Radio

Abstract

To preferentially transmit an abnormality signal with higher importance in a radio.SOLUTION: A fire alarm comprises: a detection unit which detects an abnormality; and a signal processing unit which executes carrier sense at the number of times corresponding to the abnormality detected by the detection unit and transmits a signal for notification of the abnormality after execution of the carrier sense. The signal processing unit starts the carrier sense at the number of times corresponding to a first abnormality, and when the detection unit detects a second abnormality with higher priority than that of the first abnormality during the execution of the carrier sense, transmits a signal for notification of the second abnormality instead of the first abnormality, or with the first abnormality. Moreover, the number of times of the carrier sense corresponding to the first abnormality is more than the number of times corresponding to second carrier sense.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a radio. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a residential fire alarm system has been known in which multiple fire alarms are linked together to issue a fire alarm (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This fire alarm system can notify people in rooms other than the room where the fire occurred of the occurrence of the fire. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-56348 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an alarm system such as this fire alarm system, various signals can be sent and received between alarm devices. For example, each alarm device can be equipped with a fire detection unit and a gas leak detection unit, and fire detection signals and gas leak detection signals can be sent and received between the alarm devices.

[0005] When multiple types of abnormality signals can be transmitted and received in this way, there is a need to prioritize the transmission of each abnormality signal, for example, to prioritize the transmission of a fire detection signal over a gas leak detection signal.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to allow a radio device to transmit an abnormal signal of higher importance with priority. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the radio device of the present invention comprises a detection unit that detects abnormalities, and a signal processing unit that performs carrier sensing a number of times or for a period of time corresponding to the abnormality detected by the detection unit, and transmits a signal notifying the abnormality after performing the carrier sensing, wherein the signal processing unit initiates carrier sensing a number of times or for a period of time corresponding to a first abnormality, and when the detection unit detects a second abnormality having a higher priority than the first abnormality during the carrier sensing, transmits a signal notifying the second abnormality instead of or together with the first abnormality, and wherein a value indicating the number of times or the period of time of carrier sensing corresponding to the first abnormality is greater than a value indicating the number of times or the period of time of carrier sensing corresponding to the second abnormality. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, an abnormality signal having a higher degree of importance can be transmitted preferentially in a wireless device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a fire alarm system 100 installed in a house H. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the fire alarm 1 [Figure 3] Sequence diagram showing fire-linked processing [Figure 4] Sequence diagram showing fire recovery process [Figure 5] Sequence diagram showing gas leak interlocking processing [Figure 6] Sequence diagram showing gas leak recovery process [Figure 7] Flow diagram showing signal transmission processing [Figure 8] 1 is a time chart showing a specific example of a signal transmission process; [Figure 9] Flow diagram showing the fire interlock signal transmission process [Figure 10] Flow diagram showing gas leak interlocking signal transmission processing [Figure 11]Time chart showing specific examples of fire-linked signal transmission processing and gas leak-linked signal transmission processing DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 1. Embodiment A fire alarm system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fire alarm system 100 described here is a residential fire alarm system in which a plurality of fire alarm devices work together to issue a fire alarm. 1-1.Configuration

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a fire alarm system 100 installed in a house H. As shown in the figure, the fire alarm system 100 comprises a parent fire alarm device 1A and multiple child fire alarm devices 1B. In the following description, the parent fire alarm device 1A will be referred to as the "parent device 1A," and the child fire alarm devices 1B will be referred to as the "child devices 1B." Furthermore, the parent device 1A and child fire alarm devices 1B will be collectively referred to as the "fire alarm devices 1."

[0012] The fire alarm 1 is a wireless device and an interlocking type fire alarm. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of this fire alarm 1. As shown in the figure, the fire alarm 1 includes a fire detection unit 11, a gas leak detection unit 12, an alarm unit 13, a wireless communication unit 14, an operation reception unit 15, a power supply unit 16, and a control unit 17.

[0013] Of these, the fire detection unit 11 is a means for detecting a fire. The fire detection unit 11 is provided with sensors for detecting smoke, heat, and the like in order to detect a fire.

[0014] The gas leak detection unit 12 is a means for detecting a gas leak and includes a gas sensor for detecting a gas leak.

[0015] The alarm unit 13 is a means for issuing an alarm to the user, and is provided with a speaker and an indicator light to issue an alarm to the user.

[0016] The wireless communication unit 14 is a means for wirelessly communicating with other fire alarm devices 1. This wireless communication unit 14 is equipped with an antenna and a wireless communication circuit for wirelessly communicating with other fire alarm devices 1.

[0017] The operation reception unit 15 is a means for receiving operations from a user, and includes a switch for receiving operations from a user.

[0018] The power supply unit 16 is a means for supplying power to each part of the fire alarm 1. In order to supply power to each part of the fire alarm 1, the power supply unit 16 includes a battery and a power supply circuit.

[0019] The control unit 17 is a means for controlling each part of the fire alarm device 1. This control unit 17 is equipped with a memory and a microcomputer in order to control each part of the fire alarm device 1. Various functions are realized in the fire alarm device 1 by executing a program built into the microcomputer based on various setting data stored in the memory. Below, the functions realized in the parent unit 1A and the functions realized in the child unit 1B will be explained in order.

[0020] First, the functions realized in the master unit 1 A will be described. In the master unit 1 A, the functions of a fire interlocking processing unit 161, a gas leak interlocking processing unit 162, a restoration processing unit 163, and a signal processing unit 164 are realized.

[0021] The fire interlocking processing unit 161 detects a fire based on the output of its own fire detection unit 11. When a fire is detected, it activates the alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on the indicator light. In addition, it instructs the signal processing unit 164 to send a fire interlocking signal to each slave unit 1B.

[0022] Furthermore, the fire interlocking processing unit 161 receives a fire interlocking signal transmitted from each slave unit 1B and detects a fire. When a fire is detected, the fire interlocking processing unit 161 activates the alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on an indicator light. In addition, the fire interlocking processing unit 161 instructs the signal processing unit 164 to transmit a fire interlocking signal to each slave unit 1B. The fire-linked processing unit 161 is an example of a detection unit according to the present invention.

[0023] The gas leak interlocking processing unit 162 detects a gas leak based on the output of its own gas leak detection unit 12. When a gas leak is detected, it activates the alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on an indicator light. In addition, it instructs the signal processing unit 164 to send a gas leak interlocking signal to each slave unit 1B.

[0024] The gas leak interlocking processing unit 162 also receives a gas leak interlocking signal transmitted from each of the secondary devices 1B and detects a gas leak. When a gas leak is detected, the gas leak interlocking processing unit 162 activates the alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on an indicator light. In addition, the gas leak interlocking processing unit 162 instructs the signal processing unit 164 to transmit a gas leak interlocking signal to each of the secondary devices 1B. The gas leak interlocking processing unit 162 is an example of a detection unit according to the present invention.

[0025] The recovery processing unit 163 detects receipt of a fire recovery notification sent from the slave unit 1B, and if its own fire detection unit 11 does not detect a fire, it stops the operation of its own alarm unit 13. In addition, the recovery processing unit 163 instructs the signal processing unit 164 to send a fire recovery linkage signal to each slave unit 1B.

[0026] Furthermore, when the recovery processing unit 163 detects receipt of a gas leak recovery notification transmitted from a slave unit 1B and its own gas leak detection unit 12 does not detect a gas leak, it stops operation of its own alarm unit 13. In addition, the recovery processing unit 163 instructs the signal processing unit 164 to transmit a gas leak recovery linkage signal to each slave unit 1B.

[0027] The signal processing unit 164 receives an instruction from the fire interlocking processing unit 161, the gas leak interlocking processing unit 162, or the restoration processing unit 163 and transmits an interlocking signal.

[0028] In particular, when transmitting an interlocking signal in response to an instruction from the fire interlocking processing unit 161 or the gas leak interlocking processing unit 162, the signal processing unit 164 specifies the number of carrier senses corresponding to the detected abnormality. Specifically, when transmitting a fire interlocking signal, the signal processing unit 164 specifies the number of times "3", and when transmitting a gas leak interlocking signal, the signal processing unit 164 specifies the number of times "6". Then, after performing carrier sense the specified number of times, the signal processing unit 164 transmits an interlocking signal notifying of the detected abnormality.

[0029] In this case, if another abnormality is newly detected while carrier sensing is being performed, the signal processing unit 164 transmits an interlocking signal notifying both the initially detected abnormality and the newly detected abnormality. For example, if carrier sensing is started after detecting a gas leak and a fire is detected while the carrier sensing is being performed, an interlocking signal notifying both the gas leak and the fire is transmitted. By notifying two abnormalities simultaneously in this way, it is possible to notify the later-detected abnormality early.

[0030] Note that as the number of carrier senses determined by the signal processing unit 164 increases, the time required for the entire carrier sense increases. Therefore, determining the number of carrier senses can be rephrased as determining the carrier sense time. The same can be said for the number of carrier senses determined by the signal processing unit 168, which will be described later.

[0031] Next, a description will be given of the functions realized in the slave device 1 B. In the slave device 1 B, the functions of a fire interlocking processing unit 165, a gas leak interlocking processing unit 166, a restoration processing unit 167, and a signal processing unit 168 are realized.

[0032] Fire interlocking processing unit 165 detects a fire based on the output of its own fire detection unit 11. When a fire is detected, it activates alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on an indicator light. In addition, it instructs signal processing unit 168 to send a fire interlocking signal to master unit 1A and other slave units 1B.

[0033] Furthermore, the fire interlocking processing unit 165 detects a fire upon receiving a fire interlocking signal transmitted from the master unit 1A or another slave unit 1B. When a fire is detected, the fire interlocking processing unit 165 activates the alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on an indicator light. The fire-linked processing unit 165 is an example of a detection unit according to the present invention.

[0034] Gas leak interlocking processing unit 166 detects a gas leak based on the output of its own gas leak detection unit 12. When a gas leak is detected, it activates alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on an indicator light. In addition, it instructs signal processing unit 168 to transmit a gas leak interlocking signal to master unit 1A and other slave units 1B.

[0035] Furthermore, the gas leak interlocking processing unit 166 detects a gas leak upon receiving a gas leak interlocking signal transmitted from the master unit 1A or another slave unit 1B. When a gas leak is detected, the gas leak interlocking processing unit 166 activates the alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on an indicator light. The gas leak interlocking processing unit 166 is an example of a detection unit according to the present invention.

[0036] When the fire in the monitoring area of ​​the device is extinguished and the fire detection unit 11 of the device no longer detects the fire, the recovery processing unit 167 instructs the signal processing unit 168 to send a fire recovery notification to the master device 1A. After sending this fire recovery notification, if it detects the reception of the fire recovery linkage signal sent from the master device 1A, it stops the operation of the alarm unit 13.

[0037] Furthermore, when the gas leak stops in the monitoring area of ​​the device itself and the gas leak detection unit 12 of the device itself no longer detects the gas leak, the recovery processing unit 167 instructs the signal processing unit 168 to send a gas leak recovery notification to the master device 1A. After sending this gas leak recovery notification, if it detects the receipt of a gas leak recovery linkage signal sent from the master device 1A, it stops the operation of the alarm unit 13.

[0038] The signal processing unit 168 receives an instruction from the fire interlocking processing unit 165, the gas leak interlocking processing unit 166, or the restoration processing unit 167 and transmits an interlocking signal or the like.

[0039] In particular, when signal processing unit 168 receives an instruction from fire interlocking processing unit 165 or gas leak interlocking processing unit 166 to transmit an interlocking signal, it specifies the number of carrier senses corresponding to the detected abnormality. Specifically, when transmitting a fire interlocking signal, it specifies the number of times "3," and when transmitting a gas leak interlocking signal, it specifies the number of times "6." Then, after performing carrier sense the specified number of times, it transmits an interlocking signal notifying of the detected abnormality.

[0040] In this case, if another abnormality is newly detected while carrier sensing is being performed, signal processing unit 168 transmits an interlocking signal notifying both the initially detected abnormality and the newly detected abnormality. For example, if carrier sensing is started after detecting a gas leak and a fire is detected while the carrier sensing is being performed, an interlocking signal notifying both the gas leak and the fire is transmitted. By notifying two abnormalities simultaneously in this way, an abnormality detected later can be notified early.

[0041] 1-2.Operation The following describes the operation of the fire alarm system 100. Specifically, the following describes the fire interlocking process, fire restoration process, gas leak interlocking process, gas leak restoration process, and signal transmission process.

[0042] 1-2-1. Fire-related treatment The fire linkage processing is processing in which a plurality of fire alarm devices 1 work together to issue a fire alarm when a fire breaks out in the house H. Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram showing this fire linkage processing.

[0043] In the fire interlocking process shown in the figure, when a fire breaks out in the monitoring area of ​​slave unit 1B, fire detection unit 11 of slave unit 1B detects the fire (step Sa1). After detecting the fire, fire interlocking processing unit 165 of slave unit 1B activates alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on the indicator light (step Sa2). This notifies occupants of the room that a fire has occurred. Fire interlocking processing unit 165 also instructs signal processing unit 164 to send a fire interlocking signal to master unit 1A and each slave unit 1B. Upon receiving this instruction, signal processing unit 164 sends a fire interlocking signal to master unit 1A and each slave unit 1B (step Sa3).

[0044] When the other slave unit 1B receives this fire interlocking signal, the fire interlocking processing unit 165 of that slave unit 1B activates the alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on the indicator light (step Sa4), thereby notifying people in the room that a fire has occurred.

[0045] When the master unit 1A receives the fire interlocking signal, the fire interlocking processing unit 161 of the master unit 1A activates the alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on the indicator light (step Sa5). This notifies people in the room that a fire has occurred. In addition, the fire interlocking processing unit 161 instructs the signal processing unit 164 to send a fire interlocking signal to each slave unit 1B. In response to this instruction, the signal processing unit 164 sends a fire interlocking signal to each slave unit 1B (step Sa6). This ensures the interlocking of each slave unit 1B.

[0046] If slave unit 1B receives the fire interlocking signal from master unit 1A and does not receive the fire interlocking signal from slave unit 1B that caused the fire, slave unit 1B activates alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on the indicator light, thereby informing people in the room that a fire has occurred. This concludes the explanation of the fire-linked processing.

[0047] According to the fire-linked processing described above, it is possible to notify people in rooms other than the room where the fire occurred of the occurrence of the fire.

[0048] The above explanation of the fire interlocking process assumes that a fire breaks out in the monitoring area of ​​slave unit 1B. In contrast to this assumption, if a fire breaks out in the monitoring area of ​​master unit 1A, master unit 1A will execute the above steps Sa1 to Sa3.

[0049] 1-2-2. Fire restoration process The fire restoration process is a process for stopping the fire alarm that was started in the fire linkage process. Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing this fire restoration process.

[0050] In the fire restoration process shown in the figure, when a fire in the monitoring area of ​​slave unit 1B is extinguished and the fire detection unit 11 of slave unit 1B no longer detects the fire (step Sb1), restoration processing unit 167 of slave unit 1B instructs signal processing unit 168 to send a fire restoration notification to master unit 1A. In response to this instruction, signal processing unit 168 sends the fire restoration notification to master unit 1A (step Sb2).

[0051] When the restoration processing unit 163 of the master unit 1A receives the fire restoration notification from all the slave units 1B that detected the fire, and when its own fire detection unit 11 does not detect a fire (step Sb3), it controls the alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on the indicator light to notify occupants of the restoration (step Sb4). The restoration processing unit 163 then stops the operation of its own alarm unit 13 (step Sb4). Additionally, the restoration processing unit 163 instructs the signal processing unit 164 to transmit a fire restoration linkage signal to each slave unit 1B. In response to this instruction, the signal processing unit 164 transmits a fire restoration linkage signal to each slave unit 1B (step Sb5).

[0052] When the slave unit 1B receives this fire restoration interlocking signal, the restoration processing unit 167 of the slave unit 1B controls the alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on the indicator light to notify the occupants of the room of the restoration, and then stops the operation of the alarm unit 13 (step Sb6). This concludes the explanation of the fire restoration process.

[0053] According to the fire restoration process described above, the fire alarms of all fire alarms 1 are stopped on the condition that no fire is detected by any of the fire alarms 1.

[0054] 1-2-3. Gas leak interlocking process The gas leak interlocking process is a process in which a plurality of fire alarm devices 1 work together to issue a gas leak alarm when a gas leak occurs in the house H. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing this gas leak interlocking process.

[0055] In the gas leak interlocking process shown in the figure, when a gas leak occurs in the monitoring area of ​​a slave unit 1B, the gas leak detection unit 12 of the slave unit 1B detects the gas leak (step Sc1). After detecting the gas leak, the gas leak interlocking processing unit 166 of the slave unit 1B activates the alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on the indicator light (step Sc2). This notifies occupants of the room that a gas leak has occurred. The gas leak interlocking processing unit 166 also instructs the signal processing unit 168 to send a gas leak interlocking signal to the master unit 1A and each slave unit 1B. Upon receiving this instruction, the signal processing unit 168 sends a gas leak interlocking signal to the master unit 1A and each slave unit 1B (step Sc3).

[0056] When the other slave unit 1B receives this gas leak interlocking signal, the gas leak interlocking processing unit 166 of that slave unit 1B activates the alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on the indicator light (step Sc4), thereby notifying people in the room that a gas leak has occurred.

[0057] When the master unit 1A receives the gas leak interlocking signal, the gas leak interlocking processing unit 162 of the master unit 1A activates the alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on the indicator light (step Sc5). This notifies the occupants of the room that a gas leak has occurred. In addition, the gas leak interlocking processing unit 162 instructs the signal processing unit 164 to transmit a gas leak interlocking signal to each slave unit 1B. Upon receiving this instruction, the signal processing unit 164 transmits a gas leak interlocking signal to each slave unit 1B (step Sc6). This ensures the interlocking of each slave unit 1B.

[0058] When a slave unit 1B receives a gas leak interlocking signal from a master unit 1A and does not receive a gas leak interlocking signal from another slave unit 1B, it activates the alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on the indicator light, thereby notifying occupants of the room that a gas leak has occurred. The above is an explanation of the gas leak linked processing.

[0059] According to the gas leak linked processing described above, it is possible to notify people in rooms other than the room where the gas leak occurred of the occurrence of the gas leak.

[0060] The above description of the gas leak interlocking process assumes that a gas leak occurs in the monitoring area of ​​slave unit 1B. In contrast to this assumption, if a gas leak occurs in the monitoring area of ​​master unit 1A, master unit 1A will execute the above steps Sc1 to Sc3.

[0061] 1-2-4. Gas leak recovery process The gas leak restoration process is a process for stopping the gas leak alarm that was started in the gas leak linkage process. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing this gas leak restoration process.

[0062] In the gas leak restoration process shown in the figure, when the gas leak stops in the monitoring area of ​​the slave unit 1B and the gas leak detection unit 12 of that slave unit 1B no longer detects the gas leak (step Sd1), the restoration processing unit 167 of that slave unit 1B instructs the signal processing unit 168 to send a gas leak restoration notice to the master unit 1A. In response to this instruction, the signal processing unit 168 sends the gas leak restoration notice to the master unit 1A (step Sd2).

[0063] If the recovery processing unit 163 of the master unit 1A receives gas leak recovery notifications from all slave units 1B that detected a gas leak and its own gas leak detection unit 12 does not detect a gas leak (step Sd3), it controls the alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on the indicator light to notify occupants of the recovery. Then, it stops the operation of its own alarm unit 13 (step Sd4). Additionally, the recovery processing unit 163 instructs the signal processing unit 164 to transmit a gas leak recovery linkage signal to each slave unit 1B. In response to this instruction, the signal processing unit 164 transmits a gas leak recovery linkage signal to each slave unit 1B (step Sd5).

[0064] When the slave unit 1B receives this gas leak restoration interlocking signal, the restoration processing unit 167 of the slave unit 1B controls the alarm unit 13 to output an alarm sound and turn on the indicator light to notify the occupants of the room of the restoration, and then stops the operation of the alarm unit 13 (step Sd6). The gas leak recovery process has been described above.

[0065] According to the gas leak restoration process described above, the gas leak alarms of all fire alarms 1 are stopped on the condition that no gas leak is detected in any of the fire alarms 1.

[0066] 1-2-5.Signal transmission processing The signal transmission process is a process in which a fire alarm device 1 transmits a fire interlocking signal or a gas leak interlocking signal to another fire alarm device 1. Fig. 7 is a flow diagram showing this signal transmission process. Below, with reference to Fig. 7, a case in which a master device 1A transmits a fire interlocking signal or a gas leak interlocking signal to a slave device 1B will be described.

[0067] In the signal transmission process shown in the figure, the signal processor 164 of the master unit 1A first identifies the number of carrier senses Nt corresponding to the type of interlocking signal to be transmitted (step Se1). Specifically, when transmitting a fire interlocking signal, the number is identified as "3," and when transmitting a gas leak interlocking signal, the number is identified as "6." Next, the signal processor 164 initializes the count value n (step Se2). Next, the signal processor 164 performs carrier sense (step Se3) and determines whether the level of the detected received signal is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold (step Se4). If the result of this determination is that the level of the detected received signal is greater than the predetermined threshold (NO in step Se4), the signal processor 164 waits for a predetermined time (NO in step Se5). Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step Se5), the process returns to step Se2. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step Se4 is that the level of the detected received signal is equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold (YES in step Se4), the signal processor 164 increments the count value n (step Se6). Then, it is determined whether the incremented count value n is equal to or greater than the number of carrier senses Nt identified in step Se1 (step Se7). If the result of this determination is that the incremented count value n is less than the number of carrier senses Nt (NO in step Se7), the signal processing unit 164 returns to step Se3. On the other hand, if the result of this determination is that the incremented count value n is equal to or greater than the number of carrier senses Nt (YES in step Se7), the signal processing unit 164 determines whether or not another new abnormality has been detected (step Se8). Specifically, if a fire interlocking signal is about to be transmitted, it determines whether or not a gas leak has been detected, and if a gas leak interlocking signal is about to be transmitted, it determines whether or not a fire has been detected. If the result of this determination is that no new abnormality has been detected (NO in step Se8), the signal processing unit 164 transmits an interlocking signal to the slave device 1B notifying the slave device 1B of the abnormality that was the original target of notification (step Se9). On the other hand, if the result of this determination is that another abnormality has been newly detected (YES in step Se8), the signal processing unit 164 sends an interlocking signal to the slave device 1B to notify the slave device 1B of the newly detected abnormality in addition to the abnormality that was originally the subject of notification (step Se10). The above is the description of the signal transmission process.

[0068] Next, a specific example of the above signal transmission process will be described below: Fig. 8 is a time chart showing a specific example of the signal transmission process.

[0069] 8(a) shows the transmission process of the fire interlocking signal, in which the signal processing unit 164 performs carrier sense C three times after detecting a fire, and then transmits the fire interlocking signal.

[0070] 8(b) shows the transmission process of the fire and gas leak linked signal. In this transmission process, the signal processing unit 164 starts carrier sense C after detecting a fire, and when a gas leak is detected during carrier sense C, it transmits a linked signal notifying both the fire and the gas leak.

[0071] 8(c) shows the transmission process of the fire interlocking signal and the gas leak interlocking signal. In this transmission process, the signal processing unit 164 starts carrier sense C after detecting a fire, and when a gas leak is detected after carrier sense C, it first transmits the fire interlocking signal, then performs carrier sense C six times, and then transmits the gas leak interlocking signal.

[0072] 8(d) shows the transmission process of the gas leak linked signal. In this transmission process, the signal processing unit 164 performs carrier sense C six times after detecting a gas leak, and then transmits the gas leak linked signal.

[0073] 8(e) shows the transmission process of the gas leak and fire interlocking signals. In this transmission process, the signal processing unit 164 starts carrier sense C after detecting a gas leak, and when a fire is detected during carrier sense C, it transmits an interlocking signal notifying both the gas leak and the fire.

[0074] 8(f) shows the transmission process of the gas leak interlocking signal and the fire interlocking signal. In this transmission process, the signal processing unit 164 starts carrier sense C after detecting a gas leak, and when a fire is detected after carrier sense C, it first transmits the gas leak interlocking signal, then performs carrier sense C three times, and then transmits the fire interlocking signal. The above is a description of a specific example of signal transmission processing.

[0075] In the signal transmission process described above, the number of carrier senses is set to be greater for the gas leak interlocking signal than for the fire interlocking signal. Therefore, a fire is more likely to be notified at the same time as a gas leak. In other words, a fire is more likely to be notified without delay than a gas leak. Therefore, a fire can be notified with priority over a gas leak.

[0076] In the above description of the signal transmission process, master unit 1A transmits a fire interlocking signal or a gas leak interlocking signal to slave unit 1B, but the above signal transmission process is also performed when slave unit 1B transmits a fire interlocking signal or a gas leak interlocking signal to master unit 1A or another slave unit 1B. In this case, however, signal processing unit 168 of slave unit 1B performs the above signal transmission process instead of signal processing unit 164 of master unit 1A.

[0077] 2. Variations The above embodiment may be modified as follows: In addition, the following modifications may be combined with each other.

[0078] 2-1. Variation 1 In the signal transmission process according to the above embodiment, when another abnormality is detected during carrier sensing, the signal processor 164 or 168 notifies both the original abnormality and the other abnormality. Instead of this notification method, a notification method may be adopted in which the signal processor 164 or 168 first notifies only the other abnormality detected during carrier sensing.

[0079] When such a notification method is adopted, master unit 1A is provided with signal processing unit 164A instead of signal processing unit 164. This signal processing unit 164A receives an instruction from fire interlocking processing unit 161, gas leak interlocking processing unit 162, or restoration processing unit 163 and transmits an interlocking signal.

[0080] In particular, when signal processing unit 164A receives an instruction from fire interlocking processing unit 161 to transmit a fire interlocking signal, it performs carrier sense three times before transmitting the fire interlocking signal. Also, when signal processing unit 164A receives an instruction from gas leak interlocking processing unit 162 to transmit a gas leak interlocking signal, it performs carrier sense six times before transmitting the gas leak interlocking signal. However, at that time, if a new fire is detected while performing carrier sense, signal processing unit 164A transmits an interlocking signal notifying of a fire instead of a gas leak. Then, after transmitting that interlocking signal, it transmits an interlocking signal notifying of a gas leak. The reason for notifying of a fire before a gas leak in this way is that a fire has a higher priority (in other words, a higher urgency or importance).

[0081] On the other hand, the slave device 1B has a signal processing unit 168A instead of the signal processing unit 168. This signal processing unit 168A receives instructions from the fire interlocking processing unit 165, the gas leak interlocking processing unit 166, or the restoration processing unit 167 and transmits an interlocking signal or the like.

[0082] In particular, when signal processing unit 168A receives an instruction from fire interlocking processing unit 165 to transmit a fire interlocking signal, it performs carrier sense three times before transmitting the fire interlocking signal. Also, when signal processing unit 168A receives an instruction from gas leak interlocking processing unit 166 to transmit a gas leak interlocking signal, it performs carrier sense six times before transmitting the gas leak interlocking signal. However, at that time, if a new fire is detected while performing carrier sense, signal processing unit 168A transmits an interlocking signal notifying of a fire instead of a gas leak. Then, after transmitting that interlocking signal, it transmits an interlocking signal notifying of a gas leak. The reason for notifying of a fire before a gas leak in this way is because a fire has a higher priority (in other words, a higher urgency or importance).

[0083] Next, the notification method according to this modification will be described, specifically, the fire-linked signal transmission process and the gas leak-linked signal transmission process.

[0084] First, the fire interlocking signal transmission process will be described. This fire interlocking signal transmission process is a process in which a fire alarm device 1 transmits a fire interlocking signal to another fire alarm device 1. Fig. 9 is a flow diagram showing this fire interlocking signal transmission process. Below, with reference to Fig. 9, a case in which a master device 1A transmits a fire interlocking signal to a slave device 1B will be described.

[0085] In the fire-linked signal transmission process shown in the figure, the signal processor 164A of the master unit 1A first initializes the count value m (step Sf1). Next, the signal processor 164A determines whether the count value m is equal to or greater than the number of carrier senses "3" (step Sf2). If the result of this determination is that the count value m is less than the number of carrier senses "3" (NO in step Sf2), the signal processor 164A executes carrier sense (step Sf4) and determines whether the level of the detected received signal is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (step Sf5). If the result of this determination is that the level of the detected received signal is greater than the predetermined threshold (NO in step Sf5), the signal processor 164A waits for a predetermined time (NO in step Sf6). Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step Sf6), the process returns to step Sf1. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step Sf5 is that the level of the detected received signal is equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold (YES in step Sf5), the signal processing unit 164A increments the count value m (step Sf7) and returns to step Sf2.

[0086] Then, if the result of the determination in step Sf2 is that the count value m is equal to or greater than the number of carrier senses "3" (YES in step Sf2), the signal processing unit 164A transmits a fire interlocking signal to the slave unit 1B (step Sf3). This concludes the explanation of the fire-linked signal transmission process.

[0087] Next, the gas leak interlocking signal transmission process will be described. This gas leak interlocking signal transmission process is a process in which a fire alarm device 1 transmits a gas leak interlocking signal to another fire alarm device 1. Fig. 10 is a flow diagram showing this gas leak interlocking signal transmission process. Below, with reference to Fig. 10, a case in which a master device 1A transmits a gas leak interlocking signal to a slave device 1B will be described.

[0088] In the gas leak interlocking signal transmission process shown in the figure, the signal processing unit 164A of the master unit 1A first initializes the count value k (step Sg1). Next, the signal processing unit 164A determines whether a new fire has been detected (step Sg2). If the result of this determination is that a new fire has been detected (YES in step Sg2), the signal processing unit 164A executes the fire interlocking signal transmission process described above (step Sg3). After executing the fire interlocking signal transmission process, the process returns to step Sg1. On the other hand, if the result of this determination is that a new fire has not been detected (NO in step Sg2), the signal processing unit 164A executes carrier sense (step Sg4) and determines whether the level of the detected received signal is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold (step Sg5). If the result of this determination is that the level of the detected received signal is greater than the predetermined threshold (NO in step Sg5), the signal processing unit 164A waits for a predetermined time (NO in step Sg6). Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step Sg6), the process returns to step Sg1. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step Sg5 is that the level of the detected received signal is equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold (YES in step Sg5), the signal processing unit 164A increments the count value k (step Sg7). Then, it is determined whether the incremented count value k is equal to or greater than the number of carrier senses "6" (step Sg8). If the result of this determination is that the incremented count value k is less than the number of carrier senses "6" (NO in step Sg8), the signal processing unit 164A returns to step Sg2. On the other hand, if the result of this determination is that the incremented count value k is equal to or greater than the number of carrier senses "6" (YES in step Sg8), the signal processing unit 164A transmits a gas leak linked signal to the slave device 1B (step Sg9). The above is an explanation of the gas leak linked signal transmission process.

[0089] Next, specific examples of the above-mentioned fire-linked signal transmission process and gas-leak-linked signal transmission process will be described below. Fig. 11 is a time chart showing specific examples of these two transmission processes.

[0090] 11(a) shows the transmission process of the fire interlocking signal, in which the signal processing unit 164A performs carrier sense C three times after detecting a fire, and then transmits the fire interlocking signal.

[0091] 11(b) shows the transmission process of the fire interlocking signal and the gas leak interlocking signal. In this transmission process, the signal processing unit 164A starts carrier sense C after detecting a fire, and when a gas leak is detected during carrier sense C, first transmits the fire interlocking signal, then performs carrier sense C six times, and then transmits the gas leak interlocking signal.

[0092] 11(c) shows the transmission process of the fire interlocking signal and the gas leak interlocking signal. In this transmission process, the signal processing unit 164A starts carrier sense C after detecting a fire, and when a gas leak is detected after carrier sense C, it first transmits the fire interlocking signal, then performs carrier sense C six times, and then transmits the gas leak interlocking signal.

[0093] 11(d) shows the transmission process of the gas leak linked signal. In this transmission process, the signal processing unit 164A performs carrier sense C six times after detecting a gas leak, and then transmits the gas leak linked signal.

[0094] 11(e) shows the transmission process of the gas leak interlocking signal and the fire interlocking signal. In this transmission process, the signal processing unit 164A starts carrier sense C after detecting a gas leak, and when a fire is detected during carrier sense C, first transmits the fire interlocking signal, then performs carrier sense C six times before transmitting the gas leak interlocking signal.

[0095] 11(f) shows the transmission process of the gas leak interlocking signal and the fire interlocking signal. In this transmission process, the signal processing unit 164A starts carrier sense C after detecting a gas leak, and when a fire is detected after carrier sense C, it first transmits the gas leak interlocking signal, then performs carrier sense C three times, and then transmits the fire interlocking signal.

[0096] In the gas leak interlocking signal transmission process described above, if a fire is detected during carrier sensing, the fire interlocking signal is transmitted before the gas leak interlocking signal, so that notification of a fire can be given priority over notification of a gas leak.

[0097] In addition, in the gas leak interlocking signal transmission process, the number of carrier senses is set to be greater for the gas leak interlocking signal than for the fire interlocking signal, which makes it easier for the fire to be notified preferentially compared to when the number of carrier senses is set to be the same as for the fire interlocking signal.

[0098] In the above description of the fire interlocking signal transmission process and the gas leak interlocking signal transmission process, master unit 1A transmits a fire interlocking signal or a gas leak interlocking signal to slave unit 1B, but the above two transmission processes are also performed when slave unit 1B transmits a fire interlocking signal or a gas leak interlocking signal to master unit 1A or another slave unit 1B. In this case, however, signal processing unit 168A of slave unit 1B performs the above two transmission processes instead of signal processing unit 164A of master unit 1A.

[0099] 2-2. Variation 2 In the gas leak interlocking signal transmission process according to the above-described first modification, when the fire interlocking signal transmission process is executed, the count value k accumulated in the gas leak interlocking signal transmission process may be carried forward. That is, the count value k accumulated in the gas leak interlocking signal transmission process may be set as the initial value of the count value m of the fire interlocking signal transmission process (see step Sf1 in FIG. 9). By carrying forward the count value k in this way, the fire interlocking signal can be transmitted earlier.

[0100] 2-3. Variation 3 In the above embodiment and variant 1, the transmission of the fire interlocking signal and the gas leak interlocking signal is prioritized by differentiating the number of carrier senses. However, these signals are only one example of targets for which transmission prioritization is performed. As another example, the fire alarm 1 may be equipped with a human presence sensor instead of the gas leak detection unit 12, and the transmission of the fire interlocking signal and the human detection interlocking signal may be prioritized by differentiating the number of carrier senses. As yet another example, the fire alarm 1 may be equipped with a human presence sensor instead of the fire detection unit 11, and the transmission of the gas leak interlocking signal and the human detection interlocking signal may be prioritized by differentiating the number of carrier senses. As yet another example, the fire alarm 1 may be equipped with a smoke sensor and a heat sensor as the fire detection unit 11, and the gas leak detection unit 12 may be omitted, and the transmission of the smoke detection interlocking signal and the heat detection interlocking signal may be prioritized by differentiating the number of carrier senses. As yet another example, the fire alarm 1 may be equipped with a human presence sensor, and the transmission of the fire interlocking signal, the gas leak interlocking signal, and the human detection interlocking signal may be prioritized by differentiating the number of carrier senses. In this way, when the number of carrier senses for three or more signals is varied and the transmission process of a second signal is interrupted during the transmission process of a first signal (see FIG. 10), the need for carrying over the count value (see Modification 2) may be determined according to the priority (in other words, urgency or importance) of the second signal. For example, the count value may be carried over when a fire-linked signal is transmitted as an interrupt during the transmission process of a gas leak-linked signal, and the count value may not be carried over when a gas leak signal is transmitted as an interrupt during the transmission process of a human detection-linked signal.

[0101] Although the number of carrier senses when transmitting a recovery interlocking signal (and recovery notification) is not specifically mentioned above, when transmitting a recovery interlocking signal (and recovery notification), the number of carrier senses may be increased compared to when transmitting a (fire / gas leak) interlocking signal, so that the continuation of the fire / gas leak alarm state takes priority over recovery.

[0102] 2-4. Variation 4 In the above embodiment and variant 1, the number of carrier senses for the fire interlocking signal is set to "3," and the number of carrier senses for the gas leak interlocking signal is set to "6." However, these set values ​​are merely examples. The number of carrier senses for the fire interlocking signal and the gas leak interlocking signal may be set to other values ​​as long as the latter is greater than the former.

[0103] 2-5. Variation 5 In the fire restoration process according to the above embodiment, the master unit 1A determines whether the entire system can be restored. Instead of this restoration method, a method in which each fire alarm 1 individually determines whether it can be restored may be adopted. Specifically, each fire alarm 1 may stop operation of its own alarm unit 13 when it receives restoration notifications from all other fire alarms 1 that have detected a fire and its own fire detection unit 11 does not detect a fire. A similar restoration method may also be applied to gas leak restoration process.

[0104] 2-6. Variation 6 In the above-described fire alarm system 100, a distinction is made between parent and child fire alarm devices 1. However, it is not necessary to distinguish between parent and child fire alarm devices 1. The processes described in the above-described embodiment and variant 1 may be executed in a fire alarm system that does not distinguish between parent and child fire alarm devices.

[0105] 2-7. Variation 7 The signal processor 164 or 168 according to the above embodiment may be controlled to repeatedly transmit the interlocking signal a number of times corresponding to the type of the interlocking signal to be transmitted. For example, the signal processor 164 or 168 may be controlled to transmit the fire interlocking signal more frequently than the gas leak interlocking signal.

[0106] In addition to or instead of this control, the signal processor 164 or 168 may be controlled to repeatedly transmit the interlocking signal at a cycle corresponding to the type of the interlocking signal to be transmitted. For example, the signal processor 164 or 168 may be controlled to transmit a fire interlocking signal at a cycle shorter than that of a gas leak interlocking signal.

[0107] The above two types of control may be applied to the signal processing unit 164A or 168A according to the first modification.

[0108] 2-8. Variation 8 In the signal transmission process according to the above embodiment, carrier sense is performed a predetermined number of times or more before determining whether another abnormality has been newly detected (see FIG. 7). Therefore, if a fire is detected after a gas leak is detected, carrier sense is performed six or more times before transmitting an interlocking signal notifying of the gas leak and fire (see FIG. 8(e)). However, instead of this transmission method, if a fire is detected after a gas leak is detected, the interlocking signal notifying of the gas leak and fire may be transmitted when carrier sense has been performed three or more times. By adopting this transmission method, the interlocking signal notifying of the fire can be transmitted early. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1...fire alarm, 1A...parent unit, 1B...child unit, 11...fire detection unit, 12...gas leak detection unit, 13...alarm unit, 14...wireless communication unit, 15...operation reception unit, 16...power supply unit, 17...control unit, 161...fire interlocking processing unit, 162...gas leak interlocking processing unit, 163...recovery processing unit, 164, 164A...signal processing unit, 165...fire interlocking processing unit, 166...gas leak interlocking processing unit, 167...recovery processing unit, 168, 168A...signal processing unit, C...carrier sense, H...house

Claims

1. a detection unit that detects an abnormality; a signal processing unit that transmits a signal notifying an abnormality detected by the detection unit after the execution of carrier sense; Equipped with When the detection unit detects a second abnormality having a higher priority than the first abnormality during execution of carrier sense in response to detection of the first abnormality, the signal processing unit transmits a signal notifying the second abnormality instead of the first abnormality or together with the first abnormality. A radio device characterized by:

2. When the detection unit detects the second abnormality during the execution of the carrier sense in response to the detection of the first abnormality, the signal processing unit transmits a signal notifying the second abnormality together with the first abnormality.

2. The radio of claim 1.

3. when the detection unit detects the second abnormality during the execution of the carrier sense in response to the detection of the first abnormality, the signal processing unit transmits a signal notifying the second abnormality after executing carrier sense a number of times or a period of time corresponding to the second abnormality; The number of times or the time of the carrier sense performed in response to the detection of the first abnormality is carried over as the number of times or the time of the carrier sense performed corresponding to the second abnormality.

3. A radio device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the detection unit detects the second abnormality during the execution of the carrier sense in response to the detection of the first abnormality, the signal processing unit transmits a signal notifying the second abnormality together with the first abnormality at a point in time when the number of times or the time of the carrier sense reaches a number of times or the time corresponding to the second abnormality, the number of times or the time corresponding to the first abnormality being smaller than the number of times or the time corresponding to the first abnormality.

4. A radio device according to claim 1.

5. When the signal processing unit recovers from the abnormal state, the signal processing unit performs carrier sense and then transmits a signal notifying the recovery; The value indicating the number of times or the time of carrier senses corresponding to the recovery is greater than the value indicating the number of times or the time of carrier senses corresponding to the abnormality.

5. A radio device according to claim 1.

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