Measurement system

Abstract

To perform stable and highly secure communication with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A measurement system comprises: an information acquisition unit that acquires measurement information 1 related to a measurement target; a signal modulation unit that uses the measurement information 1 acquired by the information acquisition unit so as to modulate a carrier wave 32 and generate a transmission signal 34; a first communication unit that transmits the transmission signal 34; a second communication unit that receives the transmission signal 34 transmitted from the first communication unit; and a management unit that receives and manages the transmission signal 34 received by the second communication unit. The signal modulation unit uses an electromagnetic wave in a VHF band frequency as the carrier wave 32 to modulate the electromagnetic wave, and the first communication unit transmits the transmission signal 34 as a wireless signal in the VHF band.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system for communicating information and a measurement system for collecting predetermined measurement information through communication. [Background technology]

[0002] A communication system transmits and receives various types of information. For example, a meter reading device (measurement system) disclosed in Patent Document 1 collects measurement information from consumers in remote locations via a communication line. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-242582 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Such communication systems use various methods, such as wired or wireless communication, and there are cases where stable communication is not possible due to the communication environment, such as radio wave conditions, the status of the communication target, etc. Furthermore, such communication often needs to be carried out in a way that the content of the communication is not leaked to the outside.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to perform stable, highly secure communication with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an information acquisition unit that acquires measurement information relating to a measurement object, a signal modulation unit that generates a transmission signal by modulating a carrier wave using the measurement information acquired by the information acquisition unit, a first communication unit that transmits the transmission signal, a second communication unit that receives the transmission signal transmitted from the first communication unit, and a management unit that receives and manages the transmission signal received by the second communication unit, wherein the signal modulation unit modulates the carrier wave using radio waves of a VHF band frequency, and the first communication unit transmits the transmission signal wirelessly in the VHF band.

[0007] In measurement systems that collect measurement information, digital wireless communication is often used to efficiently collect measurement information. However, when there are obstacles such as mountains on the communication path, it can be difficult to perform stable digital wireless communication.

[0008] Here, when communication is performed in a frequency band with a long wavelength (low frequency), radio waves can be propagated around obstacles, making wireless communication easy even when there is an obstacle on the communication path.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the measurement information is modulated onto a transmission signal, which is a carrier wave in the VHF band with a relatively long wavelength, and the transmission signal is transmitted via VHF band wireless communication. As a result, even if there is an obstacle on the communication path, the measurement information can be transmitted stably with a simple configuration.

[0010] The second communication unit may further include a signal demodulation unit that demodulates the received transmission signal into the measurement information, and the management unit may manage the demodulated measurement information.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the transmission signal can be easily restored to measurement information, and with a simple configuration, the transmission signal received stably can be restored to measurement information, and the measurement information can be managed by the management unit.

[0012] In addition, the measurement information may be digital information, and a first signal conversion unit may be provided that converts the measurement information into analog information, and the signal modulation unit may modulate the carrier wave using the converted analog information to generate the transmission signal. Moreover, a measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an information acquisition unit that acquires measurement information relating to a measurement object, a signal modulation unit that modulates a carrier wave using the measurement information acquired by the information acquisition unit to generate a transmission signal, a first communication unit that transmits the transmission signal, a second communication unit that receives the transmission signal transmitted from the first communication unit, a management unit that receives and manages the transmission signal received by the second communication unit, and a first signal conversion unit that converts the measurement information into analog information, wherein the measurement information is digital information, the signal modulation unit modulates the carrier wave using the converted analog information to generate the transmission signal, the signal modulation unit modulates using radio waves of a VHF band frequency as the carrier wave, and the first communication unit transmits the transmission signal wirelessly in the VHF band.

[0013] Further, the measurement information is digital information, and the device comprises a first signal conversion unit that converts the measurement information into analog information, a signal demodulation unit that demodulates the transmission signal received by the second communication unit into the analog information, and a second signal conversion unit that converts the demodulated analog information into the measurement information, wherein the signal modulation unit modulates the carrier wave using the converted analog information to generate the transmission signal, and the management unit manages the measurement information converted by the second signal conversion unit. The communication device may also include a signal demodulation unit that demodulates the transmission signal received by the second communication unit into the analog information, and a second signal conversion unit that converts the demodulated analog information into the measurement information, and the management unit may manage the converted measurement information.

[0014] In each of the above configurations, measurement information, which is digital information, is converted into analog information, which is then modulated into a transmission signal and transmitted. When the transmitted transmission signal is converted back into measurement information, it must be demodulated using a predetermined method and then converted back into measurement information using a predetermined method. Therefore, by simply adding a simple configuration that converts digital information into analog information and modulates it, even if the transmission signal is intercepted during transmission, it becomes difficult to convert it back into the original measurement information, and measurement information can be transmitted stably through highly secure communication with a simple configuration.

[0015] The device also includes a third communication unit that transmits the measurement information acquired by the information acquisition unit via digital communication, and a fourth communication unit that receives the measurement information transmitted from the third communication unit and outputs it to the management unit, and it is preferable that the first communication unit be located in an area where the radio wave strength of communication between the third communication unit and the fourth communication unit is below a predetermined strength. Moreover, a measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an information acquisition unit that acquires measurement information relating to a measurement object, a signal modulation unit that modulates a carrier wave using the measurement information acquired by the information acquisition unit to generate a transmission signal, a first communication unit that transmits the transmission signal, a second communication unit that receives the transmission signal transmitted from the first communication unit, a management unit that receives and manages the transmission signal received by the second communication unit, a third communication unit that transmits the measurement information acquired by the information acquisition unit via digital communication, and a fourth communication unit that receives the measurement information transmitted from the third communication unit and outputs it to the management unit, wherein the signal modulation unit modulates the carrier wave using radio waves of a VHF band frequency, and the first communication unit transmits the transmission signal wirelessly in the VHF band, and the first communication unit is positioned in an area where the radio wave strength of communication between the third communication unit and the fourth communication unit is below a predetermined strength.

[0016] According to the above configuration, in areas where the communication infrastructure is in place and communication is easy, the third and fourth communication units are used to transmit measurement information, and in areas where communication is not easy, the first communication unit is used to transmit a transmission signal. This allows stable, highly secure communication and transmission of measurement information with a simpler configuration.

[0017] The first communication unit may be located in a public network dead zone.

[0018] Communication is not easy in public network dead zones. With the above configuration, even in public network dead zones, stable, highly secure communication and measurement information can be transmitted with a simple configuration.

[0019] The first communication unit may be located in a region where a remote area exists between the first communication unit and the second communication unit.

[0020] In remote areas, communication infrastructure is often not well developed, making communication through such areas difficult. With the above configuration, even in remote areas, stable, highly secure communication can be performed and measurement information can be transmitted with a simple configuration.

[0021] The system may also include a communication device that transmits the measurement information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and a concentrator that aggregates the measurement information transmitted from one or more of the communication devices, wherein the signal modulation unit uses the measurement information aggregated in the concentrator to modulate the carrier wave to generate the transmission signal, and the first communication unit transmits the transmission signal generated from the aggregated measurement information.

[0022] According to the above configuration, the measurement information can be aggregated within the range where conventional digital communication is possible, and the aggregated measurement information can be transmitted by wireless communication in the VHF band by the first communication unit. As a result, the measurement information can be transmitted stably and efficiently with a simple configuration.

[0023] At least one of the second communication units may be mounted on a moving body and receive the transmission signal while the moving body is moving.

[0024] According to the above configuration, the second communication unit that receives the transmission signal can move and communicate at a position where communication with the first communication unit that transmits the transmission signal can be established, thereby enabling easy and stable, highly secure communication and transmission of measurement information.

[0025] In addition, the second communication unit may transmit a request signal under the control of the management unit, the first communication unit may receive the request signal and output it to the information acquisition unit, and the information acquisition unit may output the measurement information to the signal modulation unit when it receives the request signal.

[0026] According to the above configuration, measurement information can be managed stably, securely, and efficiently.

[0027] The information acquisition unit may automatically output the information to the signal modulation unit.

[0028] According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily acquire the measurement information and output it to the signal modulation section, and it is possible to simplify the management of the measurement information.

[0029] In addition, the second communication unit may transmit a control signal under the control of the management unit, the first communication unit may receive the control signal and output it to the information acquisition unit, and the information acquisition unit may change its internal settings based on the control signal.

[0030] According to the above configuration, the management unit can stably and securely transmit a control signal for changing the internal settings that define the operation of the information acquisition unit to the information acquisition unit via the second communication unit and the first communication unit with a simple configuration. Then, by changing the internal settings of the information acquisition unit in response to the control signal, the management unit can easily and efficiently control the operation of the information acquisition unit.

[0031] In addition, the measurement information may be power consumption, the information acquisition unit may be a smart meter installed for each power consumer, the first communication unit may be installed for each smart meter, and the management unit may be installed in an electric power company or an electric power transmission and distribution company. Moreover, a measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an information acquisition unit that acquires measurement information relating to a measurement object, a signal modulation unit that generates a transmission signal by modulating a carrier wave using the measurement information acquired by the information acquisition unit, a first communication unit that transmits the transmission signal, a second communication unit that receives the transmission signal transmitted from the first communication unit, and a management unit that receives and manages the transmission signal received by the second communication unit, wherein the signal modulation unit modulates the carrier wave using radio waves of a VHF band frequency, and the first communication unit transmits the transmission signal wirelessly in the VHF band, the measurement information is power consumption, the information acquisition unit is a smart meter provided for each power consumer, the first communication unit is provided for each smart meter, and the management unit is provided for an electric power company or a power transmission and distribution company.

[0032] According to the above configuration, communication can be performed easily and stably with high security, and power consumption data for each power consumer can be transmitted, allowing the power company or power transmission and distribution company to manage the power consumption data of multiple power consumers collectively in a management department.

[0033] Furthermore, a communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first signal conversion unit that converts digital information into analog information, a signal modulation unit that generates a transmission signal by modulating a carrier wave using the analog information, a first communication unit that transmits the transmission signal wirelessly or via a wired connection, a second communication unit that receives the transmission signal transmitted from the first communication unit, a signal demodulation unit that demodulates the transmission signal received by the second communication unit into the analog information, and a second signal conversion unit that converts the demodulated analog information into the digital information.

[0034] In the above configuration, digital information is converted into analog information, which is then modulated into a transmission signal and transmitted. To convert the transmitted signal back into digital information, it must be demodulated using a specified method and then converted back into digital information using a specified method. Therefore, by simply adding a simple configuration that converts digital information into analog information and modulates it, even if the transmission signal is intercepted during transmission, it becomes difficult to convert it back into the original digital information, allowing for highly secure communications.

[0035] Furthermore, because modulation is performed using a carrier wave, not only wired communication but also wireless communication is possible, and communication can be performed using a communication method appropriate to the situation, resulting in stable communication.

[0036] As described above, the above configuration enables stable, highly secure communication with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a meter reading system that reads and manages power consumption. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a communication system. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information converted during communication. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which meter reading information is aggregated and then wirelessly communicated in the VHF band. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for aggregating a plurality of pieces of meter reading information transmitted by wireless communication in the VHF band. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] [Meter Reading System] First, a meter reading system that collects and manages power consumption will be described with reference to FIG. 1 as an example of a measurement system that collects and manages measurement information using a communication system.

[0039] The meter reading system periodically reads meter reading information 1 (corresponding to measurement information, see Figure 3) which is the amount of electricity consumed by consumers such as homes, facilities, and equipment, and manages the meter reading information 1 for each consumer on a management server 2 (corresponding to a management unit). The amount of electricity consumed is acquired by an information acquisition unit 4 (see Figure 2) provided in a smart meter 3. A smart meter 3 is provided for each consumer, and periodically (for example, every 30 minutes) reads the amount of electricity consumed by each consumer when they use electricity (the object to be measured) and sends the information to the management server 2.

[0040] The amount of power consumption is automatically read periodically by the smart meter 3, and is automatically transmitted to the management server 2 each time the meter is read or at a predetermined timing. The smart meter 3 stores the amount of power consumption that has been read in association with the time of the meter reading. The stored amount of power consumption may be erased by being transmitted to the management server 2.

[0041] The management server 2 is installed in an electric power company, an electric power transmission and distribution company, etc., and collects meter reading information 1 from smart meters 3 via a communication system. Based on the collected meter reading information 1, the management server 2 organizes and manages, for each consumer, the amount of power consumed within a predetermined period (for example, one month), as well as changes over time in the amount of power consumed.

[0042] The meter reading information 1 is transmitted from the smart meter 3 to the management server 2 by a communication method using various communication systems. The meter reading information 1 transmitted by various communication methods is collected by the communication server 5 and transferred to the management server 2. The communication method used is digital communication such as mobile communication, PLC (Power Line Communication) communication, and wireless multi-hop communication. The meter reading information 1 transmitted by various communication methods may be received by a concentrator 7, and then transmitted from the concentrator 7 to the communication server 5 by predetermined communication equipment via a WAN (Wide Area Network) line or the like.

[0043] The mobile communication is a communication in which the meter reading information 1 is digitally wirelessly transmitted from the smart meter 3 to the communication server 5 via a mobile line. In the mobile communication, the meter reading information 1 acquired by the smart meter 3 is transmitted to the communication server 5 by a mobile communication device for mobile communication provided together with the smart meter 3. The mobile communication device may be built into the smart meter 3.

[0044] PLC communication is a communication method in which multiple pieces of meter reading information 1 obtained in an apartment building, an underground shopping mall, a building, etc. are aggregated in a PLC communication device and transmitted via a power line. The transmitted multiple pieces of meter reading information 1 are received by a concentrator 7 and transmitted to a communication server 5 via the concentrator 7.

[0045] In wireless multi-hop communication, nearby smart meters 3 communicate meter reading information 1 in a bucket brigade fashion to a concentrator 7 via digital wireless communication such as LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) in the 920 MHz band. That is, in wireless multi-hop communication, each smart meter 3 transmits meter reading information 1 to another smart meter 3 within the communication range of the communication device 8 (see FIG. 2) built into the smart meter 3. A smart meter 3 that receives meter reading information 1 then transmits the other meter reading information 1 it has received and the meter reading information 1 it has read itself to other smart meters 3 within the communication range. This process is repeated until the meter reading information 1 is transmitted from the smart meters 3 that can communicate with the concentrator 7 to the concentrator 7, where it is aggregated. The concentrator 7 then transmits the aggregated meter reading information 1 to the communication server 5.

[0046] In such a meter reading system, if there is an obstruction such as a mountain between the smart meter 3 and the concentrator 7 or communication server 5, radio waves may not reach the smart meter 3 via digital wireless communication such as mobile communication or multi-hop communication, making communication impossible.

[0047] Furthermore, it is not easy to install the equipment required for PLC communication, and if there are few or scattered smart meters 3 for which digital wireless communication is difficult, it is not realistic to perform PLC communication.

[0048] Conventionally, meter readers would visit smart meters 3 in areas where digital wireless communication is not possible and manually collect meter reading information 1 using handheld terminals, etc. However, sending personnel to collect meter reading information 1 in this way was inefficient and there was room for improvement.

[0049] Depending on the frequency band used for wireless communication, radio waves may be able to travel around obstacles such as mountains, enabling wireless communication. Generally, the longer the wavelength of a frequency band used for wireless communication, the more easily the communication can travel around obstacles. For example, by using a VHF band such as the 60 MHz band or the 150 MHz band for wireless communication, communication interruptions due to obstacles can be reduced.

[0050] Therefore, in the meter reading system of this embodiment, in areas where digital wireless communication is difficult due to obstructions, communication of the meter reading information 1 is performed by wireless communication using radio waves in the VHF band (30 MHz or more and 300 MHz or less).

[0051] Since wireless communication in the VHF band is allocated to analog wireless communication, in the meter reading system of this embodiment, communication with the smart meter 3 located in an area where digital wireless communication is difficult due to obstructions is performed by analog wireless communication using VHF band radio waves. However, if there are no restrictions, digital wireless communication using VHF band radio waves may also be performed.

[0052] In this way, by using VHF radio waves (analog wireless communication) for communication between smart meters 3 located in areas where digital wireless communication is difficult due to obstructions, communication failures due to obstructions can be prevented. Furthermore, analog wireless communication consumes less power than digital wireless communication, so using analog wireless communication can contribute to power saving.

[0053] [Communication Systems] Next, a communication system for performing analog wireless communication in a meter reading system will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.

[0054] In the meter reading system, the meter reading information 1 transmitted to the communication server 5 (management server 2) by the communication system is read by the smart meter 3.

[0055] The smart meter 3 includes an information acquisition unit 4, a communication device 8, and a memory unit 9. As described above, the information acquisition unit 4 measures and acquires (meter-reads) the amount of electricity consumed by the consumer, and stores the amount in the memory unit 9 as meter-reading information 1, which is digital information, in association with the meter-reading time.

[0056] The communication device 8 associates the meter reading information 1 stored in the storage unit 9 with the meter reading time and transmits the information by digital wireless communication in the 920 MHz band.

[0057] The communication system includes a first wireless device 11 and a second wireless device 12. The first wireless device 11 is disposed near the smart meter 3 so as to be able to acquire meter reading information 1 from the smart meter 3. A first wireless device 11 is provided for each smart meter 3 disposed in an area where digital wireless communication is difficult due to obstructions. When the first wireless device 11 acquires the meter reading information 1, it automatically transmits the meter reading information 1 to the second wireless device 12. The second wireless device 12 receives the meter reading information 1 transmitted from the first wireless device 11 and forwards it to a communication server 5. In the analog wireless communication in this meter reading system, it is preferable to use a handheld terminal as the communication server 5, separate from the communication server 5 used for other communications (wireless multi-hop communication, PLC communication, etc.). In this case, the meter reading information 1 read by the smart meter 3 is collected by the handheld terminal and forwarded from the handheld terminal to the management server 2. The communication server 5 may be configured to incorporate at least some of the functions of the handheld terminal.

[0058] The first wireless device 11 includes a communication adapter 14, a DA conversion unit 15 (corresponding to a first signal conversion unit), and a first wireless unit 16. The communication adapter 14 receives the meter reading information 1 output by the communication device 8 of the smart meter 3.

[0059] The DA conversion unit 15 functions as a modem that converts the meter reading information 1 received by the communication adapter 14 from digital information into an audio signal, which is analog information 31. The DA conversion unit 15 may convert the meter reading information 1 into any analog information 31, not limited to an audio signal.

[0060] The first wireless device 16 transmits the meter reading information 1 by analog wireless communication using radio waves in the VHF band. The first wireless device 16 includes a signal modulation unit 18 and a first communication unit 19.

[0061] The smart meter 3 periodically acquires the meter reading information 1 and automatically outputs it to the first wireless device 11 (signal modulation unit 18), and the signal modulation unit 18 modulates the analog information 31 converted by the DA conversion unit 15 into a transmission signal 34 that can be transmitted by analog wireless communication. Specifically, the signal modulation unit 18 modulates a VHF band carrier wave 32 using the analog information 31 to generate the transmission signal 34.

[0062] 3, carrier wave 32 is a signal with a constant amplitude and a predetermined wavelength in the VHF band. Signal modulation unit 18 generates transmission signal 34 by changing the frequency of carrier wave 32 using analog information 31. Note that signal modulation unit 18 is not limited to frequency modulation, and may modulate carrier wave 32 using analog information 31 using any modulation method.

[0063] The first communication unit 19 transmits the transmission signal 34 generated by the signal modulation unit 18 .

[0064] The second wireless device 12 includes a second wireless device 21 and an AD conversion unit 22 (corresponding to a second signal conversion unit). The second wireless device 21 is provided in the communication server 5, receives a transmission signal 34 transmitted from the first wireless device 11, and outputs the signal to the management server 2 via the communication server 5. The second wireless device 21 may be built into the communication server 5, or may be arranged in a manner capable of communicating with the communication server 5. The second wireless device 12 may also communicate with the management server 2 directly or via another device without going through the communication server 5.

[0065] The second radio device 21 includes a signal demodulation unit 24 and a second communication unit 25. The second communication unit 25 receives a transmission signal 34 transmitted from the first radio device 11. The signal demodulation unit 24 demodulates the transmission signal 34 into analog information 31, as shown in FIG. 3 , taking into account the carrier wave 32 used during modulation. Because modulation and demodulation are performed using a common carrier wave 32, the signal demodulation unit 24 can demodulate (return) the transmission signal 34, which was modulated from the analog information 31 by the signal modulation unit 18, back into the analog information 31.

[0066] The AD conversion unit 22 converts the analog information 31 into digital information, namely, the meter reading information 1. The AD conversion unit 22 and the DA conversion unit 15 are paired, and perform conversion with each other using a common conversion rule. Therefore, the AD conversion unit 22 can convert (return) the analog information 31, which has been converted from the meter reading information 1 by the DA conversion unit 15, back into the meter reading information 1.

[0067] As described above, the communication system of this embodiment converts the meter reading information 1 (digital information) into analog information 31, then modulates a VHF band carrier wave 32 using the analog information 31, and transmits the modulated transmission signal 34 via wireless communication using VHF band radio waves.

[0068] As a result, even if there is an obstruction between the first wireless device 11 that transmits the transmission signal 34 and the second wireless device 12 that receives the transmission signal 34, wireless communication is performed using radio waves in the VHF band, making it easy to communicate around the obstruction, and the meter reading information 1 can be stably transmitted from the first wireless device 11 to the second wireless device 12 with a simple configuration.

[0069] Furthermore, since the meter reading information 1 is converted into analog information 31 and then modulated into the transmission signal 34, even if the communication is intercepted midway, it cannot be converted into the meter reading information 1 unless the method for conversion into analog information 31 is known. Therefore, the communication system of this embodiment can perform communication with high security.

[0070] A meter reading system that transmits the meter reading information 1 using such a communication system can transmit the meter reading information 1 stably and with high security with a simple configuration.

[0071] [Another embodiment] (1) The meter reading system according to the above embodiment is premised on digital-to-analog conversion by the DA converter 15 and the AD converter 22, but even a meter reading system that does not have this configuration can achieve sufficient operational effects compared to conventional systems. That is, measurement information is modulated onto a transmission signal 34 by a carrier wave 32 in the VHF band, which has a relatively long wavelength, and the transmission signal 34 is transmitted by wireless communication in the VHF band. This allows stable transmission of measurement information with a simple configuration, even when there is an obstruction on the communication path.

[0072] (2) In the above embodiment, the first wireless device 11 may be disposed so as to be able to acquire the meter reading information 1 from the smart meter 3, and at least some of the functions of the first wireless device 11 may be built into the smart meter 3. For example, the DA conversion unit 15, or the DA conversion unit 15 and the signal modulation unit 18 may be built into the smart meter 3. This allows for efficient configuration of a meter reading system or a communication system depending on the situation.

[0073] (3) In each of the above-mentioned other embodiments, the first wireless device 11 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration, and can have any configuration as long as it can convert the meter reading information 1 into analog information 31 and then modulate it into a transmission signal 34 of a VHF band carrier wave 32. Similarly, the second wireless device 12 can have any configuration as long as it can convert the transmission signal 34 back into the meter reading information 1.

[0074] In the first wireless device 11, the signal modulation unit 18 may be provided separately from the first wireless device 16, and the DA conversion unit 15 and the signal modulation unit 18 may be integrated together to form a signal generation unit that generates a transmission signal 34 from the meter reading information 1. Similarly, the signal demodulation unit 24 may be provided separately from the second wireless device 21, and the AD conversion unit 22 and the signal demodulation unit 24 may be integrated together to form a signal restoration unit that restores the meter reading information 1 from the transmission signal 34.

[0075] This allows the meter reading information 1 to be wirelessly transmitted using VHF radio waves in an appropriate configuration according to the situation.

[0076] (4) In each of the above-described other embodiments, the transmission of the meter reading information 1 from the smart meter 3 to the first wireless device 11 may be performed in any configuration, not limited to the above-described configuration, and may be transmitted by wired communication not limited to wireless communication. This allows the meter reading information 1 to be transmitted with high accuracy according to the communication conditions.

[0077] (5) In each of the above-mentioned other embodiments, the smart meter 3 that transmits the meter reading information 1 via PLC communication, mobile communication, etc. is provided with a predetermined communication device 36 (corresponding to a third communication unit, see FIG. 1 ) that transmits the meter reading information 1 using the respective communication method. This communication device 36 may be built into the smart meter 3, or may be arranged in a manner that allows communication with the smart meter 3. Furthermore, the smart meter 3 may selectively have a corresponding communication device 36 built into it depending on the communication method to be used. Furthermore, the smart meter 3 may have multiple communication devices 36 built into it that correspond to the respective communication methods, and the communication device 36 to be used may be selected depending on the communication method to be used. Note that wireless multi-hop communication is performed by the communication device 8 built into the smart meter 3, but may also be performed by a communication device 36 separately built into or arranged in the smart meter 3.

[0078] Similarly, the meter reading information 1 transmitted by PLC communication or mobile communication is received by a predetermined communication device 37 (corresponding to the fourth communication unit, see FIG. 1). This communication device 37 may be built into the communication server 5 (handy terminal), or may be arranged in a manner that allows communication with the communication server 5. Furthermore, the communication server 5 (handy terminal) may selectively have a corresponding communication device 37 arranged or built in depending on the communication method used. Furthermore, the meter reading information 1 may be transmitted directly to the management server 2 without going through the communication server 5. In this case, the management server 2 has the same receiving configuration as the communication server 5.

[0079] (6) In each of the above other embodiments, the first wireless device 11 is not limited to being placed in an area where there is an obstruction between the first wireless device 11 and the second wireless device 12, but may also be placed in an area where the radio wave intensity in wireless multi-hop communication or mobile communication is below a predetermined intensity. That is, the first wireless device 11 is placed in an area where the radio wave intensity of communication between the communication device 36 (third communication unit) and the communication device 37 (fourth communication unit) is below a predetermined intensity. For example, the first wireless device 11 is placed in a public network dead zone area.

[0080] This configuration makes it possible to perform wireless communication using VHF radio waves only when it has been difficult to transmit meter reading information 1 via digital wireless communication, as has been the case in the past, and allows meter reading information 1 to be transmitted from smart meter 3 to management server 2 more efficiently and stably.

[0081] (7) In each of the above other embodiments, meter reading information 1 read by multiple smart meters 3 may be aggregated, and the aggregated meter reading information 1 may be transmitted to the communication server 5 or the management server 2 using the first wireless device 11.

[0082] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 , meter reading information 1 is transmitted from multiple smart meters 3 to a concentrator 7 by any communication means, and the multiple pieces of meter reading information 1 aggregated in the concentrator 7 are transmitted from a first wireless device 11 to a communication server 5 or a management server 2. For example, a communication device 36 is provided in each smart meter 3, a communication device 37 is provided in the concentrator 7, and the meter reading information 1 is transmitted from each smart meter 3 to the concentrator 7 by digital wireless communication. Alternatively, the communication device 36 may not be provided, and the meter reading information 1 may be transmitted from a communication device 8 built into the smart meter 3. Alternatively, the digital wireless communication may be satellite communication. Then, the meter reading information 1 aggregated in the concentrator 7 is transmitted by the first wireless device 11 to the communication server 5 or the management server 2 via the second wireless device 12.

[0083] This makes it possible to stably transmit the meter reading information 1 with a simpler configuration without providing the first wireless device 11 in each smart meter 3.

[0084] (8) In each of the above other embodiments, the transmission signal 34 (meter reading information 1) transmitted from the first wireless device 11 is not limited to being transmitted directly to the communication server 5 or the management server 2, but the transmission signal 34 may be aggregated in the aggregation device 39 and transmitted from the aggregation device 39 to the communication server 5 or the management server 2 in any manner.

[0085] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5, the meter reading information 1 obtained by the smart meters 3 is transmitted from the first wireless device 11. The aggregation device 39 receives the transmitted meter reading information 1 (transmission signal 34). The aggregation device 39 converts the transmission signal 34 into the meter reading information 1 and transmits the meter reading information 1 to the communication server 5 or the management server 2 by any method. For this purpose, the aggregation device 39 includes the second wireless device 12.

[0086] As a result, even in cases where the meter reading information 1 cannot be directly transmitted to the communication server 5 or the management server 2, the meter reading information 1 can be transmitted to the communication server 5 or the management server 2 efficiently.

[0087] Furthermore, the meter reading information 1 (transmission signal 34) transmitted from the first wireless device 11 may be received by a mobile body instead of the aggregating device 39. That is, the second wireless device 12 may be mounted on the mobile body, and the meter reading information 1 (transmission signal 34) transmitted from the first wireless device 11 may be received by the second wireless device 12 of the mobile body. The mobile body may be a vehicle, a drone, or the like.

[0088] There are cases where it is difficult to appropriately position the second wireless device 12, or where the communication state between the first wireless device 11 and the second wireless device 12 deteriorates due to weather or other factors. Even in such cases, the meter reading information 1 (transmission signal 34) transmitted from the first wireless device 11 can be easily received by mounting the second wireless device 12 on a mobile object and moving to an area where communication is possible. The aggregation device 39 may be communication equipment such as a handheld terminal.

[0089] (9) In each of the above other embodiments, the meter reading information 1 is not limited to a configuration in which it is automatically output from the smart meter 3 to the first wireless device 11 (signal modulation unit 18), but may be output in response to a request signal transmitted from the management server 2 or the communication server 5 (handheld terminal). That is, the second wireless device 12 may transmit a request signal under the control of the management server 2 or the like, the first wireless device 11 may receive the request signal and output it to the smart meter 3, and the smart meter 3 may output the meter reading information 1 to the first wireless device 11 (signal modulation unit 18) upon receiving the request signal. Furthermore, the smart meter 3 is not limited to a configuration in which it automatically and periodically acquires the meter reading information 1, but may also acquire the meter reading information 1 in response to a request signal. That is, the acquisition of the meter reading information 1 by the smart meter 3 and the output of the meter reading information 1 from the smart meter 3 may be performed in response to a request signal. For example, when the smart meter 3 receives a request signal, it reads the amount of power consumption and stores the amount in association with the meter reading period. The amount of power consumption is then transmitted at a predetermined timing. Alternatively, the smart meter 3 may store the amount of power consumption read at a predetermined timing in association with the meter reading time. When the request signal is received, the amount of power consumption stored after the previous transmission is transmitted from the smart meter 3 to the management server 2 in association with the meter reading time.

[0090] Specifically, in order to transmit a request signal from the management server 2 or the like to the smart meter 3, the second wireless device 12 further includes a DA conversion unit and a signal modulation unit, similar to the first wireless device 11. The DA conversion unit converts the request signal, which is digital information, into analog information 31. The signal modulation unit modulates the analog information 31 using a carrier wave 32 to generate a transmission signal 34. The second communication unit 25 transmits the transmission signal 34.

[0091] Similarly, the first wireless device 11 further includes a signal demodulation unit and an AD conversion unit, as included in the second wireless device 12. The first communication unit 19 of the first wireless device 11 receives a transmission signal 34 transmitted from the second wireless device 12. The signal demodulation unit demodulates the transmission signal 34 into analog information 31. The AD conversion unit converts the demodulated analog information 31 into a request signal.

[0092] The first wireless device 11 transmits a request signal from the communication adapter 14 to the communication device 8 of the smart meter 3. Then, in response to the received request signal, the first wireless device 11 acquires the meter reading information 1 from the smart meter 3 and transmits the meter reading information 1 to the management server 2 as described above.

[0093] By sending a request signal from the management server 2 using wireless communication using VHF band radio waves, even if the smart meter 3 is located in an area where digital wireless communication is difficult, the management server 2 can stably send the request signal and stably obtain meter reading information 1 from the smart meter 3.

[0094] Furthermore, the management server 2 may transmit not only a request signal but also a control signal for changing the internal settings of the smart meter 3. The smart meter 3 may be configured to be able to change the internal settings in response to the control signal. The internal settings include starting or stopping the supply of power, changing the settings for using power, etc.

[0095] This allows the internal settings of the smart meter 3 to be changed remotely while stably transmitting control signals.

[0096] (10) In each of the above other embodiments, the meter reading system may aggregate and manage measurement information not only of electricity consumption but also of any other measurement such as water consumption, gas consumption, etc. The communication system may also be configured to transmit and receive any information. [Industrial Applicability]

[0097] The present invention is not limited to applications related to various consumption and usage amounts, but can also be applied to communication systems that transmit and receive any measurement information, and measurement systems that aggregate and manage measurement information in communication systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1. Meter reading information (measurement information) 2 Management Server (Management Department) 3 Smart meter (information acquisition unit) 4 Information acquisition section 11 First wireless device 12 Second radio device 15 DA conversion unit (first signal conversion unit) 18 Signal Modulation Section 19 First Communications Department 22 AD conversion unit (second signal conversion unit) 24 Signal demodulation section 25 Second Communications Department 31 Analog Information 32 Carrier Wave 34 Transmitted Signal 36 Communication Equipment (Third Communication Department) 37 Communication Equipment (Fourth Communication Department) 39 Aggregation Device

Claims

1. an information acquisition unit that acquires measurement information related to a measurement object; a signal modulation unit that generates a transmission signal by modulating a carrier wave using the measurement information acquired by the information acquisition unit; a first communication unit that transmits the transmission signal; a second communication unit that receives the transmission signal transmitted from the first communication unit; a management unit that receives and manages the transmission signal received by the second communication unit, The signal modulation unit modulates the carrier wave using radio waves with a frequency in the VHF band, and the first communication unit transmits the transmission signal wirelessly in the VHF band.

2. a signal demodulation unit that demodulates the transmission signal received by the second communication unit into the measurement information; The measurement system according to claim 1 , wherein the management unit manages the demodulated measurement information.

3. the measurement information is digital information, a first signal conversion unit that converts the measurement information into analog information; The measurement system according to claim 1 , wherein the signal modulation section generates the transmission signal by modulating the carrier wave using the converted analog information.

4. the measurement information is digital information, a first signal conversion unit that converts the measurement information into analog information; a signal demodulation unit that demodulates the transmission signal received by the second communication unit into the analog information; a second signal conversion unit that converts the demodulated analog information into measurement information; the signal modulation unit modulates the carrier wave using the converted analog information to generate the transmission signal; The measurement system according to claim 1 , wherein the management unit manages the measurement information converted by the second signal conversion unit.

5. a third communication unit that transmits the measurement information acquired by the information acquisition unit by digital communication; a fourth communication unit that receives the measurement information transmitted from the third communication unit and outputs the measurement information to the management unit, The measurement system according to claim 1 , wherein the first communication unit is disposed in an area where radio wave intensity of communication between the third communication unit and the fourth communication unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined intensity.

6. The measurement system according to claim 1 , wherein the first communication unit is located in a public network dead zone.

7. The measurement system according to claim 1 , wherein the first communication unit is disposed in a region where a remote area exists between the first communication unit and the second communication unit.

8. a communication device that transmits the measurement information acquired by the information acquisition unit; a concentrator that aggregates the measurement information transmitted from one or more of the communication devices, the signal modulation unit modulates the carrier wave using the measurement information collected in the concentrator to generate the transmission signal; The measurement system according to claim 1 , wherein the first communication unit transmits the transmission signal generated from the aggregated measurement information.

9. The measurement system according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the second communication units is mounted on a moving body and receives the transmission signal while the moving body is moving.

10. the second communication unit transmits a request signal under the control of the management unit; the first communication unit receives the request signal and outputs it to the information acquisition unit; The measurement system according to claim 1 , wherein the information acquisition unit outputs the measurement information to the signal modulation unit upon receiving the request signal.

11. The measurement system according to claim 1 , wherein the information acquisition unit automatically outputs the information to the signal modulation unit.

12. the second communication unit transmits a control signal under the control of the management unit; the first communication unit receives the control signal and outputs it to the information acquisition unit; The measurement system according to claim 1 , wherein the information acquisition unit changes an internal setting based on the control signal.

13. the measurement information is an amount of power consumption, and the information acquisition unit is a smart meter provided for each power consumer; the first communication unit is provided for each smart meter, The measurement system according to claim 1 , wherein the management unit is provided in an electric power company or an electric power transmission and distribution company.

14. a first signal conversion unit that converts digital information into analog information; a signal modulation unit that modulates a carrier wave using the analog information to generate a transmission signal; a first communication unit that transmits the transmission signal wirelessly or via a wire; a second communication unit that receives the transmission signal transmitted from the first communication unit; a signal demodulation unit that demodulates the transmission signal received by the second communication unit into the analog information; a second signal conversion unit that converts the demodulated analog information into digital information.

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