Communication and measurement equipment

Abstract

To provide a communication device capable of reducing transmission of measurement results to a center device after a predetermined time.SOLUTION: A communication device 20 includes a communication unit 230, an acquisition unit 211, a timer unit 212, a change unit 213, and a communication control unit 214. The communication unit 230 communicates with a center device 10. The acquisition unit 211 acquires a measurement result from a measuring device 10 at predetermined time intervals. The timer unit 212 measures a transmission time from a time when the communication unit 230 starts communicating with the center device 10 to a time when the measurement result is transmitted from the communication unit 230 to the center device 30. The change unit 213 changes the timing at which the communication unit 230 starts communicating with the center device 30 on the basis of the transmission time. The communication control unit 214 controls the communication unit 230 such that the communication unit 230 communicates with the center device 30 on the basis of the timing changed by the change unit 213.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device and a measurement device. [Background technology]

[0002] The gas usage amount communication system described in Patent Document 1 includes a gas meter and an integrated flow rate management device. The gas meter stores the amount of gas usage for each predetermined time period. The integrated flow rate management device is connected to the gas meter using a communication line. The flow rate management device acquires the amount of gas usage from the gas meter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-284462 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the gas usage communication system described in Patent Document 1, if a delay occurred in communication between a measuring device such as a gas meter and a center device such as an integrated flow management device, the measurement results were transmitted to the center device with a predetermined delay.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a communication device and a measurement device that can reduce the transmission of measurement results to a center device with a predetermined delay. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a communication device includes a communication unit, an acquisition unit, a timing unit, a change unit, and a communication control unit. The communication unit communicates with a center device. The acquisition unit acquires measurement results from a measurement device at predetermined time intervals. The timing unit times a transmission time taken from when the communication unit starts communication with the center device to when the communication unit transmits the measurement results to the center device. The change unit changes the timing at which the communication unit starts communication with the center device based on the transmission time. The communication control unit controls the communication unit so that the communication unit communicates with the center device based on the timing changed by the change unit.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a measuring device includes a communication unit, a measurement unit, an acquisition unit, a timing unit, a change unit, and a communication control unit. The communication unit communicates with a center device. The measurement unit measures the flow rate of a fluid consumed by a consumer. The acquisition unit acquires the measurement results from the measuring device at predetermined time intervals. The timing unit times the transmission time taken from when the communication unit starts communication with the center device to when the communication unit transmits the measurement results to the center device. The change unit changes the timing at which the communication unit starts communication with the center device based on the transmission time. The communication control unit controls the communication unit so that the communication unit communicates with the center device based on the timing changed by the change unit. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The communication device and the measurement device of the present invention can reduce the occurrence of measurement results being transmitted to the center device with a predetermined delay. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a telemetry system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a center-side network control device of the telemetry system according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3]2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a server of the telemetry system according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication device and a schematic configuration of a measurement device of a telemetry system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 5 is a diagram showing the operation of a measurement process in the telemetry system according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 6] 4 shows a flowchart of a process executed by a control unit of the communication device of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 shows a continuation of the flowchart of the process executed by the control unit of the communication device shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 13 shows a flowchart of a process executed by a control unit of a communication device according to a modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 shows a continuation of the flowchart of the process executed by the control unit of the communication device of the modified example shown in FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a telemetry system 1 according to this embodiment. The telemetry system 1 is an example of a measurement system.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the telemetry system 1 includes a measuring device 10, a communication device 20, and a center device 30. The telemetry system 1 acquires measurement results from the measuring device 10 and transmits the acquired measurement results from the communication device 20 to the center device 30 at a predetermined timing. The measuring device 10 measures an integrated flow rate of gas consumed by a consumer. The measuring device 10 is connected to the communication device 20. Gas is an example of a fluid. The center device 30 includes a center-side network control device 310 and a server 320. Each component will be described in detail below.

[0013] The communication device 20 is wirelessly connected to the center-side network control device 310 via a wide-area wireless network N1 such as a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) network, a FOMA (Freedom Of Mobile multimedia Access) network, and an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network. The communication device 20 acquires a measurement result from the measurement device 10 at a predetermined timing, adds an identification number to the measurement result, and transmits the measurement result to the center device 30 via the wide-area wireless network N1. A plurality of communication devices 20 receive data from the center device 30 side via the wide-area wireless network N1. When the data from the center device 30 side includes an identification number for identifying the communication device 20, the communication device 20 corresponding to the identification number executes processing based on the received data.

[0014] The center device 30 includes a center-side network control device 310 and a server 320. The center-side network control device 310 is provided in, for example, a public network of a telecommunications carrier.

[0015] The center-side network control device 310 mediates communication between the server 320 and the communication device 20. The center-side network control device 310 is connected to the wide area wireless network N1 and performs wireless communication with the communication device 20. The center-side network control device 310 also transmits data from the server 320 to the communication device 20 in a communication method that complies with the communication standard of the wide area wireless network N1. When the center-side network control device 310 receives a measurement result from the communication device 20 via the wide area wireless network N1, it transmits the received measurement result to the server 320.

[0016] The server 320 is a server managed by a gas supply company.

[0017] Next, the center-side network control device 310 and the server 320 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the center-side network control device 310. As shown in Fig. 2, the center-side network control device 310 has a storage unit 311, a control unit 312, and a communication unit 313.

[0018] The storage unit 311 may be configured with a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 311 stores setting information related to the operation of the center side network control device 310 and various information for communication via the wide area wireless network N1.

[0019] The control unit 312 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and memories (ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory)). The control unit 312 controls each unit of the center-side network control device 310 by the processor executing a control program stored in the ROM. Specifically, the control unit 312 connects to the wide area wireless network N1 via the communication unit 313, and transmits and receives data between the server 320 and the communication device 20.

[0020] The communication unit 313 is, for example, a communication module such as a LAN board. The communication unit 313 communicates with the server 320 and with the communication device 20 (see FIG. 1) via the wide area wireless network N1.

[0021] 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the server 320. As shown in FIG.

[0022] The storage unit 321 may be configured with a non-volatile memory such as a HDD, etc. The storage unit 321 stores various data such as setting information related to the operation of the server 320, the identification number of the communication device 20, the usage amount for each measuring device 10, and the like.

[0023] The control unit 322 includes a processor such as a CPU and an MPU, and a memory (ROM and RAM). The control unit 322 controls each unit of the server 320 by causing the processor to execute a control program stored in the ROM. Specifically, the control unit 322 acquires the measurement results of each measuring device 10 transmitted from the communication device 20 from the center-side network control device 310 via the communication unit 323. Then, the control unit 322 stores the acquired measurement results for each measuring device 10 in the memory unit 321.

[0024] The communication unit 323 is a communication module such as a LAN board, for example. The communication unit 323 is connected to the center-side network control device 310 by wire or wirelessly, and communicates with the center-side network control device 310.

[0025] Next, the communication device 20 and the measurement device 10 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 includes a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the communication device 20 and a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the measurement device 10.

[0026] 4, the measurement device 10 includes a measurement unit 110. The measurement unit 110 measures the flow rate of a fluid consumed by a consumer. The fluid is, for example, a gas. That is, for example, the measurement unit 110 measures the integrated flow rate of the gas consumed by the consumer.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the communication device 20 includes a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, a communication unit 230, and a connection unit 240.

[0028] The storage unit 220 may be configured with a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The storage unit 220 stores setting information related to the operation of the communication device 20 and various information for communication via the wide area wireless network N1.

[0029] The storage unit 220 also stores information indicating the measurement frequency of the measuring device 10, i.e., the measurement interval, and the measurement results. The measurement results include the previous measurement value of the measuring device 10 and the usage amount of the measuring device 10. The usage amount indicates the difference between the measurement value at the time of measurement (current) and the measurement value before that measurement (previous). In other words, the usage amount is the difference between the measurement values ​​obtained by two consecutive measurements.

[0030] The communication unit 230 communicates with the center device 30. The communication unit 230 includes an antenna (not shown). The communication unit 230 transmits and receives radio waves using the antenna to perform wireless communication with the center-side network control device 310 via the wide area wireless network N1. The communication unit 230 is a communication module capable of wide area communication, such as a PHS network, a FOMA network, and an LTE network.

[0031] The connection unit 240 includes one or more ports. The connection unit 240 is connected to the measurement device 10 via an electric wire. The connection unit 240 acquires a measurement value measured by the measurement device 10 connected to the connection unit 240 via a wire.

[0032] The control unit 210 includes a processor such as a CPU and an MPU, and a memory (ROM and RAM). The control unit 210 controls each unit of the communication device 20 by the processor executing a control program stored in the memory. For example, the control unit 210 controls the storage unit 220, the communication unit 230, and the connection unit 240 by the processor executing a control program stored in the memory.

[0033] 4, the control unit 210 includes an acquisition unit 211, a timing unit 212, a change unit 213, and a communication control unit 214. The control unit 210 functions as the acquisition unit 211, the timing unit 212, the change unit 213, and the communication control unit 214 by the processor executing a control program stored in the memory.

[0034] The acquiring unit 211 acquires the measurement results from the measuring device 10. Specifically, the acquiring unit 211 acquires the measurement results from the measuring device 10 at predetermined time intervals. In other words, the acquiring unit 211 acquires the measurement values ​​from the measuring device 10 based on the measurement intervals stored in the storage unit 220. The predetermined time is, for example, "one minute." That is, for example, the acquiring unit 211 acquires the measurement results from the measuring device 10 at "one minute" intervals. The acquired measurement results are stored in the storage unit 220.

[0035] The measurement result acquired by the acquisition unit 211 is transmitted to the center device 30 when the communication unit 230 reaches the first timing. In this embodiment, the first timing is the timing when the measurement result acquired by the acquisition unit 211 corresponds to a first specific number. The first specific number indicates a predetermined number, and is, for example, "five." The first specific number is not limited to "five," and any numerical value can be set. For example, the first specific number may be "24."

[0036] For example, when the acquisition unit 211 acquires five measurement results, the communication unit 230 transmits the measurement results to the center device 30. That is, the communication unit 230 transmits the measurement results to the center device 30 every time the measurement results reach a first specific number. Also, since it takes "five minutes" for the acquisition unit 211 to acquire "five" measurement results, the communication unit 230 communicates the measurement results with the center device 30 every "five minutes." In other words, the first specific number of measurement results are transmitted to the center device 30 every "five minutes."

[0037] The timer 212 measures the transmission time. The transmission time indicates the time taken for the communication unit 230 to transmit the measurement result to the center device 30. Specifically, the transmission time indicates the time taken from when the communication unit 230 starts communication with the center device 30 until when the communication unit 230 transmits the measurement result to the center device 30.

[0038] The change unit 213 changes the timing at which communication with the center device 30 is started. Specifically, the change unit 213 changes the timing at which the communication unit 230 starts communication with the center device 30 based on the transmission time. For example, the change unit 213 changes the specific number to a specific number different from the first specific number. In other words, when the acquisition unit 211 acquires the measurement results of the specific number changed by the change unit 213, the communication unit 230 transmits the measurement results to the center device 30.

[0039] The communication control unit 214 controls the communication unit 230. Specifically, the communication control unit 214 controls the communication unit 230 so that the communication unit 230 communicates with the center device 30 based on the timing changed by the change unit 213.

[0040] Therefore, even if it takes time to transmit the measurement results to the center device 30, the communication timing between the communication unit 230 and the center device 30 can be changed to transmit the measurement results to the center device 30. As a result, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of the measurement results being transmitted to the center device 30 with a delay beyond a predetermined time. In other words, the measurement results can be transmitted to the center device at predetermined intervals.

[0041] 4, the control unit 210 further includes a determination unit 215. The control unit 210 functions as the determination unit 215 by the processor executing a control program stored in the memory.

[0042] The determination unit 215 determines the transmission time. Specifically, the determination unit 215 determines whether or not the transmission time is longer than a threshold value. Therefore, based on the determination result of the determination unit 215, the business operator can know that a failure has occurred in the communication between the communication device 20 and the center device 30. As a result, the business operator can easily know the timing for performing maintenance on the communication device 20.

[0043] Furthermore, if a failure occurs in communication between the communication device 20 and the center device 30, the business operator cannot properly grasp the gas usage status of the consumer, making it difficult to schedule payments for the usage amount and to forecast demand. Even if a failure occurs in communication between the communication device 20 and the center device 30, the business operator can properly grasp the gas usage status of the consumer by performing maintenance on the communication device 20.

[0044] Furthermore, when the determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time is longer than the threshold, the communication control unit 214 controls the communication unit 230 so that the communication unit 230 transmits the first specific number of measurement results and the measurement results acquired by the acquisition unit 211 during the transmission time to the center device 30. Even while the communication device 20 is transmitting the first specific number of measurement results to the center device 30, the acquisition unit 211 is acquiring the measurement results from the measurement device 10. Therefore, the measurement results acquired by the acquisition unit 211 during the transmission time can be transmitted to the center device 30. As a result, the next time measurement results are transmitted to the center device 30, it becomes easy to transmit the measurement results at a timing according to the specific number changed by the change unit 213.

[0045] Specifically, when the determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time is longer than the threshold, the communication control unit 214 transmits a request to maintain communication to the center device 30. Then, the communication control unit 214 controls the communication unit 230 so that the communication unit 230 transmits the measurement results acquired by the acquisition unit 211 during the transmission time. When the measurement results acquired by the acquisition unit 211 during the transmission time are transmitted to the center device 30, the communication between the communication device 20 and the center device 30 ends. Then, the communication control unit 214 controls the communication unit 230 so that the communication unit 230 transmits the specific number of measurement results to the center device 30 when the number of measurement results acquired by the acquisition unit 211 becomes the specific number changed by the change unit 213.

[0046] More specifically, when the determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time is longer than the threshold, the change unit 213 changes the timing at which the communication unit 230 starts communication with the center device 30 from the first timing to the second timing. The second timing indicates the timing at which the measurement result acquired by the acquisition unit 211 corresponds to the second specific number. The second specific number is smaller than the first specific number. Therefore, communication with the center device 30 starts at a timing earlier than the first timing at which communication with the center device 30 starts. As a result, the interval at which the measurement results are transmitted to the center device 30 can be the same as when the first specific number of measurement results were transmitted. In other words, even if the transmission time is longer than the threshold, the measurement results can be transmitted to the center device 30 at the same interval. This makes it easier to predict the gas usage of the consumer.

[0047] 4, the control unit 210 further includes a determination unit 216. The control unit 210 functions as the determination unit 216 by the processor executing a control program stored in the memory.

[0048] The determination unit 216 determines the second specific number. Specifically, the determination unit 216 determines the second specific number based on a value obtained by subtracting the transmission time from the first time. The first time indicates the time required for the acquisition unit 211 to acquire the first specific number of measurement results. This makes it easy to transmit the second specific number of measurement results to the center device 30 every first time. As a result, the second specific number of measurement results can be accurately transmitted to the center device 30 every first time.

[0049] For example, the operator adjusts the timing at which the communication device 20 transmits the measurement results so that the communication device 20 can transmit the measurement results to the center device 30 every "about 5 minutes". The transmission interval can be preset by the operator. The preset "about 5 minutes" is the sum of the time required for the acquisition unit 211 to acquire "five" measurement results, which are the first specific number, and the transmission time. For example, when the transmission time is "2 minutes", the determination unit 216 subtracts the transmission time from the first time. Then, the determination unit 216 determines the number of measurement results that can be acquired in the time obtained by subtracting the transmission time from the first time as the second specific number. For example, the determination unit 216 sets the number of measurement results that can be acquired in "3 minutes" as the second specific number. In other words, even if the transmission time takes "2 minutes", the communication device 20 can transmit the measurement results to the center device 30 every "about 5 minutes". Thus, the measurement results can be transmitted at the time preset by the operator.

[0050] If the determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time is not longer than the threshold after the timing is changed from the first timing to the second timing by the change unit 213, the change unit 213 changes the timing from the second timing to the first timing. Therefore, the number of measurement results to be transmitted can be increased. As a result, even if the number of measurement results to be transmitted is increased, the measurement results can be transmitted at intervals preset by the operator.

[0051] Next, the operation of the telemeter system 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the operation of the measurement process in the telemeter system 1. Hereinafter, the measurement process will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Fig. 5 shows a flow from the point when the consumer starts using the measurement device 10. Note that in Fig. 5, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, some of the transmission and reception of information between the communication device 20 and the measurement device 10 is omitted. For example, the transmission of a signal from the communication device 20 to the measurement device 10 requesting a measurement result is omitted. Also, for example, the transmission of a request to end communication from the center device 30 to the communication device 20 is omitted.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 5, the communication device 20 acquires a measurement result R at every predetermined time T1. A plurality of measurement results R are shown in Fig. 5. The plurality of measurement results R includes measurement results R1 to RN. "N" represents a natural number.

[0053] For example, the acquiring unit 211 of the communication device 20 acquires the measurement results R1 to RN from the measuring device 10 at every predetermined time T1 that is stored in the storage unit 220. For example, the acquiring unit 211 acquires the measurement result R1 from the measuring device 10 via the connection unit 240 at the predetermined time T1. The measurement result R1 acquired from the measuring device 10 is stored in the storage unit 220 of the communication device 20.

[0054] Furthermore, at a first timing TA at which the measurement result R acquired by the acquisition unit 211 corresponds to a predetermined first specific number, the communication device 20 transmits the measurement result RA to the center device 30. The measurement result RA includes the first specific number of measurement results R. Specifically, the measurement result RA includes the measurement results R1 to R5 shown in FIG. 5. That is, when the first timing TA is reached, the communication control unit 214 controls the communication unit 230 to transmit the first specific number of measurement results R to the center device 30. Note that when the first timing TA is reached, the communication device 20 transmits a message to the center device 30 indicating that the measurement results R1 to R5 will be transmitted.

[0055] Then, the timing unit 212 measures the transmission time ST1 of the measurement result RA. That is, the timing unit 212 measures the transmission time ST1 of the measurement results R1 to R5. The transmission time ST1 is, for example, "1 minute." The determination unit 215 then determines whether or not the transmission time ST1 is longer than the threshold value BT. The threshold value BT is, for example, "30 seconds." As shown in FIG. 5, the transmission time ST1 is longer than the threshold value BT. The determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time ST1 is longer than the threshold value BT.

[0056] If the determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time ST1 is longer than the threshold value BT, the communication control unit 214 transmits a message indicating that communication will be maintained to the center device 30. Then, the communication control unit 214 controls the communication unit 230 so that the communication unit 230 transmits the measurement results R1 to R5 and the measurement result R6 acquired by the acquisition unit 211 during the transmission time ST1 to the center device 30. In other words, the measurement results R1 to R6 are transmitted to the center device 30.

[0057] Moreover, while the communication unit 230 is transmitting the measurement results R1 to R6 to the center device 30, the determination unit 216 determines the second specific number. Specifically, the determination unit 216 determines the second specific number based on a value obtained by subtracting the transmission time ST1 from the first time T10. The first time T10 is, for example, "5 minutes." The value obtained by subtracting the transmission time ST1 from the first time T10 is, for example, "4 minutes." Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the acquisition unit 211 acquires the measurement results every "1 minute," the determination unit 216 determines the second specific number to be "4 pieces."

[0058] Then, the change unit 213 changes the timing at which the communication unit 230 starts communication with the center device 30 from the first timing TA to the second timing TB based on the second specific number determined by the determination unit 216. That is, the communication device 20 transmits the measurement result RB to the center device 30 at the second timing TB at which the measurement result R acquired by the acquisition unit 211 corresponds to the second specific number.

[0059] The measurement result RB includes a second specific number of measurement results R. Specifically, the measurement result RB includes measurement results R7 to R10 shown in Fig. 5. That is, when the second timing TB is reached, the communication control unit 214 controls the communication unit 230 to transmit the measurement results R7 to R10 shown in Fig. 5 to the center device 30. Note that when the second timing TB is reached, the communication device 20 transmits to the center device 30 a message indicating that the measurement results R7 to R10 will be transmitted.

[0060] Furthermore, the timer 212 measures the transmission time ST2 of the measurement result RB. That is, the timer 212 measures the transmission time ST2 of the measurement results R7 to R10. The transmission time ST2 is, for example, "1 minute." The determination unit 215 then determines whether the transmission time ST2 is longer than the threshold value BT. As shown in FIG. 5, the transmission time ST2 is longer than the threshold value BT. The determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time ST2 is longer than the threshold value BT. If it is determined that the transmission time ST2 is longer than the threshold value BT, the control unit 210 maintains the second timing TB. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the communication device 20 transmits the measurement result RC to the center device 30 at the second timing TB.

[0061] The measurement result RC includes a second specific number of measurement results R. Specifically, the measurement result RC includes measurement results R11 to R14 shown in Fig. 5. That is, when the second timing TB is reached, the communication control unit 214 controls the communication unit 230 to transmit the measurement results R11 to R14 shown in Fig. 5 to the center device 30. Note that when the second timing TB is reached, the communication device 20 transmits to the center device 30 a message indicating that the measurement results R11 to R14 will be transmitted.

[0062] Furthermore, the timing unit 212 measures the transmission time ST3 of the measurement result RC. That is, the timing unit 212 measures the transmission time ST3 of the measurement results R11 to R14. The transmission time ST3 is, for example, "20 seconds."

[0063] Then, the determination unit 215 determines whether or not the transmission time ST3 is longer than the threshold value BT. As shown in Fig. 5, the transmission time ST3 is not longer than the threshold value BT. The determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time ST3 is not longer than the threshold value BT.

[0064] If the determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time ST3 is not longer than the threshold value BT, the change unit 213 changes the timing from the second timing TB to the first timing TA. That is, the communication device 20 transmits the measurement result RD to the center device 30 at the first timing TA at which the measurement result R acquired by the acquisition unit 211 corresponds to the first specific number.

[0065] The measurement result RD includes a first specific number of measurement results R. Specifically, the measurement result RD shown in Fig. 5 includes measurement results R15 to R19. That is, when the first timing TA occurs, the communication control unit 214 controls the communication unit 230 to transmit the measurement results R15 to R19 shown in Fig. 5 to the center device 30. Note that when the first timing TA occurs, the communication device 20 transmits to the center device 30 a message indicating that the measurement results R15 to R19 will be transmitted.

[0066] Furthermore, the timing unit 212 measures the transmission time ST4 of the measurement result RD. That is, the timing unit 212 measures the transmission time ST4 of the measurement results R15 to R19. The transmission time ST4 is, for example, "20 seconds."

[0067] Then, the determination unit 215 determines whether or not the transmission time ST4 is longer than the threshold value BT. As shown in Fig. 5, the transmission time ST4 is not longer than the threshold value BT. The determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time ST4 is not longer than the threshold value BT.

[0068] When it is determined that the transmission time ST4 is not longer than the threshold value BT, the control unit 210 maintains the first timing TA. After transmitting the measurement result R to the center device 30, the communication device 20 may delete the measurement result R from the storage unit 220.

[0069] Next, the process executed by the control unit 210 of the communication device 20 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 7. Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of the process executed by the control unit 210 of the communication device 20 of this embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a continuation of the flowchart of the process executed by the control unit 210 of the communication device 20 shown in Fig. 6. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the process executed by the control unit 210 of the communication device 20 includes steps S101 to S116.

[0070] In step S101, the control unit 210 of the communication device 20 determines whether or not a predetermined time T1 has elapsed. If the predetermined time T1 has not elapsed (No in step S101), the process repeats step S101. If the predetermined time T1 has elapsed (Yes in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102.

[0071] If the answer is Yes in step S101, in step S102, the acquisition unit 211 of the communication device 20 acquires the measurement result R. The process proceeds to step S103.

[0072] In step S103, the control unit 210 determines whether the measurement result R is the first specific number. If the measurement result R is not the first specific number (No in step S103), the process returns to step S101. If the measurement result R is the first specific number (Yes in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0073] If the answer is Yes in step S103, in step S104, the communication control unit 214 of the communication device 20 controls the communication unit 230 to transmit the first specific number of measurement results RA to the center device 30 at the first timing TA at which the measurement result R corresponds to the first specific number. The process proceeds to step S105.

[0074] In step S105, the timer 212 measures the transmission time ST1 of the measurement result RA. The process proceeds to step S106.

[0075] In step S106, the determination unit 215 determines whether the transmission time ST1 is longer than the threshold value BT. If the transmission time ST1 is not longer than the threshold value BT (No in step S106), the process returns to step S101. That is, the communication device 20 continues to transmit the first specific number of measurement results R to the center device 30 at the first timing TA until the determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time ST1 is longer than the threshold value BT. If the transmission time ST1 is longer than the threshold value BT (Yes in step S106), the process proceeds to step S107.

[0076] If the answer is Yes in step S106, in step S107, the communication control unit 214 controls the communication unit 230 so that the communication unit 230 transmits the measurement result R acquired by the acquisition unit 211 at the transmission time ST1 to the center device 30. The process proceeds to step S108.

[0077] In step S108, the determination unit 216 determines the second specific number. Specifically, the determination unit 216 determines the second specific number based on a value obtained by subtracting the transmission time ST1 from the first time T10. The process proceeds to step S109.

[0078] In step S109, the change unit 213 changes the timing at which the communication unit 230 starts communication with the center device 30 from the first timing TA to the second timing TB based on the second specific number determined by the determination unit 216. The process proceeds to step S110 shown in FIG.

[0079] In step S110, the control unit 210 of the communication device 20 determines whether or not a predetermined time T1 has elapsed. If the predetermined time T1 has not elapsed (No in step S110), the process repeats step S110. If the predetermined time T1 has elapsed (Yes in step S110), the process proceeds to step S111.

[0080] If the answer is Yes in step S110, in step S111, the acquisition unit 211 of the communication device 20 acquires the measurement result R. The process proceeds to step S112.

[0081] In step S112, control unit 210 determines whether or not measurement result R is the second specific number. If measurement result R is not the second specific number (No in step S112), the process returns to step S110. If measurement result R is the second specific number (Yes in step S112), the process proceeds to step S113.

[0082] If the answer is Yes in step S112, in step S113, the communication control unit 214 of the communication device 20 controls the communication unit 230 to transmit the second specific number of measurement results RB to the center device 30 at the second timing TB at which the measurement result R corresponds to the second specific number. The process proceeds to step S114.

[0083] In step S114, the timer unit 212 measures the transmission time ST2 of the measurement result RB. The process proceeds to step S115.

[0084] In step S115, the determination unit 215 determines whether the transmission time ST2 is longer than the threshold value BT. If the transmission time ST2 is longer than the threshold value BT (Yes in step S115), the process returns to step S110. That is, the communication device 20 continues to transmit the measurement result R to the center device 30 at the second timing TB until the determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time ST2 is not longer than the threshold value BT. If the transmission time ST2 is not longer than the threshold value BT (No in step S115), the process proceeds to step S116.

[0085] If NO in step S115, in step S116, the change unit 213 changes the timing for transmitting the measurement result R to the center device 30 from the second timing TB to the first timing TA, and the process ends.

[0086] [Variations] Next, a telemetry system 1 according to a modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7, 8, and 9. In the telemetry system 1 of the modified example, the timing at which the communication device 20 transmits the measurement result R to the center device 30 is mainly different from the telemetry system 1 of this embodiment. Below, the modified example will be mainly described with respect to the points that differ from this embodiment.

[0087] In the modified example, the communication unit 230 transmits the measurement result R acquired by the acquisition unit 211 to the center device 30 at a first timing TA. Specifically, the first timing TA in the modified example indicates a timing corresponding to a first time T10 that it takes for the acquisition unit 211 to acquire a first specific number of measurement results R, as shown in Fig. 5. That is, the communication unit 230 transmits the measurement result R to the center device 30 at the first timing TA corresponding to the first time T10. In other words, the communication unit 230 transmits the measurement result R to the center device 30 every time the first time T10 elapses.

[0088] 5, the communication unit 230 transmits the measurement result R acquired during the first time T10 to the center device 30. Specifically, the communication unit 230 transmits the measurement result R1 to the measurement result R5 acquired during the first time T10 to the center device 30.

[0089] Furthermore, when the determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time ST1 is longer than the threshold value BT, the change unit 213 in the modified example changes the timing at which communication with the center device 30 is started. Specifically, when the determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time ST1 is longer than the threshold value BT, the change unit 213 changes the timing at which the communication unit 230 starts communication with the center device 30 from the first timing TA to the second timing TB.

[0090] The second timing TB in the modified example indicates a timing corresponding to a second time T20 obtained by subtracting the transmission time ST1 from the first time T10. Therefore, the second time T20 indicates a time shorter than the first time T10. In other words, the communication unit 230 transmits the measurement result R to the center device 30 at the second timing TB corresponding to the second time T20 that is shorter than the first time T10.

[0091] Therefore, communication with the center device 30 is started at a timing earlier than the first timing TA1 at which communication with the center device 30 is started. As a result, even if the transmission time becomes longer, the interval at which the measurement result R is transmitted to the center device 30 can be the same as when the measurement result R was transmitted at each first timing TA. In other words, even if the transmission time becomes longer than the threshold, the measurement result R can be transmitted to the center device 30 at the same interval. This makes it easier to predict the gas usage of the consumer.

[0092] Based on the second timing TB, the communication unit 230 transmits the measurement result R to the center device 30 every time the second time T20 elapses. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the communication unit 230 transmits the measurement result R acquired during the second time T20 to the center device 30. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the communication unit 230 transmits the measurement result R7 to the measurement result R10 acquired during the second time T20 to the center device 30.

[0093] Next, the operation of the telemetry system 1 of the modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5. Hereinafter, the measurement process of the telemetry system 1 of the modified example will be described with reference to Figs.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 5, the communication device 20 acquires a measurement result R at every predetermined time T1.

[0095] The acquiring unit 211 of the communication device 20 acquires the measurement results R1 to RN from the measuring device 10 at predetermined intervals T1 stored in the storage unit 220.

[0096] Furthermore, at a first timing TA when a first time T10 has elapsed since the acquisition unit 211 started acquiring the measurement result R, the communication device 20 transmits the measurement result RA to the center device 30. The measurement result RA includes the measurement result R1 to the measurement result R5 shown in Fig. 5. That is, when the first timing TA arrives, the communication control unit 214 controls the communication unit 230 to transmit the measurement result R1 to the measurement result R5 acquired during the first time T10 to the center device 30.

[0097] Then, the timing unit 212 measures the transmission time ST1 of the measurement result RA. That is, the timing unit 212 measures the transmission time ST1 of the measurement results R1 to R5. As shown in Fig. 5, the transmission time ST1 is longer than the threshold value BT. The determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time ST1 is longer than the threshold value BT.

[0098] When the determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time ST1 is longer than the threshold value BT, the communication control unit 214 controls the communication unit 230 so that the communication unit 230 transmits the measurement results R1 to R5 and the measurement result R6 acquired by the acquisition unit 211 during the transmission time ST1 to the center device 30. In other words, the measurement results R1 to R6 are transmitted to the center device 30.

[0099] Moreover, while the communication unit 230 is transmitting the measurement results R1 to R6 to the center device 30, the determination unit 216 determines the second time ST20. Specifically, the determination unit 216 determines the second time ST20 based on the value obtained by subtracting the transmission time ST1 from the first time T10.

[0100] Then, the change unit 213 changes the timing at which the communication unit 230 starts communication with the center device 30 from the first timing TA to the second timing TB based on the second time ST20 determined by the determination unit 216. That is, the change unit 213 transmits the measurement result RB acquired by the acquisition unit 211 during the second time ST20 of the communication device 20 to the center device 30.

[0101] Specifically, the measurement result RB includes the measurement result R7 to the measurement result R10 shown in Fig. 5. That is, as shown in Fig. 5, when the second timing TB arrives, the communication control unit 214 controls the communication unit 230 to transmit the measurement result R7 to the measurement result R10 to the center device 30.

[0102] Furthermore, the timing unit 212 measures the transmission time ST2 of the measurement result RB. That is, the timing unit 212 measures the transmission time ST2 of the measurement results R7 to R10. The determination unit 215 then determines whether or not the transmission time ST2 is longer than the threshold value BT. As shown in FIG. 5, the transmission time ST2 is longer than the threshold value BT. The determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time ST2 is longer than the threshold value BT.

[0103] When it is determined that the transmission time ST2 is longer than the threshold value BT, the control unit 210 maintains the second timing TB. That is, as shown in Fig. 5, at the second timing TB, the communication device 20 transmits the measurement result RC to the center device 30. The measurement result RC includes the measurement results R11 to R14 shown in Fig. 5.

[0104] Furthermore, the timing unit 212 measures the transmission time ST3 of the measurement result RC. That is, the timing unit 212 measures the transmission time ST3 of the measurement results R11 to R14.

[0105] Then, the determination unit 215 determines whether or not the transmission time ST3 is longer than the threshold value BT. As shown in Fig. 5, the transmission time ST3 is not longer than the threshold value BT. The determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time ST3 is not longer than the threshold value BT.

[0106] When the determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time ST3 is not longer than the threshold value BT, the change unit 213 changes the timing from the second timing TB to the first timing TA. That is, the communication control unit 214 controls the communication unit 230 to transmit the measurement results RD acquired during the first time T10 to the center device 30. The measurement results RD include the measurement results R15 to R19 shown in FIG.

[0107] Furthermore, the timing unit 212 measures the transmission time ST4 of the measurement result RD. That is, the timing unit 212 measures the transmission time ST4 of the measurement results R15 to R19.

[0108] Then, the determination unit 215 determines whether the transmission time ST4 is longer than the threshold value BT. As shown in FIG. 5, the transmission time ST4 is not longer than the threshold value BT. The determination unit 215 determines that the transmission time ST4 is not longer than the threshold value BT. When it is determined that the transmission time ST4 is not longer than the threshold value BT, the control unit 210 maintains the first timing TA.

[0109] Next, the process executed by the control unit 210 of the communication device 20 of the modified example will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 1 to 5, 8 and 9. Fig. 8 shows a flowchart of the process executed by the control unit 210 of the communication device 20 of the modified example. Fig. 9 shows a continuation of the flowchart of the process executed by the control unit 210 of the communication device 20 of the modified example shown in Fig. 8. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the process executed by the control unit 210 of the communication device 20 includes steps S201 to S216. Steps S201, S202, S205 to S207, and S209 shown in Fig. 8 correspond to steps S101, S102, S105 to S107, and S209 shown in Fig. 6, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Steps S210, S211, and S214 to S216 shown in FIG. 9 correspond to steps S110, S111, and S114 to S116 shown in FIG. 7, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] In step S203, the control unit 210 determines whether the first time ST10 has elapsed. If the first time ST10 has not elapsed (No in step S203), the process returns to step S201. If the first time ST10 has elapsed (Yes in step S203), the process proceeds to step S204.

[0111] If the result of step S203 is Yes, in step S204, the communication control unit 214 of the communication device 20 controls the communication unit 230 so that the communication unit 230 transmits the measurement result RA acquired during the first time ST10 to the center device 30. The process proceeds to step S205.

[0112] After step S207, in step S208, the determination unit 216 determines the second time ST20 based on the value obtained by subtracting the transmission time ST1 from the first time T10. The process proceeds to step S209.

[0113] 9, after step S211, in step S212, the control unit 210 determines whether or not the second time ST20 has elapsed. If the second time ST20 has not elapsed (No in step S212), the process returns to step S210. If the second time ST20 has elapsed (Yes in step S212), the process proceeds to step S213.

[0114] If the answer is Yes in step S212, in step S213, the communication control unit 214 of the communication device 20 controls the communication unit 230 so that the communication unit 230 transmits the measurement result RB acquired during the second time ST20 to the center device 30. The process proceeds to step S214.

[0115] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in each of the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components across different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The drawings are mainly shown schematically for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings are different from the actual ones due to the convenience of drawing. In addition, the speed, material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are examples and are not particularly limited, and various changes are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention.

[0116] (1) In this embodiment, the communication device 20 may include a handset and a base unit. When the communication device 20 includes a handset and a base unit, the base unit is wirelessly connected to a plurality of handset units via a narrow-area wireless network of a specific frequency band. The base unit is wirelessly connected to the center-side network control device 310 via a wide-area wireless network N1 such as a PHS network, a FOMA network, and an LTE network. The handset receives data from the center device 30 through the narrow-area wireless network from the base unit. When the data from the center device 30 includes a handset ID for identifying the handset, the handset executes processing based on the received data. The handset also acquires a measurement result R from the measurement device 10 at a predetermined timing, and transmits the measurement result R to the base unit by adding the handset ID to the measurement result R. The base unit transmits the measurement result R transmitted from the handset to the center device 30 via the wide-area wireless network N1.

[0117] (2) In the present embodiment, the communication device 20 and the measurement device 10 are connected via the connection unit 240, but this is not limiting. For example, the measurement device 10 may include the communication device 20. That is, the communication device 20 of the measurement device 10 communicates with the center device 30. Therefore, the communication device 20 of the measurement device 10 can transmit the measurement result R of the measurement unit 110 to the center device 30.

[0118] Moreover, the communication device 20 of the measurement device 10 includes the control unit 210, the storage unit 220, and the communication unit 230 described with reference to Fig. 2. The control unit 210 includes an acquisition unit 211, a timing unit 212, a change unit 213, a communication control unit 214, a judgment unit 215, and a decision unit 216. Therefore, the measurement device 10 can execute the measurement processing described with reference to Figs. 6 to 9. [Industrial Applicability]

[0119] The present invention provides a communication device and a measurement device, and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 10: Measuring equipment 20:Communication equipment 30: Center device 110: Measurement section 210: Control section 211: Acquisition Department 212: Timing section 213: Changes 214: Communication control section 215: Judgment section 216: Decision section 230: Communications Department 312: Control section 313: Communications Department 322: Control section 323: Communications Department BT: Threshold R: Measurement results

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires measurement results from a measurement device at predetermined time intervals; a communication unit configured to transmit, to a center device, a first measurement result including the measurement results acquired by the acquisition unit at each first timing when the acquisition unit acquires a first specific number of measurement results; a determination unit that determines whether a transmission time based on a time taken from when the first measurement result is acquired from the measuring device to when transmission of the first measurement result to the center device is started is longer than a preset threshold value; a change unit that changes the first timing to a second timing for acquiring a second specific number of measurement results that is smaller than the first specific number when the transmission time is determined to be longer than the threshold value; a communication control unit that controls the communication unit so as to start transmitting the first measurement result to the center device based on the second timing when the change unit changes the first timing to the second timing; A communication device comprising:

2. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein when the determination unit determines that the transmission time is longer than the threshold, the communication control unit includes in the first measurement result a number of measurement results greater than the first specific number acquired from the measuring device.

3. A determination unit that determines the second specific number based on a value obtained by subtracting the transmission time from a first time, The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the first time indicates a time required for the acquisition unit to acquire the first specific number of the measurement results.

4. The first timing indicates a timing corresponding to a first time required for the acquisition unit to acquire the first specific number of the measurement results, The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the second timing indicates a timing corresponding to a second time obtained by subtracting the transmission time from the first time.

5. 5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, after the change unit changes the first timing to the second timing, if the determination unit determines that the transmission time is not longer than the threshold, the change unit changes the second timing to the first timing.

6. A measuring unit that measures the flow rate of a fluid consumed by a consumer; an acquisition unit that acquires a measurement result from the measurement unit at predetermined time intervals; a communication unit configured to transmit, to a center device, a first measurement result including the measurement results acquired by the acquisition unit at each first timing when the acquisition unit acquires a first specific number of measurement results; a determination unit that determines whether a transmission time based on a time taken from when the first measurement result is obtained from the measurement unit to when transmission of the first measurement result to the center device is started is longer than a preset threshold value; a change unit that changes the first measurement result to a second timing for acquiring a second specific number of measurement results that is smaller than the first specific number when the transmission time is determined to be longer than the threshold value; a communication control unit that controls the communication unit so as to start transmitting the first measurement result to the center device based on the second timing when the change unit changes the first timing to the second timing; A measuring device comprising:

Images