the table 116, identifies the operation mode corresponding to the pressed position, and causes the second LED 132 to emit light in a lighting method corresponding to the pressed position and the operation mode (step S120).

[0061] The control unit 110 determines whether the magnetic sensor 140 has detected a magnetic force (step S122). When the magnet 190 has not been detected (when it is OFF in step S122), the control unit 110 repeats the process from step S102.

[0062] When the magnet 190 is detected (when it is ON in step S122), the control unit 110 turns on the first LED 131 (step S124). The control unit 110 determines the change to the last specified operation mode, that is, the operation mode that was accepted when the magnet 190 was detected (step S134). The control unit 110 turns off the first LED 131 and the second LED 132 (step S135). The control unit 110 ends the reception process of the current operation mode change command (step S136). <Fourth Embodiment>

[0063] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, four force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, and 1454 were used to identify the position of the upper surface of the housing 101. That is, three or more force sensors were used to identify a two-dimensional position. However, as shown in FIG. 11, it is also possible to use two force sensors to identify a one-dimensional position of the upper surface of the housing 101.

[0064] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, in a plan view, two force sensors 1451 and 1452 are arranged at each of the two longitudinal ends of the housing 101. That is, in the present embodiment, the pressing position detection unit 146 is realized by the two force sensors 1451 and 1452. Each of the force sensors 1451 and 1452 measures the strain or load directly above itself and inputs it to the control unit 110. More specifically, when a load is input, the force sensors 1451 and 1452 output their respective voltages (V1, V2) to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 can convert the voltage value into a load (f1, f2) and calculate the center of gravity position in the X-axis direction, that is, the position where it was pressed with a finger, from the balance condition of the moment in the X-axis direction, that is, the left-right direction in FIG. 11.

[0065] Accordingly, in the present embodiment, in step S118 of FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, the control unit 110 receives signals from the force sensors 1451 and 1452, and based on the strain and load of each of the force sensors 1451 and 1452, identifies the position pressed by the finger, that is, the most recessed one-dimensional coordinate (X) on the upper surface of the housing 101 (step S118). The control unit 110 refers to the table 116 to identify the operation mode corresponding to the pressed position, and causes the second LED 132 to emit light in a lighting method corresponding to the pressed position and the operation mode (step S120). <Fifth Embodiment>

[0066] In the above embodiment, a plurality of force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, and 1454 are used to receive commands corresponding to the position pressed by the finger on the upper surface of the housing 101. In particular, in the above embodiment, operation modes corresponding to six areas are set, and the control unit 110 receives a command to change the corresponding operation mode by identifying which of the six areas has been pressed.

[0067] However, the six areas and the six operation modes are not limited. Five or less areas may be set, or seven or more areas may be set. Also, it may be configured to receive input of commands other than the operation mode. <Sixth Embodiment>

[0068] Alternatively, by detecting two or more pushing operations of the housing 101, it may be configured to receive a command corresponding to the combination of the two pushing positions. For example, it is also possible to receive 6×6 = 36 or more types of commands by detecting which of the six areas has been pressed two or more times.

[0069] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, by detecting twice which of the six areas has been pressed, more than seven types of commands are accepted. That is, in the present embodiment, data indicating the correspondence relationship shown in FIG. 12 is stored in the storage unit 115.

[0070] Hereinafter, the information processing at the time of command reception of the NCU 100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. When the serviceman changes the operation mode of the NCU 100, the control unit 110 of the NCU 100 executes the process shown in FIG. 13.

[0071] First, when the control unit 110 is in the standby state (step S202), the control unit 110 determines whether the housing 101 has been pushed in based on the signals from the force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, 1454 (step S212).

[0072] When the housing 101 has been pushed in (when it is ON in step S212), the control unit 110 receives the signals from the force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, 1454, and based on the distortion and load of each of the force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, 1454, specifies the position pushed by the finger, that is, the two-dimensional coordinates (X, Y) where the upper surface of the housing 101 is most recessed. The control unit 110 causes the second LED 132 to emit light in a lighting method according to the pressed position (step S220).

[0073] The control unit 110 determines whether the magnetic sensor 140 is detecting magnetic force (step S222). When no magnet is detected (when it is OFF in step S222), the control unit 110 repeats the process from step S102.

[0074] When a magnet is detected (when it is ON in step S222), the control unit 110 turns on the first LED 131 (step S224) and determines the first pressing position when the magnet is detected (step S226).

[0075] The control unit 110 determines whether the magnetic sensor 140 is detecting magnetic force (step S230). When detecting a magnet (when it is ON in step S230), the control unit 110 continues to emit light from the second LED 132 in a lighting method corresponding to the currently pressed position.

[0076] When the magnet is no longer detected (when it is OFF in step S230), the control unit 110 determines the second pressing position when the magnet is no longer detected (step S232).

[0077] The control unit 110 refers to the instruction table 117 to determine the operation mode corresponding to the first pressing position and the second pressing position, and turns off the first LED 131 and the second LED 132 (step S234). The control unit 110 ends the reception process of the current operation mode change instruction (step S236). <Seventh Embodiment>

[0078] In the above embodiment, the force sensors 1451, 1452, 1453, and 1454 were used to measure the degree of pushing into the housing 101. However, a plurality of load sensors, a plurality of proximity sensors, etc. may be used to specify the pushing position into the housing 101. <Eighth Embodiment>

[0079] In the above embodiment, the NCU 100 was attached to the water meter BOX 10 formed underground. However, the NCU 100 is not limited to being attached to a water meter for meter reading. Also, it is not limited to being installed in an underground installation space. For example, it may be installed in a gas meter BOX provided on the outer wall of a building or on a utility pole. <Summary>

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, there is provided a communication device including a housing, a wireless communication antenna disposed inside the housing, a plurality of first sensors disposed inside the housing for measuring distortion of the housing, and a control unit disposed inside the housing for receiving a command corresponding to a position where the housing is pushed based on measurement values of the plurality of first sensors.

[0081] Preferably, the communication device further includes a second sensor disposed inside the housing for detecting magnetism. The control unit receives, as candidates, commands input via the plurality of first sensors when the second sensor detects magnetism.

[0082] Preferably, the control unit determines a command that it has received when the second sensor stops detecting magnetism.

[0083] Preferably, the communication device further includes a first light and a second light. The control unit lights the first light and emits, from the second light, light indicating a command as a candidate corresponding to the position where the housing is pushed when the second sensor detects magnetism, and determines a command corresponding to the position where the housing is pushed and turns off the first light and the second light when the second sensor stops detecting magnetism.

[0084] Preferably, the communication device further includes a second sensor disposed inside the housing for detecting magnetism. The control unit receives, as candidates, commands corresponding to the position where the housing is pushed while the housing is being pushed, and determines a command when the second sensor stops detecting magnetism after detecting magnetism.

[0085] Preferably, the communication device further includes a second sensor disposed inside the housing for detecting magnetism. The control unit receives, as candidates, commands corresponding to the position where the housing is pushed while the housing is being pushed, and determines a command when the second sensor detects magnetism.

[0086] Preferably, the plurality of first sensors are three or more first sensors. The control unit identifies the two-dimensional position of the surface of the housing based on the measurement values of the three or more first sensors.

[0087] Preferably, the plurality of first sensors are two first sensors. The control unit identifies the one-dimensional position regarding the direction in which the two first sensors are arranged based on the measurement values of the two first sensors.

[0088] Preferably, the communication device is disposed inside the housing and further includes a second sensor for detecting magnetism. When the second sensor detects magnetism, the control unit identifies the first position where the housing is pushed based on the measurement values of the plurality of first sensors, and when the second sensor stops detecting magnetism, the control unit identifies the second position where the housing is pushed based on the measurement values of the plurality of first sensors, and identifies the command corresponding to the first position and the second position.

[0089] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0090] 1: Network system 10: Water meter 11: Box body 12: Lid 13: Water pipe 25: Communication cable 101: Housing 105: Substrate 110: Control unit 111: Processor 115: Storage unit 116: Instruction table 117: Instruction table 130: Notification unit 131: First LED 132: Second LED 140: Magnetic sensor 141: Trigger section 144: Rubber 145: Force sensor 146: Depression position detection section 150: Connection section 160: Communication section 165: Wireless communication antenna 171: First connection section 172: Second connection section 173: Third connection section 180: Battery 185: Power control section 190: Magnet 200: Water meter 300: Center server 400: Center-side network control device 500: Network 1451: Force sensor 1452: Force sensor 1453: Force sensor 1454: Force sensor

Claims

1. A housing, a wireless communication antenna disposed inside the housing, a plurality of first sensors disposed inside the housing for measuring distortion of the housing, and a control unit disposed inside the housing for receiving a command corresponding to a position where the housing is pushed based on measurement values of the plurality of first sensors. A communication device comprising the same.

2. further comprising a second sensor disposed inside the housing for detecting magnetism, wherein the control unit receives, as a candidate, a command input via the plurality of first sensors when the second sensor detects magnetism. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines a command that was being received when the second sensor stopped detecting magnetism.

4. a first light, and a second light, wherein the control unit, when the second sensor detects magnetism, lights the first light and emits light indicating a command as a candidate corresponding to a position where the housing is pushed from the second light, when the second sensor stops detecting magnetism, determines a command corresponding to a position where the housing is pushed and turns off the first light and the second light. The communication device according to claim 3.

5. further comprising a second sensor disposed inside the housing for detecting magnetism, wherein the control unit receives, as a candidate, a command corresponding to a position where the housing is pushed while the housing is being pushed, and determines the command when the second sensor stops detecting magnetism after detecting magnetism. The communication device according to claim 1.

6. further comprising a second sensor disposed inside the housing for detecting magnetism, wherein the control unit receives, as a candidate, a command corresponding to a position where the housing is pushed while the housing is being pushed, and determines the command when the second sensor detects magnetism. The communication device according to claim 1.

7. the plurality of first sensors are three or more first sensors, wherein the control unit identifies a two-dimensional position on the surface of the housing based on measurement values of the three or more first sensors. The communication device according to claim 1.

8. the plurality of first sensors are two first sensors, The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit identifies a one-dimensional position regarding the direction in which the two first sensors are arranged, based on measurement values of the two first sensors.

9. further comprising a second sensor disposed inside the housing for detecting magnetism; The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit identifies a first position where the housing is pushed based on measurement values of the plurality of first sensors when the second sensor detects magnetism, and identifies a second position where the housing is pushed based on measurement values of the plurality of first sensors when the second sensor stops detecting magnetism, and identifies an instruction corresponding to the first position and the second position.

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