Wireless relay device, wireless sensor system, sensor, and wireless communication system

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of simply checking whether the system including communication among groups works properly.SOLUTION: A wireless relay device 200 has multiple groups that include multiple sensors, and which is included in a first group in the multiple groups, and relays communication with a second group in the multiple groups. A first communication unit 210 communicates with a sensor in the first group. A second communication unit 212 communicates with another wireless relay device in the second group. A first operation unit 230 receives the operation to start the status check operation of the first group and the second group. The first communication unit 210 executes communication by a first wireless communication method, and the second communication unit 212 executes communication by a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless detection technology, and more particularly to a wireless relay device, a wireless detection system, a detector, and a wireless communication system for detecting fires. [Background technology]

[0002] As a conventional example, the alarm system described in Patent Document 1 is taken as an example. In this alarm system, when an alarm device in one group detects a fire and issues an alarm, it transmits a fire interlocking signal, causing the other alarm devices in that group to output an alarm. Furthermore, the fire interlocking signal is received by a repeater. The repeater designates another group B and transmits an alarm preparation interlocking signal, causing the alarm devices in that other group to issue an alarm through alarm preparation operation. In this alarm system, the alarm devices in the two groups that are interlocked via the repeater communicate using a communication frequency that differs for each group. The repeater then converts a signal at a communication frequency received from one of the groups into a signal at a communication frequency used by the other group and transmits it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-188173 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The repeater of the alarm system described in Patent Document 1 comprises a communication unit (hereinafter referred to as the "first communication unit") and an antenna (hereinafter referred to as the "first antenna") for use in communicating with one group. The repeater also comprises a communication unit (hereinafter referred to as the "second communication unit") and an antenna (hereinafter referred to as the "second antenna") for use in communicating with another group. In other words, the repeater comprises a communication unit and an antenna for each group. When relaying communication between groups in this way, it is desirable to easily test whether the system including communication between groups is operating normally.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in light of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology for easily testing whether a system including communication between groups operates normally. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a wireless relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a wireless relay device that is included in a first group of the plurality of groups and relays communication with a second group of the plurality of groups, the wireless relay device including a first communication unit that communicates with the sensors in the first group, a second communication unit that communicates with other wireless communication devices in the second group, and an operation unit that accepts an operation to start an operation to check the status of the first group and the second group. The first communication unit communicates using a first wireless communication method, and the second communication unit communicates using a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is also a wireless relay device. A plurality of groups are formed, each including a plurality of sensors. The wireless relay device is included in one of the plurality of groups and relays communications with the other groups. The device includes a first communication unit that communicates with sensors in the same group, a second communication unit that communicates with other wireless relay devices in the other groups, and an operation unit that accepts an operation to start a check operation for a communication status related to the relay group including the wireless relay device and the other wireless relay devices. The first communication unit communicates using a first wireless communication method, and the second communication unit communicates using a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method.

[0008] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a sensor, in which a plurality of groups each including a plurality of sensors are formed, communication between the first group and a second group is relayed by a wireless relay device included in a first group of the plurality of groups and another wireless relay device included in a second group of the plurality of groups, and one of the plurality of sensors included in the first group includes a detection unit, a communication unit that communicates with the wireless relay device included in the first group, and an operation unit that receives an operation to start an operation to check the status of the first group and the second group.

[0009] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a wireless communication system in which a plurality of groups are formed, each group including a plurality of sensors, communication between the first group and a second group is relayed by a wireless relay device included in a first group of the plurality of groups and another wireless relay device included in a second group of the plurality of groups, and the sensor or the wireless relay device includes an operation unit that receives an operation to start a status check operation of the first group and the second group.

[0010] Any combination of the above components, and conversion of the present disclosure into a method, device, system, recording medium, computer program, etc., are also valid aspects of the present disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to easily test whether a system including communication between groups operates normally. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless sensing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2(a) and 2(b) are diagrams illustrating the configurations of a sensor and a wireless relay device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first operation example of the wireless sensing system of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second operation example of the wireless sensing system of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of an overall test in the wireless sensing system of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of another overall test in the wireless sensing system of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 7(a)-(c) are diagrams showing an overview of a relay group test in the wireless sensing system of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Before describing the present disclosure in detail, an overview will be provided. This embodiment relates to a wireless sensing system installed in facilities such as apartment buildings, detached houses, offices, and hospitals. The wireless sensing system is also called an alarm system. The wireless sensing system includes multiple sensors, each of which is capable of detecting the occurrence of a fire and issues an audible alarm upon detecting a fire. Each sensor also has a communication function, such as a wireless communication function, and transmits an interlocking signal for interlocking and issuing an audible alarm upon detecting a fire. Sensors that receive the interlocking signal also issue an audible alarm. Here, events that are the subject of disaster prevention measures are not limited to fires, but may also include floods, earthquakes, gas leaks, and the generation of carbon monoxide (CO) due to incomplete combustion.

[0014] In a wireless detection system, multiple groups are formed, each containing two or more detectors. Each group covers a certain area within the facility. One of the two or more detectors in a group is the "parent device" and the rest are "child devices." The parent device transmits a synchronization signal to the child devices in the group as a synchronization reference, and the child devices establish synchronization with the parent device based on the received synchronization signal. After synchronization is established, the child devices communicate via the parent device. Therefore, each child device transmits an interlocking signal to the parent device and receives an interlocking signal from the parent device. Furthermore, because each group uses a different frequency, each group communicates independently of the others, and the range of interlocking signal transmission is limited within the group.

[0015] In such a wireless sensing system, it is desirable to expand the range of transmission of the interlocking signal across groups, thereby expanding the range of issuance of the alarm sound. In particular, it is desirable to easily achieve relay of communication between groups. In the wireless sensing system according to this embodiment, one wireless relay device is included in each group. The wireless relay device operates as a slave device within the group. Therefore, the wireless relay device establishes synchronization with the master device, transmits interlocking signals to the master device, and receives interlocking signals from the master device.

[0016] Furthermore, the wireless repeater devices in each group form a repeater group. The repeater group uses a different frequency and a different protocol than the previous group. When a wireless repeater device receives an interlocking signal from a master device, it transmits the interlocking signal to other wireless repeater devices in the repeater group. The wireless repeater device that receives the interlocking signal transmits the interlocking signal to the master device. As a result, the transmission range of the interlocking signal is expanded to span the groups.

[0017] Furthermore, it is necessary to test whether such a wireless sensing system operates normally. Here, the distance between the master device, slave device, and wireless relay device within a group is generally shorter than the distance between wireless relay devices between relay groups. Therefore, abnormalities are generally more likely to occur in a relay group than in a group. Reflecting this situation, in this embodiment, when a user presses the operation unit of a wireless relay device (hereinafter referred to as the "first operation unit"), the wireless relay device transmits a test signal within the group and also within the relay group. When other wireless relay devices in the relay group receive the test signal, they transmit test signals within other groups to which the other wireless relay devices belong. As a result, it is tested whether the test signal can be received throughout the entire wireless sensing system. This type of test is called an "overall test."

[0018] Furthermore, when a user presses the operation unit (hereinafter referred to as the "second operation unit") of the wireless relay device, the wireless relay device transmits a test signal only within the relay group. As a result, a test is performed to determine whether the test signal can be received in the relay group. This type of test is called a "relay group test." The following describes the test in the following order: (1) basic configuration, (2) basic operation, (3) overall test, and (4) relay group test.

[0019] (1) Basic configuration 1 shows the configuration of a wireless sensing system 1000. The wireless sensing system 1000 includes a first master device 100a to a fourth master device 100d collectively referred to as master devices 100, a first slave device 110a to an eighth slave device 110h collectively referred to as slave devices 110, and a first wireless relay device 200a to a fourth wireless relay device 200d collectively referred to as wireless relay devices 200. The numbers of master devices 100, slave devices 110, and wireless relay devices 200 in the wireless sensing system 1000 are not limited to "4," "8," and "4," respectively.

[0020] The wireless sensing system 1000 is a system for issuing an alarm in the event of a fire, and the master unit 100 and the slave unit 110 are the aforementioned sensors. The sensors are, for example, fire alarms. The sensors therefore have both the function of detecting a fire and the function of sounding an alarm in response to the detection of a fire. The sensors are also interlocking fire alarms that transmit and receive interlocking signals for sounding interlocking alarms. The wireless sensing system 1000 is applied to, for example, a facility. Specifically, multiple sensors are installed on the ceiling or walls of a target installation space within the facility. The facility is assumed to have a relatively large area. In other words, the facility is assumed to be one in which the area to detect fires cannot be covered by two or three sensors. The facility may be an apartment building (condominium), an office building, a theater, a movie theater, a public hall, an amusement park, a complex, a restaurant, a department store, a school, a hotel, an inn, a hospital, a nursing home, a kindergarten, a library, a museum, an art gallery, an underground shopping mall, a station, an airport, or the like.

[0021] The wireless sensing system 1000 includes a first group 10a to a fourth group 10d, collectively referred to as groups 10. The number of groups 10 included in the wireless sensing system 1000 is not limited to four. Each group 10 includes multiple sensors, one master device 100 and one or more slave devices 110. For example, the first group 10a includes a first master device 100a, a first slave device 110a, and a second slave device 110b. The same is true for the second group 10b to the fourth group 10d.

[0022] Furthermore, each group 10 is arranged so as to correspond one-to-one to one of the four major sensing areas within the facility. For example, when the wireless sensing system 1000 is applied to a facility divided into multiple floors, one group 10 is assigned to each floor and installed. Furthermore, the master unit 100 and slave unit 110 of each group 10 are arranged so as to correspond one-to-one to the four small areas of the corresponding sensing area.

[0023] The master units 100 and slave units 110 in each group 10 are, for example, battery-powered fire alarms. However, the master units 100 or slave units 110 may be electrically connected to an external power source (for example, a commercial power grid) and may be powered by converting AC power (for example, an effective value of 100 V) supplied from the external power source into DC power. The master units 100 and slave units 110 in each group 10 are linked fire alarms, and when any master unit 100 or slave unit 110 in each group 10 detects a fire, it sounds an alarm in linkage with the other master units 100 or slave units 110 (together with the other master units 100 or slave units 110).

[0024] To achieve this interlocking, in this embodiment, a network is formed that allows communication between the master device 100 and the slave devices 110 in each group 10. For example, communication is performed between the master device 100 and the slave devices 110 using TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access). The master device 100 periodically broadcasts a synchronization signal, and each slave device 110 establishes synchronization with the master device 100 by receiving the synchronization signal from the master device 100.

[0025] For example, in the first group 10a, the first master device 100a and each slave device 110 are assigned transmission timings that are offset from each other. When an interlocking signal to be transmitted is generated in either the first master device 100a or each slave device 110, the interlocking signal is transmitted at the transmission timing assigned to that device. Furthermore, the first master device 100a and each slave device 110 perform reception operations during periods other than the transmission timing of the first master device 100a. Therefore, when an interlocking signal is transmitted from a first master device 100a or a slave device 110 other than the first master device 100a or each slave device 110, the first master device 100a and each slave device 110 receive the interlocking signal.

[0026] The above-described operations are also performed in the second group 10b to the fourth group 10d. Therefore, communication of interlocking signals and issuance of alarm sounds are performed within each group 10. On the other hand, in order to widen the range of the alarm sounds, communication of interlocking signals is also desired between the groups 10. In the wireless sensing system 1000 according to this embodiment, a wireless relay device 200 is included in each group 10 to easily realize relaying of communications between the groups.

[0027] For example, the first group 10a includes a first wireless relay device 200a. The first wireless relay device 200a performs the same operation as the child devices 110, thereby establishing synchronization with the first parent device 100a and being able to communicate with each child device 110 in the first group 10a. The second group 10b includes a second wireless relay device 200b, the third group 10c includes a third wireless relay device 200c, and the fourth group 10d includes a fourth wireless relay device 200d. The second wireless relay device 200b to the fourth wireless relay device 200d also perform the same operation as the first wireless relay device 200a.

[0028] A relay group 20 is formed by the first wireless relay device 200a to the fourth wireless relay device 200d. Interlocking signals are communicated between the wireless relay devices 200 included in the relay group 20. As an example, among the wireless relay devices 200, the first wireless relay device 200a plays a role corresponding to the master device 100 (hereinafter referred to as the "master"), and the remaining wireless relay devices 200 play roles corresponding to the slave devices 110 (hereinafter referred to as the "slave devices"). The master device 100 and the slave devices 110 are fixed, but the master and slave roles are changeable. The first wireless relay device 200a acting as the master periodically broadcasts a synchronization signal, and the other slave wireless relay devices 200 establish synchronization with the first wireless relay device 200a by receiving the synchronization signal from the first wireless relay device 200a.

[0029] In addition, in the relay group 20, the transmission timings of the wireless relay devices 200 are assigned so as to be offset from one another. Each wireless relay device 200 transmits an interlocking signal at the transmission timing assigned to that device. Furthermore, each wireless relay device 200 performs a receiving operation in a period other than the transmission timing of that device. Through this processing, when any wireless relay device 200 receives an interlocking signal from a master device 100 in the group 10, it transmits the interlocking signal at the transmission timing of that device. Furthermore, the remaining wireless relay devices 200 receive the interlocking signal. The wireless relay device 200 that receives the interlocking signal transmits the interlocking signal to the master device 100 in the group 10. In this way, the wireless relay device 200 is included in one of the multiple groups 10 and relays communications with the other groups 10.

[0030] The transmission interval of the synchronization signal in communication within group 10 is different from the transmission interval of the synchronization signal in communication within relay group 20. Therefore, the protocol for communication within group 10 is different from the protocol for communication within relay group 20. When the protocol for communication within group 10 is called a first wireless communication method, the protocol for communication within relay group 20 is called a second wireless communication method.

[0031] Communication in the wireless sensing system 1000 is wireless communication. The wireless frequency band used in communication within the group 10 and the relay group 20 corresponds to the wireless frequency band stipulated in the Fire Service Act, for example. Specifically, the wireless frequency band corresponds to the wireless stations of low-power security systems, i.e., the 426 MHz band. For example, five of the multiple frequency channels in the 426 MHz band are allocated to the four groups 10 and the relay group 20. Here, as an example, the channels of the four groups 10 and the relay group 20 are all set to be different from each other. The channels of the first group 10a to the fourth group 10d are set to first frequencies F1a, F1b, F1c, and F1d, respectively, and the channel of the relay group 20 is set to a second frequency F2. Here, the difference between the frequencies of the first wireless communication method and the second wireless communication method is set to within 1 MHz.

[0032] 2(a) and 2(b) show the configurations of the sensor 120 and the wireless relay device 200. FIG. 2(a) shows the configuration of the sensor 120. The sensor 120 corresponds to the parent device 100 and the child device 110. The sensor 120 includes a sensing unit 122, an alarm unit 124, a control unit 126, a memory unit 128, a communication unit 130, and a power supply circuit 132. First, the configuration when the sensor 120 is the parent device 100 will be described. The power supply circuit 132 is connected to a battery (not shown), for example a lithium battery, and supplies power from the battery to the sensor 120.

[0033] The control unit 126 has, for example, a computer system having a processor and a memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, causing the computer system to function as the control unit 126. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system here, but may also be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0034] The sensing unit 122 has a function (detection function) of detecting information related to a fire that will trigger an audible alarm. Here, the sensing unit 122 is, as an example, a photoelectric sensor that detects smoke. Therefore, the information related to the fire includes, for example, information related to smoke. However, the sensing unit 122 is not limited to a photoelectric sensor and may be, for example, a constant temperature sensor that detects heat. The sensing unit 122 has, for example, a light-emitting unit such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and a light-receiving unit such as a photodiode. The light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are arranged within the labyrinth of the device's housing so that the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving unit is off the optical axis of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit. In the event of a fire, smoke may be introduced into the labyrinth through a hole provided in the housing.

[0035] When there is no smoke in the labyrinth of the housing, the light emitted from the light-emitting unit hardly reaches the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving unit. On the other hand, when there is smoke in the labyrinth of the housing, the light emitted from the light-emitting unit is absorbed by the smoke. The light emitted from the light-emitting unit is scattered by the smoke, and some of the scattered light reaches the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving unit. That is, the light-receiving unit of the sensing unit 122 receives the light emitted from the light-emitting unit that has been scattered by the smoke. The sensing unit 122 outputs to the control unit 126 an electrical signal (output signal) that indicates a voltage level corresponding to the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit.

[0036] The control unit 126 determines whether a fire has occurred based on the output signal output by the detection unit 122. For example, the control unit 126 determines that a fire has occurred when the voltage level indicated by the output signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. When the control unit 126 detects that a fire has occurred, the control unit 126 transmits an interlocking signal based on the fire detection from the communication unit 130. The control unit 126 also determines that a fire has occurred when it receives an interlocking signal from another detector 120.

[0037] The notification unit 124 has a function (notification function) of notifying the occurrence of a fire when the occurrence of a fire in the facility is detected. The notification unit 124 includes an audio circuit (not shown) and a display circuit (not shown).

[0038] The audio circuit outputs sound (sound waves). When the control unit 126 determines that a fire has broken out in the facility, the audio circuit outputs an alarm sound to notify the occurrence of the fire. The audio circuit is composed of a speaker that converts an electrical signal into sound. The speaker has a diaphragm, and emits an alarm sound by mechanically vibrating the diaphragm in accordance with an electrical signal. The audio circuit outputs an alarm sound (e.g., a beep) under the control of the control unit 126. The alarm sound is composed of, for example, a sweep sound that sweeps from low to high pitches, and a voice message that follows the sweep sound.

[0039] If a fire is detected by a master unit 100 in a certain group 10, the audio circuit of the master unit 100 outputs an audio message such as "There's a fire! There's a fire." In this case, with regard to the linked alarm operation within that group 10, the link source (source of the fire) of the alarm is the master unit 100. Other linked detectors 120 within that group 10 also output audio messages such as "There's a fire in another room! There's a fire in another room." The audio message may include name information indicating the small area (installation location) in which the linked detector 120 is installed. If the detector 120 receives an external operation input (push operation) using a push button type operating unit or the like during an alarm (while the alarm is being sounded), the audio circuit stops outputting the alarm sound.

[0040] The indicator circuit is, for example, an operating light having a red LED. The indicator circuit is normally off (during fire monitoring), and starts flashing (or lighting) when the control unit 126 determines that a fire has occurred. This flashing stops when the alarm sound stops being emitted.

[0041] The storage unit 128 is configured with a device selected from a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), etc. The storage unit 128 stores a unique identifier (identification information) assigned to itself (its own device). The identification information is the IP address, MAC address, name, etc. of the sensor 120. The storage unit 128 also stores warning message data related to the voice message. The storage unit 128 may be a memory of the control unit 126.

[0042] The storage unit 128 also stores a plurality of frequency channels corresponding to the 426 MHz band. In particular, the storage unit 128 of the master unit 100 stores a channel to be used for communication within the group 10 to which the master unit 100 belongs, among the plurality of frequency channels corresponding to the 426 MHz band.

[0043] The communication unit 130 performs wireless communication in the 426 MHz frequency band. When the communication unit 130 communicates with one wireless relay device 200 and two slave devices 110 in the group 10 to which the communication unit 130 belongs, the communication unit 130 uses one channel of the four first frequencies F1a, F1b, F1c, and F1d. In other words, the channel used in communication between the slave device 110 and the master device 100 in each group 10 differs among the multiple groups 10.

[0044] The signals communicated by the communication unit 130 are, for example, synchronization signals and interlocking signals, and the same channel is used for these communications.

[0045] Next, a configuration will be described in which the sensor 120 is a slave device 110. As described above, when the communication unit 130 of the slave device 110 receives a synchronization signal from the master device 100, the communication unit 130 synchronizes the timing of the communication unit 130 with that of the master device 100 based on the synchronization signal. Other operations are similar to those of the master device 100.

[0046] When each slave device 110 detects a fire, it sends an interlocking signal to the master device 100 of the group 10 to which it belongs via the communication unit 130 in order to become the interlocking source and initiate an alarm. When each slave device 110 detects a fire, it starts outputting an alarm sound from its own audio circuit and blinks its own display circuit. On the other hand, when each slave device 110 receives an interlocking signal from the master device 100 of the group 10 to which it belongs via the communication unit 130, it starts outputting an alarm sound from its own audio circuit and blinks its own display circuit.

[0047] 2(b) shows the configuration of the wireless relay device 200. The wireless relay device 200 includes a first communication unit 210, a second communication unit 212, a selection unit 214, an antenna 216, a control unit 218, a notification unit 220, a power supply circuit 222, and a storage unit 224.

[0048] The first communication unit 210 and the second communication unit 212 are connected to an antenna 216 via a selection unit 214. The first communication unit 210 is capable of communication using the first wireless communication method described above. The first communication unit 210 communicates with a master unit 100 in the same group 10 via the antenna 216, and establishes synchronization with the master unit 100, i.e., synchronization within the same group 10, based on a synchronization signal received from the master unit 100.

[0049] After synchronization is established, the first communication unit 210 performs communication within the same group 10. Communication within the same group includes communication with the master device 100 and communication with the slave devices 110 within the same group 10 via the master device 100. As a result, the first communication unit 210 communicates with multiple sensors 120 within the same group 10. For example, the first communication unit 210 receives an interlocking signal from the master device 100 and transmits an interlocking signal to the master device 100.

[0050] The second communication unit 212 is capable of performing communication using the second wireless communication method described above. The second communication unit 212 communicates with other wireless relay devices 200 in the relay group 20, i.e., other wireless relay devices 200 included in other groups 10, via the antenna 216. When the wireless relay device 200 is a master, the second communication unit 212 synchronizes the timing of the other wireless relay devices 200 with the timing of the second communication unit 212 by broadcasting a synchronization signal via the antenna 216. On the other hand, when the wireless relay device 200 is a slave, the second communication unit 212 communicates with the master wireless relay device 200 via the antenna 216 and establishes synchronization with the master wireless relay device 200, i.e., synchronization within the relay group 20, based on the synchronization signal received from the master wireless relay device 200. Here, the group 10, which is the communication target of the first communication unit 210, and the relay group 20, which is the communication target of the second communication unit 212, are asynchronous.

[0051] After synchronization is established, the second communication unit 212 executes communication within the relay group 20. Communication within the relay group 20 includes communication with other wireless relay devices 200. As a result, the second communication unit 212 communicates with multiple other wireless relay devices 200 within the relay group 20. For example, the second communication unit 212 receives an interlocking signal from the other wireless relay devices 200 and transmits an interlocking signal to the other wireless relay devices 200.

[0052] The control unit 218 is connected to the first communication unit 210, the second communication unit 212, and the selection unit 214, and controls the operation of the wireless relay device 200. When the first communication unit 210 receives an interlocking signal, the control unit 218 causes the second communication unit 212 to transmit the interlocking signal. When the second communication unit 212 receives an interlocking signal, the control unit 218 causes the first communication unit 210 to transmit the interlocking signal. In this way, the control unit 218 relays communications within the group 10 and communications within the relay group 20.

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 218 controls the selection of the first communication unit 210 or the second communication unit 212 by the selection unit 214. When communication by the first communication unit 210 is not to be performed, the control unit 218 determines to select the second communication unit 212. Furthermore, the control unit 218 determines to select the first communication unit 210 during a period when the first communication unit 210 should communicate with the master device 100 (sensor 120), and to select the second communication unit 212 when the period ends. The control unit 218 outputs the determined selection result to the selection unit 214.

[0054] The selection unit 214 selects either the first communication unit 210 or the second communication unit 212 as a target for communication via the antenna 216 in accordance with the selection result from the control unit 218 .

[0055] The notification unit 220 is similar to the notification unit 124 described above. The notification unit 220 may include an audio circuit (not shown) and a display circuit (not shown). When an abnormality occurs in at least one of the first communication unit 210 and the second communication unit 212, such as a communication failure, the control unit 126 may cause the notification unit 220 to notify of the abnormality. The power supply circuit 222 and the memory unit 224 are similar to the power supply circuit 132 and the memory unit 128 in the front vertical direction.

[0056] The subject of the device, system, or method of the present disclosure includes a computer. The computer executes a program to realize the functions of the subject of the device, system, or method of the present disclosure. The computer includes, as its main hardware component, a processor that operates according to the program. The processor may be of any type, as long as it can realize the functions by executing the program. The processor may be composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integration (LSI). The electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or may be provided on multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or may be provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium, such as a computer-readable ROM, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0057] (2) Basic operation The operation of the wireless sensing system 1000 configured as described above will now be described. FIG. 3 shows a first example of operation of the wireless sensing system 1000. Here, the operation when a fire is detected in the first group 10a including the first wireless relay device 200a acting as the master will be described. When the first slave device 110a of the first group 10a detects a fire in a corresponding small area in a predetermined detection area within the facility, it outputs a voice message "Fire! Fire!" in succession to a sweep sound. In addition, the first slave device 110a transmits an interlocking signal to the first master device 100a of the first group 10a using radio waves of the first frequency F1a, which is the communication frequency for the first group 10a (i).

[0058] When the first master device 100a receives the linking signal from the first slave device 110a, it starts emitting an alarm sound in response to the first slave device 110a's alert. The first master device 100a then transmits the linking signal to the other slave devices 110 in the first group 10a, i.e., the second slave device 110b and the first wireless relay device 200a, using radio waves of the first frequency F1a (ii).

[0059] As a result, the second child device 110b also starts emitting an alarm sound in coordination with the first parent device 100a. When the first wireless relay device 200a receives the coordination signal from the first parent device 100a, the first wireless relay device 200a transmits the coordination signal from the second wireless relay device 200b to the fourth wireless relay device 200d using radio waves of the second frequency F2, which is the communication frequency for the relay group 20 (iii).

[0060] When the second wireless relay device 200b receives the interlocking signal from the first wireless relay device 200a, it transmits the interlocking signal to the second master device 100b using the first frequency F1b, which is the communication frequency of the second group 10b (iv). When the second master device 100b receives the interlocking signal, it starts emitting an alarm sound in cooperation with the first master device 100b. The second master device 100b also transmits the interlocking signal to the slave devices 110 of the second group 10b, i.e., the third slave device 110c and the fourth slave device 110d, using radio waves of the first frequency F1b (v). When the third slave device 110c and the fourth slave device 110d receive the interlocking signal, they start emitting an alarm sound in cooperation with the second master device 100b.

[0061] When the third wireless relay device 200c receives the interlocking signal from the first wireless relay device 200a, it transmits the interlocking signal to the third parent device 100c using the first frequency F1c, which is the communication frequency of the third group 10c (iv). When the third parent device 100c receives the interlocking signal, it starts emitting an alarm sound in cooperation with the third parent device 100c. In addition, the third parent device 100c transmits the interlocking signal to the child devices 110 of the third group 10c, i.e., the fifth child device 110e and the sixth child device 110f, using radio waves of the first frequency F1c (v). When the fifth child device 110e and the sixth child device 110f receive the interlocking signal, they start emitting an alarm sound in cooperation with the third parent device 100c.

[0062] When the fourth wireless relay device 200d receives the interlocking signal from the first wireless relay device 200a, it transmits the interlocking signal to the fourth master device 100d using the first frequency F1d, which is the communication frequency of the fourth group 10d (iv). When the fourth master device 100d receives the interlocking signal, it starts emitting an alarm sound in coordination with the fourth master device 100d. In addition, the fourth master device 100d transmits the interlocking signal to the slave devices 110 of the fourth group 10d, i.e., the seventh slave device 110g and the eighth slave device 110h, using radio waves of the first frequency F1d (v). When the seventh slave device 110g and the eighth slave device 110h receive the interlocking signal, they start emitting an alarm sound in coordination with the fourth master device 100d.

[0063] FIG. 4 illustrates a second operation example of the wireless sensing system 1000. The second and third operation examples explain the operation when a fire is detected in the second group 10b, which includes the second wireless relay device 200b as a slave. The second operation example corresponds to a case where the master does not change, and the third operation example corresponds to a case where the master changes. When the fourth slave device 110d of the second group 10b detects a fire in a corresponding small area within a predetermined detection area within the facility, it outputs a voice message "Fire! Fire!" in succession to a sweep sound. In addition, the fourth slave device 110d transmits an interlocking signal to the second master device 100b of the second group 10b using radio waves of the first frequency F1b, which is the communication frequency for the second group 10b (i).

[0064] When the second master device 100b receives the linking signal from the fourth slave device 110d, it starts emitting an alarm sound in response to the fourth slave device 110d. The second master device 100b then transmits the linking signal to the other slave devices 110 in the second group 10b, i.e., the third slave device 110c and the second wireless relay device 200b, using radio waves of the first frequency F1b (ii).

[0065] As a result, the third child device 110c also starts emitting an alarm sound in coordination with the second child device 110b. When the second wireless relay device 200b receives the coordination signal from the second parent device 100b, it transmits the coordination signal to the first parent wireless relay device 200a using radio waves of the second frequency F2, which is the communication frequency for the relay group 20 (iii). When the first wireless relay device 200a receives the coordination signal from the second wireless relay device 200b, it transmits the coordination signal to the third wireless relay device 200c and the fourth wireless relay device 200d using radio waves of the second frequency F2 (iv).

[0066] When the first wireless relay device 200a receives the interlocking signal from the second wireless relay device 200b, it transmits the interlocking signal to the first master device 100a using the first frequency F1a, which is the communication frequency of the first group 10a (v). When the first master device 100a receives the interlocking signal, it starts emitting an alarm sound in coordination with the first master device 100a. The first master device 100a also transmits the interlocking signal to the slave devices 110 in the first group 10a, i.e., the first slave device 110a and the second slave device 110b, using radio waves of the first frequency F1a (vi). When the first slave device 110a and the second slave device 110b receive the interlocking signal, they start emitting an alarm sound in coordination with the first master device 100a.

[0067] When the third wireless relay device 200c receives the interlocking signal from the first wireless relay device 200a, it transmits the interlocking signal to the third parent device 100c using the first frequency F1c, which is the communication frequency of the third group 10c (v). When the third parent device 100c receives the interlocking signal, it starts emitting an alarm sound in cooperation with the third parent device 100c. In addition, the third parent device 100c transmits the interlocking signal to the child devices 110 of the third group 10c, i.e., the fifth child device 110e and the sixth child device 110f, using radio waves of the first frequency F1c (vi). When the fifth child device 110e and the sixth child device 110f receive the interlocking signal, they start emitting an alarm sound in cooperation with the third parent device 100c.

[0068] When the fourth wireless relay device 200d receives the interlocking signal from the first wireless relay device 200a, it transmits the interlocking signal to the fourth master device 100d using the first frequency F1d, which is the communication frequency of the fourth group 10d (v). When the fourth master device 100d receives the interlocking signal, it starts emitting an alarm sound in cooperation with the fourth master device 100d. The fourth master device 100d also transmits the interlocking signal to the slave devices 110 of the fourth group 10d, i.e., the seventh slave device 110g and the eighth slave device 110h, using radio waves of the first frequency F1d (vi). When the seventh slave device 110g and the eighth slave device 110h receive the interlocking signal, they start emitting an alarm sound in cooperation with the fourth master device 100d.

[0069] (3) Overall Exam 5 shows an overview of an overall test in the wireless sensing system 1000. Here, it is assumed that a user operates the first wireless relay device 200a for the overall test. The first operation unit 230 in FIG. 2(b) accepts, when pressed by the user, an operation for starting a check operation of the status of each group 10 and an operation for starting a check operation of the communication status regarding the relay group 20.

[0070] Here, the state of each group 10 refers to the state of at least one of the parent device 100, the child device 110, and the wireless relay device 200 included in at least one group 10. The state refers to at least one of the device state, the battery state, and the communication state. The device state indicates whether the parent device 100, the child device 110, and the wireless relay device 200 are normal or malfunctioning. The battery state indicates whether the remaining battery power is equal to or greater than a threshold (battery remaining) or less than a threshold (dead battery). The communication state indicates whether communication is possible, whether radio waves cannot be received (radio wave abnormality), or whether the radio wave strength is less than a threshold (radio wave insufficient). Furthermore, the communication state for a relay group 20 indicates whether communication is possible, whether radio waves cannot be received (radio wave abnormality), or whether the radio wave strength is less than a threshold (radio wave insufficient).

[0071] When the master device 100, slave device 110, and wireless relay device 200 receive a test signal (described later), they perform tests to check the device status, battery status, and communication status. These tests can be performed using known techniques, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The master device 100, slave device 110, and wireless relay device 200 include the check results in a response signal (described later). The first wireless relay device 200a does not receive a test signal, and therefore performs a test when it accepts an operation from the first operating unit 230. The first wireless relay device 200a does not transmit a response signal, and therefore does not include the check results in the response signal.

[0072] The first wireless repeater 200a transmits a test signal to the first master 100a using radio waves of the first frequency F1a, which is the communication frequency for the first group 10a (1). When the first master 100a receives the test signal from the first wireless repeater 200a, it transmits the test signal to the first slave 110a and the second slave 110b using radio waves of the first frequency F1a (2). When the first slave 110a and the second slave 110b receive the test signal from the first master 100a, they transmit a response signal to the first master 100a using radio waves of the first frequency F1a (3). The first master 100a transmits a response signal to the first wireless repeater 200a using radio waves of the first frequency F1a (4). At this time, if the first master 100a receives a response signal from the first slave 110a and the second slave 110b, it includes the content of the received response signal in the response signal to be transmitted. The first wireless relay device 200a receives the response signal from the first master device 100a to check the state of the first group 10a.

[0073] The first wireless relay device 200a transmits a test signal to the second wireless relay device 200b to the fourth wireless relay device 200d using radio waves of the second frequency F2, which is the communication frequency for the relay group 20 (5).

[0074] When the second wireless relay device 200b receives the test signal from the first wireless relay device 200a, it transmits the test signal to the second parent device 100b using the first frequency F1b, which is the communication frequency of the second group 10b (6). When the second parent device 100b receives the test signal from the second parent device 200b, it transmits the test signal to the third child device 110c and the fourth child device 110d using radio waves of the first frequency F1b (7). When the third child device 110c and the fourth child device 110d receive the test signal from the second parent device 100b, they transmit response signals to the second parent device 100b using radio waves of the first frequency F1b (8). The second parent device 100b transmits response signals to the second wireless relay device 200b using radio waves of the first frequency F1b (9). At this time, if the second parent device 100b receives response signals from the third child device 110c and the fourth child device 110d, it includes the content of the received response signals in the response signal to be transmitted. The second wireless relay device 200b transmits a response signal to the first wireless relay device 200a using radio waves of the second frequency F2 (10). At this time, if the second wireless relay device 200b receives a response signal from the second parent device 100b, it includes the content of the received response signal in the response signal to be transmitted. The first wireless relay device 200a checks the status of the second group 10b by receiving the response signal from the second wireless relay device 200b.

[0075] When the third wireless relay device 200c receives the test signal from the first wireless relay device 200a, it transmits the test signal to the third parent device 100c using the first frequency F1c, which is the communication frequency of the third group 10c (6). When the third parent device 100c receives the test signal from the third wireless relay device 200c, it transmits the test signal to the fifth child device 110e and the sixth child device 110f using radio waves of the first frequency F1c (7). When the fifth child device 110e and the sixth child device 110f receive the test signal from the third parent device 100c, they transmit response signals to the third parent device 100c using radio waves of the first frequency F1c (8). The third parent device 100c transmits response signals to the third wireless relay device 200c using radio waves of the first frequency F1c (9). At this time, if the third parent device 100c receives response signals from the fifth child device 110e and the sixth child device 110f, it includes the content of the received response signals in the response signal to be transmitted. The third wireless relay device 200c transmits a response signal to the first wireless relay device 200a using radio waves of the second frequency F2 (10). At this time, if the third wireless relay device 200c receives a response signal from the third parent device 100c, it includes the content of the received response signal in the response signal to be transmitted. The first wireless relay device 200a checks the status of the third group 10c by receiving the response signal from the third wireless relay device 200c.

[0076] When the fourth wireless relay device 200d receives the test signal from the first wireless relay device 200a, it transmits the test signal to the fourth parent device 100d using the first frequency F1d, which is the communication frequency of the fourth group 10d (6). When the fourth parent device 100d receives the test signal from the fourth wireless relay device 200d, it transmits the test signal to the seventh child device 110g and the eighth child device 110h using radio waves of the first frequency F1d (7). When the seventh child device 110g and the eighth child device 110h receive the test signal from the fourth parent device 100d, they transmit response signals to the fourth parent device 100d using radio waves of the first frequency F1d (8). The fourth parent device 100d transmits response signals to the fourth wireless relay device 200d using radio waves of the first frequency F1d (9). At this time, if the fourth parent device 100d receives a response signal from the seventh child device 110g and the eighth child device 110h, it includes the content of the received response signal in the response signal to be transmitted. The fourth wireless relay device 200d transmits a response signal to the first wireless relay device 200a using radio waves of the second frequency F2 (10). At this time, if the fourth wireless relay device 200d receives a response signal from the fourth parent device 100d, it includes the content of the received response signal in the response signal to be transmitted. The first wireless relay device 200a checks the status of the fourth group 10d by receiving the response signal from the fourth wireless relay device 200d.

[0077] The numbers in the flow chart shown in Figure 5 are provided for clarity of explanation. Therefore, items with the same numbers do not necessarily have to be executed at the same time, and may be executed at different times. The same applies to the numbers in Figure 6 and Figures 7(a)-(c).

[0078] In (5) of FIG. 5, the first wireless relay device 200a broadcasts a test signal to the second wireless relay device 200b to the fourth wireless relay device 200d, but this is not limiting. For example, the first wireless relay device 200a may transmit the test signal to the second wireless relay device 200b to the fourth wireless relay device 200d in order. Alternatively, the first wireless relay device 200a may transmit a test signal to the second wireless relay device 200b, and after the confirmation within the second group 10b is completed, receive a confirmation result from the second wireless relay device 200b. Thereafter, the first wireless relay device 200a may transmit a test signal to the third wireless relay device 200c, and after the confirmation within the third group 10c is completed, receive a confirmation result from the third wireless relay device 200c. Thereafter, the first wireless relay device 200a may transmit a test signal to the fourth wireless relay device 200d, and after the confirmation within the fourth group 10d, receive a confirmation result from the fourth wireless relay device 200d.

[0079] In the above process, if a test signal is not received, the subsequent process is not performed, and if a response signal is not received, the subsequent process is not performed.

[0080] The notification unit 220 (audio circuit 270) of the first wireless relay device 200a notifies the confirmation result of the status of each group 10 and the confirmation result of the communication status regarding the relay group 20 by voice. In particular, if there is an abnormal state (device failure, dead battery, wireless function abnormality), the notification unit 220 notifies the abnormal state by voice. For example, in the case of a device failure, a voice message of "beep beep beep, there is a malfunction" is issued, in the case of dead battery, a voice message of "beep, the battery is dead" is issued, and in the case of a radio wave abnormality, a voice message of "beep beep, radio wave cannot be received" is issued. In the case where the radio wave strength is below the threshold, a voice message of "beep beep, the radio wave strength is insufficient" is issued. Furthermore, in the case where response signals are received from all the master devices 100, slave devices 110, and wireless relay devices 200, a voice message of "beep, everything is normal" is issued. In other words, the notification unit 220 notifies information regarding the confirmation result of the status of the first wireless relay device 200a and information regarding the confirmation result of the communication status regarding the relay group 20. The state of the first wireless relay device 200a includes the state of communication with the sensor 120.

[0081] Furthermore, the notification unit 220 outputs a voice message saying "Beep, testing in progress" until it receives a response signal. If it does not receive a response signal, the notification unit 220 outputs a voice message saying "Beep, radio wave not received."

[0082] If the parent device 100, the child device 110, and the second to fourth wireless relay devices 200b to 200d are in a normal state, they will notify the user with a sound saying "Beep, everything is normal." If an abnormal state occurs, they will notify the user with a sound corresponding to the abnormal state.

[0083] FIG. 6 shows an outline of another overall test in the wireless sensing system 1000. The processes (1) to (5) are the same as the processes (1) to (5) in FIG. 5. When the second wireless relay device 200b to the fourth wireless relay device 200d receive the test signal from the first wireless relay device 200a, they each transmit a response signal to the first wireless relay device 200a using radio waves of the second frequency F2 (6). Thereafter, the processes (7) to (10) performed by each of the second group 10b to the fourth group 10d are the same as the processes (6) to (9) in FIG. 5. In this case, the confirmation results of the second group 10b to the fourth group 10d are not transmitted to the first group 10a, and each group 10a issues a notification based on the confirmation result.

[0084] (4) Relay group test 7(a)-(c) show an overview of a relay group test in the wireless sensing system 1000. Here, it is assumed that a user operates the first wireless relay device 200a for a relay group test. The second operation unit 232 in FIG. 2(b) accepts an operation to start a check operation of the communication status related to the relay group 20 when pressed by the user. The communication status related to the relay group 20 corresponds to the communication status between the two wireless relay devices 200.

[0085] When the wireless relay device 200 receives the test signal, it executes a test to check the communication status. This test can be performed using a known technique, so a detailed description is omitted here. The wireless relay device 200 also includes the check result in the response signal.

[0086] 7(a), the first wireless relay device 200a transmits a test signal to the second wireless relay device 200b using radio waves of the second frequency F2, which is the communication frequency for the relay group 20 (1). Upon receiving the test signal from the first wireless relay device 200a, the second wireless relay device 200b transmits a response signal to the first wireless relay device 200a using radio waves of the second frequency F2. The first wireless relay device 200a receives the response signal from the second wireless relay device 200b, thereby checking the communication status between the first wireless relay device 200a and the second wireless relay device 200b. The response signal transmitted from the second wireless relay device 200b is intercepted by the third wireless relay device 200c and the fourth wireless relay device 200d. As a result, the third wireless relay device 200c acquires the communication status between the second wireless relay device 200b and the third wireless relay device 200c, and the fourth wireless relay device 200d acquires the communication status between the second wireless relay device 200b and the fourth wireless relay device 200d. These communication statuses are included in response signals transmitted from the third wireless relay device 200c and the fourth wireless relay device 200d to the first wireless relay device 200a. Each wireless relay device 200 in FIGS. 5 and 6 may perform a similar operation.

[0087] 7(b) shows the next timing of FIG. 7(a). In FIG. 7(b), the first wireless relay device 200a transmits a test signal to the third wireless relay device 200c using radio waves of the second frequency F2, which is the communication frequency for the relay group 20 (1). Upon receiving the test signal from the first wireless relay device 200a, the third wireless relay device 200c transmits a response signal to the first wireless relay device 200a using radio waves of the second frequency F2. The first wireless relay device 200a receives the response signal from the third wireless relay device 200c, thereby checking the communication status between the first wireless relay device 200a and the third wireless relay device 200c. The response signal transmitted from the third wireless relay device 200c is intercepted by the second wireless relay device 200b and the fourth wireless relay device 200d. As a result, the second wireless relay device 200b acquires the communication status between the third wireless relay device 200c and the second wireless relay device 200b, and the fourth wireless relay device 200d acquires the communication status between the third wireless relay device 200c and the fourth wireless relay device 200d. These communication statuses are included in response signals transmitted from the second wireless relay device 200b and the fourth wireless relay device 200d to the first wireless relay device 200a.

[0088] 7(c) shows the next timing of FIG. 7(b). In FIG. 7(c), the first wireless relay device 200a transmits a test signal to the fourth wireless relay device 200d using radio waves of the second frequency F2, which is the communication frequency for the relay group 20 (1). Upon receiving the test signal from the first wireless relay device 200a, the fourth wireless relay device 200d transmits a response signal to the first wireless relay device 200a using radio waves of the second frequency F2. The first wireless relay device 200a receives the response signal from the fourth wireless relay device 200d, thereby checking the communication status between the first wireless relay device 200a and the fourth wireless relay device 200d. The response signal transmitted from the fourth wireless relay device 200d is intercepted by the second wireless relay device 200b and the third wireless relay device 200c. As a result, the second wireless relay device 200b acquires the communication status between the fourth wireless relay device 200d and the second wireless relay device 200b, and the third wireless relay device 200c acquires the communication status between the fourth wireless relay device 200d and the third wireless relay device 200c. These communication statuses are included in response signals transmitted from the second wireless relay device 200b and the third wireless relay device 200c to the first wireless relay device 200a.

[0089] The annunciation unit 220 (audio circuit 270) of the first wireless relay device 200a issues a voice notification of "beep, testing in progress" until the voice notification of the confirmation result included in the response signal is received. If communications with all wireless relay devices 200 are normal, the annunciation unit 220 issues a voice notification of "beep, radio wave check between repeaters is normal." In other cases, the annunciation unit 220 issues a voice notification of "beep, radio waves from repeater cannot be received." When the annunciation unit 220 receives a response signal from each wireless relay device 200, it outputs the confirmation result included in the response signal as a voice notification.

[0090] The wireless relay device 200 may be provided with an operation unit (not shown) that accepts an operation to exclude other wireless relay devices 200 whose communication status is in a predetermined state (abnormal state) from the relay group 20, based on such confirmation results.

[0091] According to this embodiment, a wireless relay device 200 that communicates within a group 10 using the first wireless communication method communicates with another wireless relay device 200 in another group 10 using the second wireless communication method, so that relay of communication between groups 10 can be easily realized. Furthermore, when communication by the first communication unit 210 is not performed, the second communication unit 212 is selected, so that it is possible to switch between the first communication unit 210 and the second communication unit 212. Furthermore, the first communication unit 210 is selected during a period when the first communication unit 210 should communicate, and the second communication unit 212 is selected when the period ends, so that it is possible to switch between the first communication unit 210 and the second communication unit 212.

[0092] Furthermore, the first communication unit 210 communicates based on synchronization within the same group 10, and the second communication unit 212 communicates based on synchronization within the relay group 20. Since the group 10 and the relay group 20 are asynchronous, the influence of the relay group 20 on the group 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, the first communication unit 210 establishes synchronization based on a signal from a master unit 100 included in the same group 10, and the second communication unit 212 establishes synchronization based on a signal from a master unit included in the relay group 20, so that synchronization of the group 10 and synchronization of the relay group 20 can be established. Furthermore, since the difference in frequency between the first wireless communication method and the second wireless communication method is within 1 MHz, the antenna 216 can be shared. Furthermore, the notification unit 220 notifies of an abnormality related to at least one of the first communication unit 210 and the second communication unit 212, so that the abnormality can be notified.

[0093] Furthermore, since the system accepts an operation to start checking the status of the multiple groups 10, it is possible to transmit a test signal using the first wireless communication method and also transmit a test signal using the second wireless communication method. Furthermore, since the system transmits a test signal using the first wireless communication method and also transmits a test signal using the second wireless communication method, it is possible to check the status of the multiple groups 10. Furthermore, since the system accepts an operation to start checking the communication status regarding the relay group 20, it is possible to easily test whether the system, including communication between groups, is operating normally. Furthermore, since the status of the multiple groups 10 includes the status of at least one of the sensors 120 and the wireless relay device 200, it is possible to check the status of each component included in the wireless sensing system 1000. Furthermore, since the status of at least one of the sensors 120 and the wireless relay device 200 includes the communication status within each group 10, it is possible to check the communication status within each group 10.

[0094] Furthermore, since information regarding the check result of the status of the wireless relay device 200 is broadcast, it is possible to notify the check result of the status of the wireless relay device 200. Furthermore, since the status of the wireless relay device 200 includes the communication status with the sensors 120 included in the first group 10a, it is possible to notify the communication status with the sensors 120 included in the first group 10a. Furthermore, since information regarding the check result of the status of the wireless relay device 200 and information regarding the check result of the communication status regarding the relay group 20 are broadcast, it is possible to notify the check result of the status of the wireless relay device 200 and the communication status regarding the relay group 20.

[0095] Furthermore, since an operation for starting a check operation of the communication status related to the relay group 20 is accepted, a test signal can be transmitted by the second wireless communication method. Furthermore, since the test signal is transmitted by the second wireless communication method, the status of the relay group 20 can be checked. Furthermore, since the status of the relay group 20 is checked, it is possible to easily test whether the system including communication between groups operates normally. Furthermore, since an operation for excluding a wireless relay device 200 in an abnormal communication status from the relay group 20 is accepted, unnecessary wireless relay devices 200 can be easily excluded.

[0096] An overview of one aspect of the present disclosure may be summarized as follows. (Item 1) A plurality of groups (10) each including a plurality of sensors (120) are formed, and a wireless relay device (200) is included in a first group (10) of the plurality of groups (10) and relays communication with a second group (10) of the plurality of groups (10), a first communication unit (210) that communicates with the sensors (120) in the first group (10); a second communication unit (212) that communicates with other wireless relay devices (200) in the second group (10); an operation unit (230) that receives an operation for starting an operation for checking the states of the first group (10) and the second group (10); the first communication unit (210) performs communication in a first wireless communication system; The second communication unit (212) is a wireless relay device (200) that performs communication according to a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method.

[0097] (Item 2) The wireless relay device (200) described in item 1, wherein the operation unit (230) also accepts an operation to start a confirmation operation of the communication status regarding a relay group (20) including the wireless relay device (200) and the other wireless relay device (200).

[0098] (Item 3) The wireless relay device (200) described in item 1, wherein the states of the first group (10) and the second group (10) include at least one state of the sensor (120) and this wireless relay device (200) included in the first group (10), and at least one state of the sensor (120) and the other wireless relay device (200) included in the second group (10).

[0099] (Item 4) A wireless relay device (200) according to item 3, wherein at least one state of the sensor (120) and the wireless relay device (200) included in the first group (10), and at least one state of the sensor (120) and the other wireless relay device (200) included in the second group (10) include at least one of a communication state within the first group (10) and a communication state within the second group (10).

[0100] (Item 5) Further provided with an alarm unit (220), The wireless relay device (200) according to item 1, wherein the notification unit (220) notifies information relating to a confirmation result of the state of the wireless relay device (200).

[0101] (Item 6) 6. The wireless relay device (200) according to item 5, wherein the state of the wireless relay device (200) includes a communication state with the sensor (120) included in the first group (10).

[0102] (Item 7) Further provided with an alarm unit (220), The wireless relay device (200) according to item 2, wherein the notification unit (220) notifies information relating to the confirmation result of the status of the wireless relay device (200) and information relating to the confirmation result of the communication status of the relay group (20).

[0103] (Item 8) The wireless relay device (200) described in item 1 starts the confirmation operation when the first communication unit (210) receives a signal based on operation of the sensor (120) included in the first group (10), or when the second communication unit (212) receives a signal based on operation of the sensor (120) included in the second group (10).

[0104] (Item 9) A plurality of groups (10) each including a plurality of sensors (120) are formed, and a wireless relay device (200) is included in one of the plurality of groups (10) and relays communication with another of the groups (10), a first communication unit (210) that communicates with the sensors (120) in the same group (10); a second communication unit (212) that communicates with the other wireless relay devices (200) included in the other groups (10); an operation unit that receives an operation for starting a check operation of a communication status regarding a relay group (20) that includes the wireless relay device (200) and the other wireless relay device (200); the first communication unit (210) performs communication in a first wireless communication system; The second communication unit (212) is a wireless relay device (200) that performs communication according to a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method.

[0105] (Item 10) 10. The wireless relay device (200) according to item 9, further comprising another operation unit that accepts an operation to remove the other wireless relay device (200) in a predetermined communication state from the relay group (20).

[0106] (Item 11) A wireless sensing system (1000) comprising the wireless relay device (200) according to any one of items 1 to 10 and the sensor (120).

[0107] (Item 12) A plurality of groups (10) each including a plurality of sensors (120) are formed, and communication between the first group (10) and the second group (10) is relayed by a wireless relay device (200) included in a first group (10) of the plurality of groups (10) and another wireless relay device (200) included in a second group (10) of the plurality of groups (10), One sensor (120) among the plurality of sensors (120) included in the first group (10), a sensing unit (122); a communication unit (130) that communicates with the wireless relay device (200) included in the first group (10); an operation unit that receives an operation for starting a check operation of the states of the first group (10) and the second group (10); A sensor (120) comprising:

[0108] (Item 13) A plurality of groups (10) each including a plurality of sensors (120) are formed, and communication between the first group (10) and the second group (10) is relayed by a wireless relay device (200) included in a first group (10) of the plurality of groups (10) and another wireless relay device (200) included in a second group (10) of the plurality of groups (10), The sensor (120) or the wireless relay device (200) is provided with an operation unit that accepts an operation to start checking the status of the first group (10) and the second group (10).

[0109] The present disclosure has been described above based on examples. These examples are merely illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0110] Control unit 218 according to this embodiment may select first communication unit 210 or second communication unit 212 as follows. When communication by second communication unit 212 is not to be executed, control unit 218 may select first communication unit 210. Furthermore, when communication by first communication unit 210 is executed, control unit 218 may select first communication unit 210 until a period in which communication by second communication unit 212 should be executed, and when communication by second communication unit 212 is executed, control unit 218 may select second communication unit 212 until a period in which communication by first communication unit 210 should be executed. This modification can improve the degree of freedom in the configuration.

[0111] In this embodiment, the first operation unit 230 of the wireless relay device 200 accepts an operation to start an overall test by pressing a button by the user. However, this operation may also be accepted by a master device 100 or a slave device 110 that is included in the same group 10 as the wireless relay device 200. Therefore, the sensor 120 that is the master device 100 or the slave device 110 has an operation unit that accepts an operation to start an operation to check the status of each group 10. The wireless relay device 200 starts the check operation when the first communication unit 210 receives a signal based on an operation on the sensor 120, or when the second communication unit 212 receives a signal based on an operation on a sensor 120 included in another group 10. This modification improves the flexibility of the configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 10 group, 20 relay group, 100 parent unit, 110 child unit, 120 sensor, 122 sensor unit, 124 alarm unit, 126 control unit, 128 memory unit, 130 communication unit, 132 power supply circuit, 200 wireless relay device, 210 first communication unit, 212 second communication unit, 214 selection unit, 216 antenna, 218 control unit, 220 alarm unit, 222 power supply circuit, 224 memory unit, 230 first operation unit, 232 second operation unit, 240 case, 250 circuit board, 260 battery, 270 audio circuit, 272 display circuit, 274 low battery voltage detection circuit, 1000 wireless sensing system.

Claims

1. A wireless relay device is provided in a first group of a plurality of groups, each group including a plurality of sensors, and relays communication with a second group of the plurality of groups, a first communication unit that communicates with the sensors in the first group; a second communication unit that communicates with other wireless relay devices in the second group; an operation unit that receives an operation for starting an operation for checking the states of the first group and the second group, the first communication unit performs communication using a first wireless communication method; The second communication unit is a wireless relay device that performs communication using a second wireless communication method that is different from the first wireless communication method.

2. 2. The wireless relay device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit also accepts an operation for starting a confirmation operation of a communication status regarding a relay group including the wireless relay device and the other wireless relay device.

3. The wireless relay device of claim 1, wherein the states of the first group and the second group include at least one state of the sensor and the wireless relay device included in the first group, and at least one state of the sensor and the other wireless relay device included in the second group.

4. The wireless relay device of claim 3, wherein at least one state of the sensor and the wireless relay device included in the first group, and at least one state of the sensor and the other wireless relay device included in the second group, includes at least one of a communication state within the first group and a communication state within the second group.

5. Further provided with a notification unit, The wireless relay device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit notifies information relating to a result of checking the status of the wireless relay device.

6. The wireless relay device according to claim 5 , wherein the state of the wireless relay device includes a communication state with the sensors included in the first group.

7. Further provided with a notification unit, The wireless relay device according to claim 2 , wherein the notification unit notifies information relating to a confirmation result of the state of the wireless relay device and information relating to a confirmation result of a communication state relating to the relay group.

8. The wireless relay device of claim 1, wherein the confirmation operation is initiated when the first communication unit receives a signal based on operation of the sensor included in the first group, or when the second communication unit receives a signal based on operation of the sensor included in the second group.

9. A wireless relay device is provided in which a plurality of groups are formed, each group including a plurality of sensors, and the wireless relay device is included in one of the plurality of groups and relays communication with another of the groups, a first communication unit that communicates with the sensors in the same group; a second communication unit that communicates with the other wireless relay devices included in the other group; an operation unit that receives an operation for starting a confirmation operation of a communication status regarding a relay group including the wireless relay device and the other wireless relay device; the first communication unit performs communication using a first wireless communication method; The second communication unit is a wireless relay device that performs communication using a second wireless communication method that is different from the first wireless communication method.

10. The wireless relay device according to claim 9 , further comprising another operation unit that accepts an operation to remove the other wireless relay device in a predetermined communication state from the relay group.

11. A wireless sensing system comprising the wireless relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and the sensor.

12. a plurality of groups each including a plurality of sensors are formed, and communication between the first group and the second group is relayed by a wireless relay device included in a first group among the plurality of groups and another wireless relay device included in a second group among the plurality of groups; One of the plurality of sensors included in the first group, A sensing unit; a communication unit that communicates with the wireless relay device included in the first group; an operation unit that receives an operation for starting an operation for checking the states of the first group and the second group; A detector comprising:

13. a plurality of groups each including a plurality of sensors are formed, and communication between the first group and the second group is relayed by a wireless relay device included in a first group among the plurality of groups and another wireless relay device included in a second group among the plurality of groups; A wireless communication system in which the sensor or the wireless relay device includes an operation unit that accepts an operation to start an operation to check the status of the first group and the second group.

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