Communication terminal and communication system

Abstract

To provide a communication terminal and a communication system that can restrain wasteful power consumption.SOLUTION: A communication terminal 22 comprises a connection section 224 and a processing section 221. The connection section 224 communicably connects with a measuring instrument 23. The processing section 221 performs first acquisition processing that acquires a measurement result from the measuring instrument 23 via the connection section 224 per a first time period. The processing section 221 determines whether a disallowance condition for the first acquisition processing not to be allowed is met and stops performing the first acquisition processing when determining the disallowance condition is met.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication terminal and a communication system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a communication system that transmits the value measured by a meter to a center device via a communication line. One of the additional functions of such a communication system is a load survey. The load survey refers to a function that records the meter measurement value at regular intervals and transmits a certain number of measurement values ​​together to the center device (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a telemeter terminal that measures the power consumption of a consumer at regular intervals. The telemeter terminal in Patent Document 1 accumulates the measured power consumption, and when the accumulated power consumption reaches a certain value, it makes a call to a center. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-118101 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the telemeter terminal (communication terminal) of Patent Document 1 periodically collects the measurement value of the watt-hour meter (measuring instrument) even in a situation where measurement by the watt-hour meter (measuring instrument) is not necessary. As a result, there is a risk of wasteful consumption of power for driving the telemeter terminal (communication terminal).

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a communication terminal and a communication system capable of suppressing unnecessary power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A communication terminal of the present invention includes a connection unit and a processing unit. The connection unit is communicatively connected to a measuring device. The processing unit executes a first acquisition process for acquiring a measurement result from the measuring device for each first period via the connection unit. The processing unit determines whether a disallowance condition for disallowing execution of the first acquisition process is satisfied, and when it is determined that the disallowance condition is satisfied, stops execution of the first acquisition process.

[0008] A communication system according to the present invention includes the above-mentioned communication terminal and a management device, the management device being communicably connected to the communication terminal, the communication terminal transmitting the measurement result acquired by the first acquisition process to the management device. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the communication terminal and the communication system of the present invention, it is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a slave unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a parent unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a center device. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a control unit of the child device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of the slave unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a control unit of the child device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of the slave unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a control unit of a child device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of a slave unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a control unit of a child device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of a slave unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a control unit of a child device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of a slave unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a control unit of a child device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of a slave unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the communication terminal and communication system of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 16). However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and can be embodied in various aspects without departing from the gist of the present invention. Note that where the explanation is repeated, it may be omitted as appropriate. Also, in the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference symbols, and explanations will not be repeated.

[0012] [Embodiment 1] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 8. First, a communication system 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the communication system 100 of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the communication system 100 is a telemetry system. Hereinafter, the communication system 100 may be referred to as the "telemetry system 100." As shown in Fig. 1, the telemetry system 100 includes a center device 11, a master unit 21, and a plurality of slave units 22.

[0013] The center device 11 is communicatively connected to a wide area wireless network N1 via a center-side network control device 12. The center-side network control device 12 is communicatively connected to a master device 21 via the wide area wireless network N1. The center-side network control device 12 is provided, for example, in a public network of a telecommunications carrier. The center-side network control device 12 controls communication between the master device 21 and the center device 11 via the wide area wireless network N1.

[0014] The wide area wireless network N1 is, for example, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) network, a FOMA (Freedom Of Mobile Multimedia Access) network, an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network, a 4G (Fourth Generation Mobile Communication System) network, or a 5G (Fifth Generation Mobile Communication System) network.

[0015] The master unit 21 and the slave unit 22 are communication terminals. The master unit 21 is communicably connected to a plurality of slave units 22 via a narrow-area wireless network N2. The frequency band of the narrow-area wireless network N2 is, for example, the 920 MHz band. More specifically, the master unit 21 and the slave unit 22 communicate with each other by specific low-power wireless (special low-power wireless).

[0016] A meter 23 is connected to each of the multiple slave units 22. The meter 23 is installed for each consumer, such as a private home, a company, or various facilities. The meter 23 is a measuring device. The measurement target of the meter 23 is, for example, the usage amount of a resource, such as gas, water, or electricity. The meter 23 measures the usage amount of a resource, such as gas, water, or electricity, and outputs the measurement result to the slave unit 22.

[0017] The slave unit 22 executes a first acquisition process. The first acquisition process is a process of acquiring measurement results from the meter 23 for each first period. Hereinafter, the first acquisition process may be referred to as a "load survey process." The first period is a fixed period. The first period is set arbitrarily. The first period is, for example, one hour or 30 minutes.

[0018] The slave 22 stores the measurement result acquired from the meter 23 by the load survey process. Specifically, the slave 22 outputs a response request to the meter 23. In response to the response request, the meter 23 outputs the measurement result to the slave 22. As a result, the slave 22 acquires the measurement result.

[0019] The slave unit 22 compiles the measurement results and transmits them to the master unit 21 each time the number of times a response request is output to the meter 23 through the load survey process reaches a preset fixed number of times. In other words, the slave unit 22 compiles the measurement results and transmits them to the master unit 21 each time the number of times communication with the meter 23 through the load survey process reaches a fixed number of times. Hereinafter, the number of times a response request is output to the meter 23 through the load survey process (the number of times communication with the meter 23 through the load survey process) may be referred to as the "number of load survey communications."

[0020] Specifically, the slave unit 22 counts the number of times a response request is output to the meter 23 by the load survey process. Each time the count value reaches a certain value, the slave unit 22 compiles and transmits the measurement results to the master unit 21. For example, the slave unit 22 acquires the measurement results from the meter 23 every hour by the load survey process, compiles and transmits the measurement results for one day to the master unit 21. In this case, the preset certain number of times for the number of load survey communications is 24 times.

[0021] The slave unit 22 further executes a second acquisition process. The second acquisition process is a process for acquiring a measurement result from the meter 23 for each second period that is longer than the first period. The second period is, for example, one day.

[0022] The second acquisition process is, for example, maintenance communication. The slave 22 performs maintenance communication with the meter 23 every day. Specifically, the slave 22 outputs a response request to the meter 23 when performing the maintenance communication.

[0023] The slave device 22 further executes a first determination process to determine whether or not a disallowance condition is satisfied. The disallowance condition indicates a condition for disallowing execution of the first acquisition process (load survey process). When the slave device 22 determines that the disallowance condition is satisfied, it stops execution of the load survey process.

[0024] In this embodiment, the disallowance condition indicates that the measurement result has not been continuously obtained a first specified number of times or more (n times or more) from the meter 23. In other words, the disallowance condition indicates that the meter 23 does not respond to a response request n times or more.

[0025] The slave device 22 further executes a second determination process to determine whether or not a restart condition is satisfied. The restart condition indicates a condition for restarting the load survey process. The second determination process is executed after the load survey process is stopped. When the slave device 22 determines that the restart condition is satisfied, it restarts the load survey process.

[0026] In this embodiment, the restart condition indicates that the second acquisition process can acquire the measurement result from the meter 23. For example, the slave 22 restarts the load survey process when the slave 22 can acquire the measurement result from the meter 23 through maintenance communication after the load survey process is stopped.

[0027] The master unit 21 transmits the measurement results transmitted from each slave unit 22 to the center device 11 via the wide area wireless network N1 and the center-side network control device 12. The center device 11 is an example of a management device.

[0028] The center device 11 stores the measurement results received from the master unit 21 via the wide area wireless network N1 and the center-side network control device 12 for each meter 23. More specifically, the center device 11 stores the measurement results of the meter 23 for each consumer. The center device 11 includes an information processing device such as a server or a personal computer. For example, when the meter 23 is a gas meter, the center device 11 is managed by a gas supplier.

[0029] In this embodiment, a meter 23 is connected to the master unit 21. The master unit 21, like the slave unit 22, executes a first acquisition process (load survey process) to acquire measurement results from the meter 23 for each first period. Then, each time the number of load survey communications reaches a certain number, the master unit 21 compiles and transmits the measurement results to the center device 11. Also, like the slave unit 22, the master unit 21 executes a second acquisition process (e.g., maintenance communication), a first determination process, and a second determination process.

[0030] Next, the communication system 100 (telemetry system) of this embodiment will be further described with reference to Fig. 1. In this embodiment, the master unit 21 and the slave unit 22 perform wireless communication based on predefined matchmaking information. The matchmaking information defines a communication partner.

[0031] In the telemetry system 100 shown in Fig. 1, the multiple slaves 22 include slave 22a, slave 22b, and slave 22c. The communication partners of the master 21 are defined as slave 22a and slave 22b by the adoption information. The communication partners of the slave 22a are defined as master 21 and slave 22c by the adoption information. The communication partners of the slave 22b are defined as master 21 by the adoption information. The communication partners of the slave 22c are defined as slave 22a by the adoption information. The slave 22c transmits measurement results to the master 21 using the slave 22a as a relay terminal.

[0032] Next, the configuration of child device 22 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of child device 22 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, child device 22 includes control unit 221, storage unit 222, N2 communication unit 223, and connection unit 224. Control unit 221 is an example of a processing unit of the present invention. N2 communication unit 223 is an example of a communication unit of the present invention.

[0033] The control unit 221 controls each element of the device itself (child device 22). For example, the control unit 221 controls the storage unit 222 and the N2 communication unit 223. The control unit 221 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The processor controls each element of the device itself (child device 22) by executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 222. Note that the control unit 221 and the storage unit 222 may form a microcomputer.

[0034] The storage unit 222 stores the measurement results obtained from the meter 23. The storage unit 222 includes a semiconductor memory such as a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), and a flash memory.

[0035] The storage unit 222 stores in advance various computer programs to be executed by the control unit 221 (processor). The various computer programs include computer programs for executing the first acquisition process (road survey process), the second acquisition process (e.g., maintenance communication), the first determination process, and the second determination process described with reference to FIG.

[0036] The storage unit 222 stores various data. The various data includes the matchmaking information described with reference to Fig. 1 and a fixed number of times set for the number of load survey communications. The various data also includes various data used to execute the first acquisition process (load survey process), the second acquisition process (e.g., maintenance communication), the first determination process, and the second determination process described with reference to Fig. 1. For example, the various data includes the first period, the second period, the non-permission condition, and the restart condition described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0037] The N2 communication unit 223 is communicatively connected to the center device 11. Specifically, the N2 communication unit 223 performs wireless communication with other communication terminals. The N2 communication unit 223 is communicatively connected to the center device 11 via the other communication terminals. More specifically, the N2 communication unit 223 is communicatively connected to the center device 11 via at least one other communication terminal, the wide area wireless network N1, and the center-side network control device 12. The N2 communication unit 223 includes, for example, a communication module having an RF-LSI for 920 MHz band communication.

[0038] For example, when the slave 22 is the slave 22c, the N2 communication unit 223 performs wireless communication with the slave 22a. The N2 communication unit 223 of the slave 22c is communicatively connected to the center device 11 via the slave 22a (another communication terminal), the master 21 (another communication terminal), the wide area wireless network N1, and the center-side network control device 12.

[0039] The connection unit 224 is communicatively connected to the meter 23. Specifically, an electric wire PL connected to the meter 23 is connected to the connection unit 224. Thus, the connection unit 224 is wiredly connected to the meter 23 via the electric wire PL. The control unit 221 acquires a measurement result from the meter 23 via the electric wire PL and the connection unit 224.

[0040] Here, the processing executed by the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 executes the first acquisition processing (load survey processing), the second acquisition processing (e.g., maintenance communication), the first determination processing, and the second determination processing described with reference to Fig. 1. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the case where the second acquisition processing is maintenance communication as an example.

[0041] The control unit 221 executes the load survey process to obtain measurement results from the meter 23 for each first period (e.g., one hour) via the connection unit 224. Specifically, the control unit 221 outputs a response request to the meter 23 for each first period via the connection unit 224. In response to the response request, the meter 23 outputs the measurement results to the electric wire PL, whereby the control unit 221 obtains the measurement results for each first period. The control unit 221 stores the measurement results obtained from the meter 23 in the memory unit 222.

[0042] The control unit 221 counts the number of load survey communications. Specifically, the control unit 221 counts the number of times a response request is output to the meter 23 by the load survey process. Each time the number of load survey communications reaches a certain number, the control unit 211 accesses the memory unit 222, generates a message summarizing the measurement results for the certain number of communications, and causes the N2 communication unit 223 to transmit this message. The control unit 221 sets the destination of the message to the center device 11. After transmitting the message, the control unit 221 erases the measurement results (the measurement results transmitted by the message) from the memory unit 222. However, the control unit 221 does not have to erase the measurement results from the memory unit 222 after transmitting the message.

[0043] The control unit 221 executes the first determination process to determine whether or not to stop the execution of the load survey process. In this embodiment, the control unit 221 determines whether or not to stop the execution of the load survey process based on the communication state (or communication situation) with the meter 23 via the connection unit 224.

[0044] In detail, the control unit 221 judges whether or not the measurement result has not been continuously acquired a first specified number of times or more (n times or more) from the meter 23. When the control unit 221 judges that the measurement result has not been continuously acquired from the meter 23 a first specified number of times or more (n times or more), the control unit 221 stops the execution of the load survey process.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first specified number of times (n times) is set to an arbitrary value based on a command from the center device 11. Specifically, the center device 11 transmits a command indicating a first set value (the value of n) which is the set value of the first specified number of times to the child device 22. The command is a command to instruct the value of the first specified number of times to be set to the first set value. Upon receiving the command indicating the first set value via the N2 communication unit 223, the control unit 221 sets the value of the first specified number of times to the first set value. However, the first specified number of times (n times) may be a default value that is preset in the storage unit 222.

[0046] The control unit 221 executes the maintenance communication once a day. The maintenance communication (second acquisition process) is executed even while the load survey process is stopped. In detail, the control unit 221 outputs a response request to the meter 23 once a day.

[0047] The control unit 221 determines whether or not to resume the load survey process by the maintenance communication after the load survey process is stopped. In this embodiment, the control unit 221 determines whether or not the measurement result has been acquired from the meter 23 by the maintenance communication. Then, when it is determined that the measurement result has been acquired from the meter 23 by the maintenance communication, the load survey process is resumed.

[0048] Next, the configuration of parent device 21 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of parent device 21 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, parent device 21 includes a control unit 211, a storage unit 212, an N1 communication unit 213a, an N2 communication unit 213b, and a connection unit 214. Control unit 211 is an example of a processing unit of the present invention. N1 communication unit 213a is an example of a communication unit of the present invention.

[0049] The N1 communication unit 213a is communicatively connected to the center device 11. Specifically, the N1 communication unit 213a communicates with the center-side network control device 12 via the wide-area wireless network N1. More specifically, the N1 communication unit 213a is communicatively connected to the center device 11 via the wide-area wireless network N1 and the center-side network control device 12. The N1 communication unit 213a is a communication module capable of wide-area communication, such as with a PHS network, a FOMA network, an LTE network, a 4G network, and a 5G network.

[0050] The N2 communication unit 213b performs wireless communication with the child device 22. The N2 communication unit 213b includes, for example, a communication module having an RF-LSI for 920 MHz band communication.

[0051] Similar to the control unit 221 of the child device 22, the control unit 211 of the parent device 21 executes the first acquisition process (load survey process), the second acquisition process (maintenance communication), the first determination process, and the second determination process described with reference to Fig. 1. The configurations of the control unit 211, the storage unit 212, and the connection unit 214 of the parent device 21 are similar to the configurations of the control unit 221, the storage unit 222, and the connection unit 224 of the child device 22 described with reference to Fig. 2, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0052] Next, the configuration of the center device 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the center device 11. As shown in Fig. 4, the center device 11 includes a control unit 111, a communication unit 112, a storage unit 113, and an input unit 114.

[0053] The control unit 111 controls each element of the device itself (center device 11). For example, the control unit 111 controls the communication unit 112 and the storage unit 113. The control unit 111 includes a processor such as a CPU or MPU. The processor executes a computer program stored in the storage unit 113 to control each element of the device itself (center device 11).

[0054] The storage unit 113 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a ROM and a RAM, and a large-capacity storage medium such as a HDD (hard disk drive). The storage unit 113 stores various computer programs executed by the control unit 111 (processor). The storage unit 113 stores data indicating the measurement results of the meter 23 for each meter 23.

[0055] The communication unit 112 is a communication module such as a LAN board, for example. The communication unit 112 is connected to the center-side network control device 12 by wire or wirelessly, and communicates with the center-side network control device 12.

[0056] The input unit 114 inputs an instruction from the worker to the center device 11. More specifically, the input unit 114 accepts an input operation by the worker and outputs information indicating the input content to the control unit 111. For example, the worker can input an instruction to set the value of the first specified number of times described with reference to FIG. 2 to a first setting value via the input unit 114. When the worker inputs an instruction to set the value of the first specified number of times to the first setting value, the control unit 111 causes the communication unit 112 to transmit a command (instruction) instructing to set the value of the first specified number of times to the first setting value. As a result, the command from the center device 11 is transmitted to the master 21 via the center-side network control device 12 and the wide-area wireless network N1. Also, the command is transmitted to the slave 22 via the master 21.

[0057] Next, the process executed by the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 will be described with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 of this embodiment. The process shown in Fig. 5 starts in response to the control unit 221 outputting a response request to the meter 23 via the connection unit 224 due to the load survey process (first acquisition process) described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0058] 5, when the control unit 221 outputs a response request to the meter 23 via the connection unit 224 by the load survey process, the control unit 221 executes a first determination process. Specifically, the control unit 221 determines whether the meter 23 has not responded to the response request n times in a row (step S1).

[0059] If the meter 23 responds to the response request, or if the number of consecutive times that the meter 23 does not respond to the response request is less than n, the control unit 221 determines that the disallowance condition is not satisfied (No in step S1) and terminates the processing shown in FIG. 5.

[0060] If the meter 23 does not respond to the response request n times in a row, the control unit 221 determines that the non-permission condition is satisfied (Yes in step S1), and transmits an abnormality detection message to the center device 11 via the N2 communication unit 223 (step S2). Specifically, the control unit 221 causes the N2 communication unit 223 to transmit an abnormality detection message addressed to the center device 11. The abnormality detection message is an example of a message having predetermined content. The abnormality detection message indicates that the slave unit 22 has detected an abnormality and stopped execution of the load survey process. Here, the abnormality indicates that the meter 23 does not respond to the response request from the slave unit 22. After transmitting the abnormality detection message, the control unit 221 stops execution of the load survey process (step S3), and ends the process shown in FIG. 5.

[0061] In the process shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 221 stops the load survey process after transmitting the anomaly detection message, but the control unit 221 may transmit the anomaly detection message after stopping the load survey process.

[0062] 5, similarly to the control unit 221 of the child device 22. The process executed by the control unit 211 of the parent device 21 is similar to the process executed by the control unit 221 of the child device 22, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] Next, an example of the operation of the child device 22 and the parent device 21 will be described with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 5, and Fig. 6, taking the child device 22 as an example. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the child device 22 in this embodiment.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 6, the slave 22 performs a load survey process and periodically outputs a response request to the meter 23. If the meter 23 does not respond to this response request n times in a row, the slave 22 transmits an abnormality detection message described with reference to Fig. 5 to the center device 11, and then stops the execution of the load survey process.

[0065] According to this embodiment, an abnormality detection message is sent to the center device 11, so that the user of the center device 11 can be notified that the slave device 22 or the master device 21 has detected an abnormality and stopped execution of the load survey processing.

[0066] Next, a process executed by the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 will be described with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 of this embodiment. The process shown in Fig. 7 starts in response to the control unit 221 issuing a response request to the meter 23 via the connection unit 224 by maintenance communication (second acquisition process) after the execution of the load survey process (first acquisition process) described with reference to Fig. 1 is stopped.

[0067] 7, after the execution of the load survey process is stopped, the control unit 221 outputs a response request to the meter 23 via the connection unit 224 by maintenance communication, and then executes the second determination process. Specifically, the control unit 221 determines whether or not the meter 23 has responded to the response request (step S11). In other words, the control unit 221 determines whether or not the measurement result has been acquired from the meter 23 by the maintenance communication.

[0068] If the meter 23 does not respond to the response request, the control unit 221 determines that the restart condition is not satisfied (No in step S11), and ends the process shown in FIG.

[0069] If the meter 23 responds to the response request, the control unit 221 determines that the restart condition is satisfied (Yes in step S11), and transmits a restart message to the center device 11 via the N2 communication unit 223 (step S12). Specifically, the control unit 221 causes the N2 communication unit 223 to transmit a restart message addressed to the center device 11. The restart message indicates that the slave unit 22 has resumed execution of the load survey process. After transmitting the restart message, the control unit 221 resumes the load survey process (step S13), and ends the process shown in FIG. 7.

[0070] In the process shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 221 resumes the load survey process after transmitting the resume message, but the control unit 221 may transmit the resume message after resuming the load survey process.

[0071] 7, similarly to the control unit 221 of the child device 22. The process executed by the control unit 211 of the parent device 21 is similar to the process executed by the control unit 221 of the child device 22, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] 1, 2, 7, and 8, an example of the operation of the child device 22 and the parent device 21 will be described using the child device 22 as an example. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the child device 22 in this embodiment.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 8, the slave 22 periodically executes maintenance communication and periodically outputs a response request to the meter 23. After stopping the execution of the load survey process, if the meter 23 responds to the response request by the maintenance communication, i.e., if the meter 23 outputs a measurement result in response to the response request, the slave 22 transmits the resume message described with reference to Fig. 7 to the center device 11, and then resumes the load survey process.

[0074] According to this embodiment, since a resume message is sent to the center device 11, it is possible to notify the user of the center device 11 that the load survey process has been resumed.

[0075] The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 8. According to this embodiment, the communication terminals (slave 22 and master 21) stop executing the load survey process when it becomes unnecessary to collect the measurement results from the meter 23. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption.

[0076] Specifically, if a process (load survey process) for collecting measurement results from the meter 23 every first period (e.g., every hour) is executed despite the fact that the situation in which it is not possible to collect measurement results from the meter 23 continues, the communication terminals (child unit 22 and parent unit 21) will execute useless communication, resulting in wasteful consumption of power. In contrast, according to this embodiment, if the situation in which it is not possible to collect measurement results from the meter 23 continues, the load survey process is stopped, so that wasteful consumption of power can be suppressed. In particular, the parent unit 21 and the child unit 22 are often powered by batteries. According to this embodiment, by stopping the load survey process, battery consumption can be suppressed and the operation period of the parent unit 21 and the child unit 22 can be extended.

[0077] In this embodiment, the parent unit 21 and the child unit 22 stop the load survey process when they are unable to continuously obtain the measurement results from the meter 23 for a first specified number of times or more (n times or more), but the parent unit 21 and the child unit 22 may stop the load survey process when the meter 23 does not respond to a response request made by the load survey process. In other words, the first specified number of times (n times) may be one time.

[0078] [Embodiment 2] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 and 9 to 12. However, only differences from the first embodiment will be described, and descriptions of the same matters as in the first embodiment will be omitted. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the disallowance conditions and restart conditions.

[0079] In this embodiment, the disallowance condition indicates that measurement results showing the same measurement value have been continuously obtained from the meter 23 a second specified number of times or more (n times or more) by the load survey process. The restart condition indicates that a measurement result different from the measurement value before the load survey was stopped has been obtained by the maintenance communication (second acquisition process). Here, the measurement value before the load survey was stopped indicates the measurement result (measurement value) last obtained by the load survey process before the load survey process was stopped.

[0080] In this embodiment, the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 determines whether or not to stop the execution of the load survey process based on the measurement result acquired from the meter 23 by the load survey process (first determination process). In detail, when the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 determines that the measurement result showing the same measurement value has been acquired from the meter 23 consecutively a second specified number of times or more (n times or more) by the load survey process, the control unit 221 stops the execution of the load survey process. The control unit 211 of the master unit 21 also executes the first determination process like the slave unit 22.

[0081] The second specified number of times (n times), like the first specified number of times, is set to an arbitrary value based on a command from the center device 11. For example, if the meter 23 is a gas meter, the control unit 111 of the center device 11 may identify a gas usage pattern by a consumer based on the measurement result of the meter 23, and determine a set value of the second specified number of times (n times) based on the identified usage pattern. Alternatively, an operator may operate the input unit 114 to input a set value of the second specified number of times (n times). However, the second specified number of times (n times) may be a default value that is set in advance.

[0082] In this embodiment, the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 determines whether or not to resume the load survey process based on the measurement result acquired from the meter 23 through maintenance communication after the load survey process is stopped (second determination process). In detail, when the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 determines that a measurement result indicating a measurement value different from the measurement value before the load survey process was stopped has been acquired through maintenance communication, the control unit 221 resumes the load survey process. The control unit 211 of the master unit 21 also executes the second determination process in the same manner as the slave unit 22.

[0083] Next, a process executed by the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 will be described with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 of this embodiment. The process shown in Fig. 9 starts in response to the control unit 221 outputting a response request to the meter 23 via the connection unit 224 due to a load survey process (first acquisition process).

[0084] 9, when the control unit 221 outputs a response request to the meter 23 through the connection unit 224 by the load survey process, the control unit 221 executes a first determination process. Specifically, the control unit 221 determines whether the measurement result acquired from the meter 23 by the load survey process indicates the same measurement value n times consecutively (step S21).

[0085] If the measurement results obtained from the meter 23 by the load survey process do not show the same measurement value n consecutive times, the control unit 221 determines that the disallowance condition is not satisfied (No in step S21) and ends the process shown in FIG.

[0086] When the measurement result acquired from the meter 23 by the load survey process indicates the same measurement value n times in a row, the control unit 221 determines that the non-permission condition is satisfied (Yes in step S21), and transmits an unused telegram to the center device 11 via the N2 communication unit 223 (step S22). Specifically, the control unit 221 causes the N2 communication unit 223 to transmit an unused telegram addressed to the center device 11. The unused telegram is an example of a telegram having a predetermined content. For example, when the meter 23 is a gas meter, the unused telegram indicates that the consumer is not using gas and therefore the execution of the load survey process has been stopped. After transmitting the unused telegram, the control unit 221 stops the execution of the load survey process (step S23), and ends the process shown in FIG. 9.

[0087] In the process shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 221 stops the load survey process after transmitting the unused telegram, but the control unit 221 may transmit the unused telegram after stopping the load survey process.

[0088] 9, similarly to the control unit 221 of the child device 22. The process executed by the control unit 211 of the parent device 21 is similar to the process executed by the control unit 221 of the child device 22, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] 1, 2, 9, and 10, an example of the operation of the child device 22 and the parent device 21 will be described using the child device 22 as an example. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the child device 22 of this embodiment.

[0090] 10, the slave unit 22 periodically outputs a response request to the meter 23 through the load survey process. If the measurement value output by the meter 23 in response to this response request indicates the same value n times in a row, the slave unit 22 transmits the unused message described with reference to FIG. 9 to the center device 11, and then stops the execution of the load survey process.

[0091] According to this embodiment, an unused telegram is transmitted to the center device 11. Therefore, for example, if the meter 23 is a gas meter, it is possible to notify the user of the center device 11 that the load survey process has been stopped because the consumer is not using gas.

[0092] Next, the process executed by the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 will be described with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 of this embodiment. The process shown in Fig. 11 starts in response to the control unit 221 issuing a response request to the meter 23 via the connection unit 224 by maintenance communication (second acquisition process) after execution of the load survey process (first acquisition process) is stopped.

[0093] 11, after stopping the execution of the load survey process, the control unit 221 outputs a response request to the meter 23 via the connection unit 224 by maintenance communication, and then determines whether the meter 23 has responded to the response request (step S31). If the control unit 221 determines that the meter 23 has not responded to the response request (No in step S31), it ends the process shown in FIG.

[0094] When the control unit 221 determines that the meter 23 has responded to the response request (Yes in step S31), the control unit 221 executes a second determination process. Specifically, the control unit 221 determines whether or not a measurement result (measurement value) different from the measurement value before the load survey process was stopped has been acquired (step S32).

[0095] If a measurement result (measurement value) different from the measurement value before the load survey process was stopped cannot be acquired, the control unit 221 determines that the restart condition is not satisfied (No in step S32) and ends the process shown in FIG.

[0096] If a measurement result (measurement value) different from the measurement value before the load survey process was stopped can be acquired, the control unit 221 determines that the restart condition is satisfied (Yes in step S32), and transmits a restart message to the center device 11 via the N2 communication unit 223 (step S33). After transmitting the restart message, the control unit 221 resumes the load survey process (step S34), and ends the process shown in FIG.

[0097] In the process shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 221 resumes the load survey process after transmitting the resume message, but the control unit 221 may transmit the resume message after resuming the load survey process.

[0098] 11, similarly to the control unit 221 of the child device 22. The process executed by the control unit 211 of the parent device 21 is similar to the process executed by the control unit 221 of the child device 22, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] 1, 2, 11, and 12, an example of the operation of the child device 22 and the parent device 21 will be described using the child device 22 as an example. Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the child device 22 of this embodiment.

[0100] 12, the slave unit 22 periodically executes maintenance communication and periodically outputs a response request to the meter 23. After stopping the execution of the load survey process, if a measurement result (measurement value) different from the measurement value before the load survey process was stopped can be acquired by the response request through the maintenance communication, the slave unit 22 transmits a resume message to the center device 11 and then resumes the load survey process.

[0101] According to this embodiment, since a resume message is sent to the center device 11, it is possible to notify the user of the center device 11 that the load survey process has been resumed.

[0102] The second embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4 and 9 to 12. According to this embodiment, the communication terminals (slave 22 and master 21) stop executing the load survey process when it becomes unnecessary to collect the measurement results from the meter 23. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption.

[0103] For example, if the meter 23 is a gas meter, and a process (load survey process) is executed to collect measurement results from the meter 23 every first period (e.g., every hour) even though the consumer continues not to use gas, the communication terminals (slave 22 and master 21) will execute useless communication, resulting in wasteful consumption of power. In contrast, according to this embodiment, if the consumer continues not to use gas, the load survey process is stopped, thereby suppressing wasteful consumption of power.

[0104] In this embodiment, the master unit 21 and the slave unit 22 stop the load survey process when they continuously obtain the measurement result showing the same measurement value from the meter 23 for the second specified number of times or more (n times or more), but the master unit 21 and the slave unit 22 may stop the load survey process when they obtain the measurement result showing the same measurement value as the previous time. In other words, the second specified number of times (n times) may be one time.

[0105] [Embodiment 3] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4, 13, and 14. However, differences from the first and second embodiments will be described, and descriptions of the same matters as the first and second embodiments will be omitted. The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in the non-permission conditions. In the third embodiment, unlike the first and second embodiments, the slave unit 22 and the master unit 21 do not execute the second determination process. Also, in the third embodiment, the meter 23 is a gas meter.

[0106] In this embodiment, the disallowance condition indicates that a measurement result (measurement value) whose difference value from the previous measurement result (measurement value) is equal to or greater than a first threshold value has been obtained from the meter 23 by the load survey process. The first threshold value corresponds to, for example, a range (upper limit value) of general gas usage or a range (upper limit value) of normal gas usage by a consumer. Here, the previous measurement result (measurement value) indicates the measurement result (measurement value) obtained previously from the meter 23 by the load survey process. In the following description, the measurement result (measurement value) obtained this time from the meter 23 by the load survey process may be referred to as the "current measurement value."

[0107] In this embodiment, the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 determines whether or not to stop the execution of the load survey process based on the measurement result acquired from the meter 23 by the load survey process (first determination process). In detail, the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 acquires a difference value between the current measurement value and the previous measurement value. Then, when it is determined that the difference value is equal to or greater than a first threshold, the execution of the load survey process is stopped. The master unit 21 also executes the first determination process in the same manner as the slave unit 22.

[0108] The first threshold value is set to an arbitrary value based on a command from the center device 11. For example, the control unit 111 of the center device 11 may identify a gas usage pattern by a consumer based on the measurement result of the meter 23 (gas meter), and determine the setting value of the first threshold value based on the identified usage pattern. Alternatively, an operator may operate the input unit 114 to input the setting value of the first threshold value. However, the first threshold value may be a default value set in advance.

[0109] Next, the process executed by the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 will be described with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 of this embodiment. The process shown in Fig. 13 starts in response to the control unit 221 outputting a response request to the meter 23 via the connection unit 224 due to the load survey process (first acquisition process).

[0110] 13, when the control unit 221 outputs a response request to the meter 23 via the connection unit 224 by the load survey process, the control unit 221 executes a first determination process. Specifically, the control unit 221 determines whether or not a difference value between the current measurement value and the immediately previous measurement value is equal to or greater than a first threshold value (step S41).

[0111] If the difference between the current measurement value and the immediately previous measurement value is not equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the control unit 221 determines that the disallowance condition is not satisfied (No in step S41), and ends the process shown in FIG.

[0112] If the difference between the current measurement value and the previous measurement value is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the control unit 221 determines that the disallowance condition is satisfied (Yes in step S41) and outputs a shutoff request to the meter 23 (gas meter) via the connection unit 224 (step S42).

[0113] The cutoff request is a command to stop the flow of gas. The gas meter cuts off the flow of gas in response to the cutoff request. Specifically, the gas meter includes a gas cutoff device. The gas meter activates the gas cutoff device in response to the cutoff request. As a result, the flow of gas flowing through the gas pipe is cut off.

[0114] In detail, a situation where the difference between the current measurement value and the previous measurement value is equal to or greater than the first threshold value indicates that the gas usage by the consumer exceeds the range (upper limit) of general gas usage or the range (upper limit) of normal gas usage by the consumer. According to this embodiment, when the gas usage by the consumer exceeds the range (upper limit) of general gas usage or the range (upper limit) of normal gas usage by the consumer, the flow of gas flowing through the gas pipe can be blocked.

[0115] After outputting the cutoff request, the control unit 221 transmits an abnormal usage message to the center device 11 via the N2 communication unit 223 (step S43). Specifically, the control unit 221 causes the N2 communication unit 223 to transmit an abnormal usage message addressed to the center device 11. The abnormal usage message is an example of a message having predetermined content. The abnormal usage message indicates that the execution of the load survey process has been stopped because the amount of gas used by the consumer exceeds the range of general gas usage (upper limit value) or the range of normal gas usage by the consumer (upper limit value). After transmitting the abnormal usage message, the control unit 221 stops the execution of the load survey process (step S44) and ends the process shown in FIG. 13.

[0116] In the process shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 221 stops the load survey process after transmitting the anomalous usage message, but the control unit 221 may transmit the anomalous usage message after stopping the load survey process.

[0117] 13, similarly to the control unit 221 of the child device 22. The process executed by the control unit 211 of the parent device 21 is similar to the process executed by the control unit 221 of the child device 22, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0118] 1, 2, 13, and 14, an example of the operation of the child device 22 and the parent device 21 will be described using the child device 22 as an example. Fig. 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the child device 22 of this embodiment.

[0119] 14, the slave unit 22 periodically outputs a response request to the meter 23 through the load survey process, and periodically acquires the measurement result (measurement value) of the meter 23. If the difference value between the current measurement value and the previous measurement value is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, the slave unit 22 outputs a shutoff request to the meter 23 (gas meter) to shut off the flow of gas flowing through the gas pipe. In addition, the slave unit 22 stops the execution of the load survey process after transmitting the abnormal usage message described with reference to FIG. 13 to the center device 11.

[0120] According to this embodiment, the user of the center device 11 can be notified that the load survey process has been stopped because the consumer's gas usage exceeds the range of general gas usage (upper limit value) or the range of normal gas usage (upper limit value) by the consumer.

[0121] The third embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 4, 13, and 14. According to this embodiment, the communication terminals (slave 22 and master 21) stop executing the load survey process when it becomes unnecessary to collect the measurement results from the meter 23. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption.

[0122] Specifically, after the flow of gas through the gas pipe is cut off, there is no need to collect measurement results from the meter 23 (gas meter). Therefore, by stopping the execution of the load survey process after the flow of gas is cut off, it is possible to suppress unnecessary consumption of electricity.

[0123] [Embodiment 4] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4, 15, and 16. However, differences from the first to third embodiments will be described, and a description of the same matters as the first to third embodiments will be omitted. The fourth embodiment differs from the first to third embodiments in the non-permission conditions. In the fourth embodiment, unlike the first and second embodiments, the slave unit 22 and the master unit 21 do not execute the second determination process. Also, in the fourth embodiment, the meter 23 is a gas meter.

[0124] In this embodiment, the disallowance condition indicates that a measurement result whose difference value from the previous measurement result (measurement value) is less than the second threshold value has been continuously obtained a third specified number of times or more (n times or more). The second threshold value corresponds to, for example, a range (lower limit value) of general gas usage or a range (lower limit value) of normal gas usage by a consumer. Here, the previous measurement result indicates the measurement result (measurement value) obtained previously from the meter 23 by the load survey process. In the following description, the difference value between the current measurement result (measurement value) obtained from the meter 23 by the load survey process and the previous measurement value may be referred to as the "difference value of measurement values."

[0125] In this embodiment, the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 determines whether or not to stop the execution of the load survey process based on the measurement result acquired from the meter 23 by the load survey process (first determination process). In detail, when the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 determines that the difference value of the measurement values ​​has been less than the second threshold value for a third specified number of times or more (n times or more) in succession, the control unit 221 stops the execution of the load survey process. The control unit 211 of the master unit 21 also executes the first determination process in the same manner as the slave unit 22.

[0126] Specifically, when the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 acquires a measurement result from the meter 23 by the load survey process, the control unit 221 acquires a difference value of the measurement values ​​and determines whether or not the difference value of the measurement values ​​is less than the second threshold value. Then, when it is determined that the difference value of the measurement values ​​is less than the second threshold value, the control unit 221 determines whether or not a difference value less than the second threshold value has been acquired a third specified number of times or more (n times or more) in succession.

[0127] The second threshold is set to an arbitrary value based on a command from the center device 11. However, the second threshold may be a default value that is set in advance.

[0128] Next, the process executed by the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 will be described with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the control unit 221 of the slave unit 22 of this embodiment. The process shown in Fig. 15 starts in response to the control unit 221 outputting a response request to the meter 23 via the connection unit 224 due to the load survey process (first acquisition process).

[0129] 15, when the control unit 221 outputs a response request to the meter 23 via the connection unit 224 by the load survey process, the control unit 221 executes a first determination process. Specifically, the control unit 221 determines whether or not the difference value of the measurement value has been less than the second threshold value a third specified number of times or more (n times or more) in succession (step S51).

[0130] If the difference value of the measurement value has not been less than the second threshold value for a third specified number of times or more (n times or more) in a row, the control unit 221 determines that the disallowance condition is not satisfied (No in step S51) and terminates the processing shown in FIG. 15.

[0131] If the difference value of the measurement value is less than the second threshold value for a third specified number of times or more (n times or more) in a row, the control unit 221 determines that the disallowance condition is satisfied (Yes in step S51) and outputs a shutoff request to the meter 23 (gas meter) via the connection unit 224 (step S52).

[0132] In detail, a situation where the difference value of the measurement values ​​is less than the second threshold value for a third specified number of times or more (n times or more) in succession indicates a situation where gas is continuously flowing out of the gas pipe at a flow rate below the range (lower limit) of general gas usage or the range (lower limit) of normal gas usage by a consumer. This situation corresponds to a situation where a gas leak is occurring. According to this embodiment, when there is a possibility of a gas leak, the flow of gas flowing through the gas pipe can be blocked.

[0133] After outputting the cutoff request, the control unit 221 transmits a gas leak message to the center device 11 via the N2 communication unit 223 (step S53). Specifically, the control unit 221 causes the N2 communication unit 223 to transmit a gas leak message addressed to the center device 11. The gas leak message is an example of a message having predetermined content. The gas leak message indicates that execution of the load survey process has been stopped because a gas leak has occurred. After transmitting the gas leak message, the control unit 221 stops execution of the load survey process (step S54) and ends the process shown in FIG. 15.

[0134] In the process shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 221 stops the load survey process after transmitting the gas leak telegram, but the control unit 221 may transmit the gas leak telegram after stopping the load survey process.

[0135] 15, similarly to the control unit 221 of the child device 22. The process executed by the control unit 211 of the parent device 21 is similar to the process executed by the control unit 221 of the child device 22, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0136] 1, 2, 15, and 16, an example of the operation of the child device 22 and the parent device 21 will be described using the child device 22 as an example. Fig. 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the child device 22 of this embodiment.

[0137] 16, the slave unit 22 periodically outputs a response request to the meter 23 through the load survey process, and periodically acquires the measurement results (measurement values) of the meter 23. If the difference value of the measurement values ​​is less than the second threshold value n or more consecutive times, the slave unit 22 outputs a shutoff request to the meter 23 (gas meter) to shut off the flow of gas flowing through the gas pipe. In addition, the slave unit 22 stops the execution of the load survey process after transmitting the gas leak message described with reference to FIG. 15 to the center device 11.

[0138] According to this embodiment, it is possible to notify the user of the center device 11 that the execution of the road survey process has been stopped due to the occurrence of a gas leak.

[0139] The fourth embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 4, 15, and 16. According to this embodiment, the communication terminals (slave 22 and master 21) stop executing the load survey process when it becomes unnecessary to collect the measurement results from the meter 23. Therefore, it is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption.

[0140] Specifically, after the flow of gas through the gas pipe is cut off, there is no need to collect measurement results from the meter 23 (gas meter). Therefore, by stopping the execution of the load survey process after the flow of gas is cut off, it is possible to suppress unnecessary consumption of electricity.

[0141] In the present embodiment, the meter 23 is a gas meter, but the meter 23 is not limited to a gas meter. If the meter 23 is a measuring device other than a gas meter, the shutoff request may be omitted.

[0142] In the present embodiment, the parent machine 21 and the child machine 22 stop the load survey process when the difference value of the measurement value is less than the second threshold value for a third specified number of times or more (n times or more) in succession, but the parent machine 21 and the child machine 22 may stop the load survey process when the difference value of the measurement value is less than the second threshold value. In other words, the third specified number of times (n times) may be one time.

[0143] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 16). 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, the components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, a certain component among all the components shown in one embodiment may be added to a component of another embodiment, or some of all the components shown in one embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment.

[0144] The drawings are mainly schematic illustrations of each component to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the configurations of each component shown in the above embodiment are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention.

[0145] For example, in the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 16, the communication system 100 includes a parent unit 21 and a plurality of child units 22, and the child units 22 are communicatively connected to the wide area wireless network N1 via the parent unit 21. However, the communication system 100 may include only a communication terminal that is communicatively connected directly to the wide area wireless network N1 as the communication terminal communicatively connected to the wide area wireless network N1.

[0146] 1 to 16, the slave unit 22 and the meter 23 are wired and connected by an electric wire PL, but the slave unit 22 and the meter 23 may be wirelessly connected. Similarly, in the embodiment described with reference to Figs. 1 to 16, the master unit 21 and the meter 23 are wired and connected by an electric wire PL, but the master unit 21 and the meter 23 may be wirelessly connected.

[0147] In the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16, the meter 23 is connected to the master unit 21, but the meter 23 does not have to be connected to the master unit 21.

[0148] In the embodiment described with reference to Figs. 1 to 16, the second acquisition process is maintenance communication, but the second acquisition process does not have to be maintenance communication. In this case, the second period is not limited to one day. The second period may be any period longer than the first period. For example, the second period may be 12 hours or 48 hours. [Industrial Applicability]

[0149] The present invention provides a communication terminal and a communication system, and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 11: Center device 21: Parent unit 22: Child unit 23: Meter 100: Communication system (telemetry system) 211: Control unit 212: Storage section 213a :N1 communication department 213b:N2 communication department 214: Connection 221: Control unit 222: Storage section 223: N2 Communications Department 224: Connection

Claims

1. A connection unit that is communicatively connected to the measuring device; a processing unit that executes a first acquisition process to acquire a measurement result from the measuring device via the connection unit for each first period; Equipped with the processing unit determines whether or not a disallowance condition for disallowing execution of the first acquisition process is satisfied, and when it is determined that the disallowance condition is satisfied, stops the execution of the first acquisition process; the disallowance condition includes a condition indicating that the measurement result has not been continuously obtained from the measuring device a first specified number of times or more, The processing unit stops execution of the first acquisition process when it determines that the measurement result has not been acquired from the measuring device consecutively for the first specified number of times or more.

2. A communication unit that is communicably connected to a management device, The communication terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit, when it is determined that the non-permission condition is satisfied, transmits a message having predetermined content to the management device via the communication unit.

3. 3. The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit, after stopping the execution of the first acquisition process, determines whether a restart condition for restarting the execution of the first acquisition process is satisfied, and if it determines that the restart condition is satisfied, restarts the execution of the first acquisition process.

4. A communication unit that is communicably connected to a management device, The communication terminal according to claim 3 , wherein when the processing unit determines that the restart condition is satisfied, the processing unit transmits, via the communication unit, to the management device, a message indicating that execution of the first acquisition process has been restarted.

5. the processing unit executes a second acquisition process to acquire the measurement result from the measuring device via the connection unit for each second period that is longer than the first period; determining whether or not the measurement result has been acquired from the measuring device by the second acquisition process after the execution of the first acquisition process has been stopped; The communication terminal according to claim 1 , wherein when it is determined that the measurement result has been acquired from the measuring device by the second acquisition process, the communication terminal resumes the first acquisition process.

6. A communication unit that is communicably connected to a management device, 6. The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit, when receiving a first setting value, which is a setting value of the first specified number of times, from the management device via the communication unit, sets the first specified number of times to the first setting value.

7. the disallowance condition includes a condition indicating that the same measurement result has been obtained consecutively from the measuring device a second specified number of times or more, 7. The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit stops execution of the first acquisition process when it determines that the measurement result having the same value has been acquired from the measuring device consecutively for a second specified number of times or more.

8. the processing unit executes a second acquisition process to acquire the measurement result from the measuring device via the connection unit for each second period that is longer than the first period; determining whether or not the second acquisition process after the execution of the first acquisition process has been stopped has acquired the measurement result having a value different from the last measurement result before the first acquisition process was stopped; The communication terminal according to claim 7 , wherein the first acquisition process is resumed when it is determined that the measurement result having a value different from the last measurement result before the first acquisition process was stopped has been acquired.

9. A communication unit that is communicably connected to a management device, 9. The communication terminal according to claim 7, wherein the processing unit, when receiving a second setting value, which is a setting value of the second specified number of times, from the management device via the communication unit, sets the second specified number of times to the second setting value.

10. A connection unit that is communicatively connected to the measuring device; a processing unit that executes a first acquisition process to acquire a measurement result from the measuring device via the connection unit for each first period; Equipped with the processing unit determines whether or not a disallowance condition for disallowing execution of the first acquisition process is satisfied, and when it is determined that the disallowance condition is satisfied, stops the execution of the first acquisition process; the disallowance condition includes a condition indicating that the measurement result has been acquired such that a difference value from the previous measurement result is equal to or greater than a first threshold value; the measuring device is a gas meter, When the processing unit determines that the measurement result has been acquired in which the difference value is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the processing unit stops execution of the first acquisition process and instructs the gas meter via the connection unit to stop the flow of gas.

11. A communication unit that is communicably connected to a management device, The communication terminal according to claim 10 , wherein the processing unit, when receiving a third setting value that is a setting value of the first threshold value from the management device via the communication unit, sets the first threshold value to the third setting value.

12. A connection unit that is communicatively connected to the measuring device; a processing unit that executes a first acquisition process to acquire a measurement result from the measuring device via the connection unit for each first period; Equipped with the processing unit determines whether or not a disallowance condition for disallowing execution of the first acquisition process is satisfied, and when it is determined that the disallowance condition is satisfied, stops the execution of the first acquisition process; the disallowance condition includes a condition indicating that the measurement result, the difference value of which from the immediately previous measurement result is less than a second threshold, has been continuously acquired a third specified number of times or more, the measuring device is a gas meter, When the processing unit determines that the measurement result in which the difference value is less than the second threshold value has been obtained consecutively a third specified number of times or more, the processing unit stops execution of the first acquisition process and instructs the gas meter via the connection unit to stop the flow of gas.

13. A communication unit that is communicably connected to a management device, The communication terminal according to claim 12 , wherein the processing unit, when receiving a fourth setting value that is a setting value of the second threshold value from the management device via the communication unit, sets the second threshold value to the fourth setting value.

14. A communication terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 13, A management device communicably connected to the communication terminal; Equipped with The communication terminal transmits the measurement result acquired by the first acquisition process to the management device.

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