Surveillance Systems and Repeaters

Abstract

To provide a monitoring system which prevents a signal transmitted from a detector for detecting abnormality from being erroneously recognized as an overlapping signal and prevents processing corresponding to this signal from being not performed, and a receiver.SOLUTION: A fire monitoring system 1 includes a slave unit 10a and a relay 20. The slave unit 10a includes: a generation section for generating a signal; a determination section for determining a different value each time a new signal is generated; and a transmission section for transmitting a signal including this value. The relay 20 includes: a reception section for receiving a first signal and a second signal from an alarm within a predetermined time; and a limitation section for limiting processing corresponding to one of the first signal and the second signal in a case where the first signal and the second signal includes the same value and the first signal and the second signal are transmitted from the same slave unit 10a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for monitoring abnormalities.

Background Art

[0002] A wireless sensor sets a serial number in a telegram and transmits it. When a repeater receives a telegram from the wireless sensor, it sets an update prohibition range, and then does not perform reception processing even when receiving a telegram with a serial number that falls within the update prohibition range (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As a method of preventing processing from being performed in response to duplicate signals, for example, a detector that detects an abnormality includes different values in the signal each time it transmits the signal, and a receiver that receives this signal determines whether the signal is a duplicate signal based on the values included in the currently received signal and the previously received signal, and does not perform processing on the duplicate signal. However, in this method, since it is determined whether the signal is a duplicate signal only based on the values included in the signal, there are cases where, even though the signals are different, they are misrecognized as duplicate signals and no processing is performed.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to prevent a signal transmitted from a detector that detects an abnormality from being misrecognized as a duplicate signal and no processing being performed in response to this signal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a monitoring system including a detector and a receiver for detecting an abnormality, wherein the detector includes a generation unit configured to generate a signal, a determination unit configured to determine a different value each time a new signal is generated, and a transmission unit configured to transmit the signal including the value, and the receiver includes a reception unit configured to receive a first signal and a second signal from the detector within a predetermined time, and a restriction unit configured to restrict processing according to one of the first signal and the second signal when the first signal and the second signal include the same value and are transmitted from the same detector.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent misrecognition that signals transmitted from a detector for detecting an abnormality are duplicate signals and to prevent processing according to such signals from being performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] 1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a fire monitoring system 1. The fire monitoring system 1 is a system for monitoring the occurrence of a fire. The fire monitoring system 1 is an example of the monitoring system according to the present invention. The fire monitoring system 1 is composed of a plurality of groups. When a fire occurs, the fire monitoring system 1 issues an alarm about the occurrence of the fire in a coordinated manner within and between the groups.

[0010] The fire monitoring system 1 includes a plurality of alarms 10 that function as slave units (hereinafter referred to as "slave units 10a"), a plurality of alarms 10 that function as master units (hereinafter referred to as "master units 10b"), and a plurality of repeaters 20. Each group includes at least one slave unit 10a, one master unit 10b, and one repeater 20.

[0011] The slave unit 10a, the master unit 10b, and the repeater 20 belonging to the same group are wirelessly connected. Each repeater 20 is connected to at least one other predetermined repeater 20 by wire or wirelessly. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the repeater 20 of group A and the repeater 20 of group B are connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0012] The alarm 10 is installed on the ceiling or wall of a building to be managed, such as a house, a commercial building, or an office building, and detects a fire and gives an alarm. The alarm 10 may be any device that detects a fire and gives an alarm, such as a residential fire alarm or a fire sensor. A fire is an example of an abnormality according to the present invention. The alarm 10 is an example of a detector according to the present invention. The master unit 10b is installed at a position where it can communicate wirelessly with a plurality of slave units 10a and repeaters 20, and transfers the signal received from the slave unit 10a to the repeater 20.

[0013] The repeater 20 relays signals between the alarms 10 in the same group and the alarms 10 in other groups in order to alarm the occurrence of a fire in a coordinated manner between groups. The repeater 20 transfers the signal received from the alarm 10 in the same group to the repeater 20 in other groups. Also, the repeater 20 transfers the signal received from the repeater 20 in other groups to the alarm 10 in the same group. The repeater 20 is an example of a receiver according to the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the alarm 10. The alarm 10 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, a communication unit 103, an operation unit 104, a display unit 105, a sound output unit 106, a fire detection unit 107, and a power supply unit 108. Each unit of the alarm 10 is connected via a bus or a power line.

[0015] The control unit 101 controls each part of the alarm 10 and performs various processes. The control unit 101 includes a processor such as a CPU, for example, and performs control of each part and various processes by executing a program stored in the storage unit 102 by the processor. The storage unit 102 includes a volatile memory such as a RAM and a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM. The non-volatile memory stores various data such as a program for realizing the functions of the alarm 10, a group ID of the group to which the alarm 10 belongs, an address uniquely identifying the alarm 10 within the group, log data indicating the operation history of the alarm, and device-specific information. This address is, for example, a number sequentially assigned to a plurality of alarms 10 belonging to the same group. The log data includes the number of times the alarm 10 has been powered on. The device-specific information includes a serial number that uniquely identifies the alarm 10. This serial number is an example of the identification information according to the present invention. The communication unit 103 is a communication interface for performing wireless communication with other devices according to a wireless communication standard. The communication unit 103 includes, for example, an antenna and a transmission / reception circuit.

[0016] The operation unit 104 inputs an operation signal according to the operation of the operator to the control unit 101. The operation unit 104 includes, for example, operation buttons. The display unit 105 displays various information. The display unit 105 includes, for example, a plurality of LEDs with different emission colors, and shows various information by the lighting pattern of each LED. The sound output unit 106 outputs various alarm sounds and voice messages. The sound output unit 106 includes, for example, a speaker. The fire detection unit 107 detects a fire by measuring a physical quantity that changes with the fire. The fire detection method is, for example, a photoelectric type or a fixed temperature type. In the case of the photoelectric type, the fire detection unit 107 measures and outputs the surrounding smoke density. In the case of the fixed temperature type, the fire detection unit 107 measures and outputs the surrounding temperature. Note that the fire detection method is not limited to the photoelectric type or the fixed temperature type, and any method that can detect a fire, such as an infrared type or a composite type, may be used. The power supply unit 108 supplies power to each part of the alarm 10. The power supply unit 108 includes, for example, a battery and a power supply circuit.

[0017] The control unit 101 functions as a generation unit 111, a determination unit 112, a transmission unit 113, a reception unit 114, and a transfer unit 115. These functions are realized by the processor of the control unit 101 executing the program stored in the storage unit 102 to perform calculations or control each part of the alarm device 10.

[0018] When an event that requires signal transmission occurs, the generation unit 111 generates a signal corresponding to the event. This event is an event related to fire monitoring and includes, for example, fire detection, execution instruction for interlock inspection, fire recovery instruction, and alarm stop instruction. This interlock inspection refers to a test that simulates the occurrence of a fire and checks whether alarms are normally issued in a coordinated manner within and between groups. The signal is a signal related to fire monitoring and includes, for example, a fire signal, an interlock inspection signal, a fire recovery signal, and an alarm stop signal.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the signal format. The signal includes a group ID, destination information, a source address, and status information. The group ID indicates the group to which the alarm device 10 of the signal source belongs. The group ID is used for the alarm device 10 and the repeater 20 to receive signals corresponding to events occurring within the group. The destination information indicates the destination of the signal. The source address indicates the source of the signal. The source of this signal refers to the alarm device 10 that first transmits the signal. Therefore, even when the signal is transferred by another alarm device 10 or repeater 20, the source address is the address of the alarm device 10 that first transmitted the signal, rather than the address of the other alarm device 10 or repeater 20. Also, the source address is used for determining signal duplication. The status information indicates the content of the signal. The status information includes an event counter used for determining signal duplication. Note that the signal format shown in FIG. 3 is an example and is not limited thereto. The signal format may be any format as long as it includes an event counter and the signal source can be recognized.

[0020] Returning to FIG. 2, every time a new signal is generated by the generation unit 111, the determination unit 112 determines a value of a different event counter. For example, the event counter is stored in the volatile memory of the storage unit 102. The determination unit 112 determines the value of the event counter by adding a predetermined value to the value of the previous event counter stored in the volatile memory of the storage unit 102. Then, the determination unit 112 adds this event counter to the signal generated by the generation unit 111.

[0021] Since the value of the event counter is stored in the volatile memory of the storage unit 102, it is erased when the power of the alarm 10 is turned off, and returns to the initial value after the subsequent power-on of the alarm 10. If the initial value is a fixed value such as 0, in the alarm 10 when the power is turned on, the values of the event counters will all be the same. Therefore, in order to vary the value of the event counter when the power is turned on, the determination unit 112, when a signal is first generated after the power-on of the alarm 10, determines the initial value of the event counter using the number of power-on times and the serial number stored in the non-volatile memory of the storage unit 102.

[0022] The serial number is different for each alarm 10. Therefore, by determining the initial value using the serial number, it is possible to suppress the initial values of the event counters from becoming the same value among a plurality of alarms 10. The number of power-on times changes every time the power of the alarm 10 is turned on. Therefore, by determining the initial value using the number of power-on times, it is possible to suppress the initial values of the event counters from becoming the same value every time the power of one alarm 10 is turned on.

[0023] For example, the determination unit 112 calculates the initial value of the event counter by the following formula. Initial value of event counter = 128 + (the first digit from the right of the serial number × 10 + the second digit from the right of the serial number) % 128 - (the number of power-on times % 16) × 8 Here, "%" indicates the remainder. For example, assuming the serial number is "45612" and the number of power - on times is 20, the initial value of the event counter is 128+(2×10 + 1)%128-(20%16)×8 = 117.

[0024] Note that the coefficients, constants, and operators included in the above - mentioned formulas are just examples and are not limited to these. Any formula can be used as long as it calculates the initial value of the event counter using the serial number and the number of power - on times.

[0025] The transmitting unit 113 wirelessly transmits the signal generated by the generating unit 111. This signal includes the event counter with the value determined by the determining unit 112. As described above, since the event counter returns to the initial value when the power is turned on, the signal transmitted first after the power is turned on includes the event counter with the initial value. The receiving unit 114 wirelessly receives signals from other alarms 10. The forwarding unit 115 forwards the signals received from other alarms 10 to the repeater 20 and further to other alarms 10. This is to enable these devices to receive the signals transmitted from this alarm 10 even when the repeater 20 and other alarms 10 belonging to the same group are installed outside the wireless communication range of the other alarm 10 that transmitted the signal.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the repeater 20. The repeater 20 includes a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, a communication unit 203, and a power supply unit 204. Each part of the repeater 20 is connected via a bus or a power line. The control unit 201, the storage unit 202, the communication unit 203, and the power supply unit 204 are basically the same as the control unit 101, the storage unit 102, the communication unit 103, and the power supply unit 108 of the alarm 10, respectively. Note that the repeater 20 may be provided with an operation unit, a display unit, and a sound output unit, similar to the alarm 10.

[0027] The control unit 201 functions as a receiving unit 211, a relay unit 212, a determination unit 213, and a restriction unit 214. These functions are realized by the processor of the control unit 201 executing the program stored in the storage unit 202 to perform calculations or control each part of the repeater 20.

[0028] The receiving unit 211 receives a signal from the alarm 10. The relay unit 212 transfers the signal received by the receiving unit 211 to other repeaters 20. For example, the relay unit 212 of the repeater 20 in group A transfers the signal received by the receiving unit 211 to the repeater 20 in group B.

[0029] The determination unit 213 determines whether the first signal and the second signal received by the receiving unit 211 within a predetermined time overlap. The second signal may be a signal received following the first signal, or a signal received within a predetermined time after the first signal is received. For example, when the first signal and the second signal include event counters with the same value and are transmitted from the same alarm 10, the determination unit 213 determines that the first signal and the second signal overlap. On the other hand, when the first signal and the second signal include event counters with different values from each other, or are transmitted from different alarms 10 from each other, the determination unit 213 determines that the first signal and the second signal do not overlap. Whether the first signal and the second signal include event counters with the same value is determined by comparing the value of the event counter included in the first signal with the value of the event counter included in the second signal. Whether the first signal and the second signal are transmitted from the same alarm 10 is determined by comparing the transmission source address included in the first signal with the transmission source address included in the second signal.

[0030] When the determination unit 213 determines that the first signal and the second signal overlap, the restriction unit 214 restricts the process corresponding to one of the first signal and the second signal. For example, when the determination unit 213 determines that the first signal and the second signal do not overlap, the restriction unit 214 permits the relay unit 212 to transfer each of the first signal and the second signal. On the other hand, when the determination unit 213 determines that the first signal and the second signal overlap, the restriction unit 214 prohibits the relay unit 212 from transferring the second signal received later. As a method of prohibiting this transfer, for example, there is a method of discarding the second signal.

[0031] 2. Operation FIG. 5 is a sequence chart showing an example of the operation of the fire monitoring system 1. Here, the operation when an event requiring signal transmission occurs in the slave unit 10a of group A will be described as an example.

[0032] When an event requiring signal transmission occurs in the slave unit 10a of group A in step S11, the generation unit 111 of this slave unit 10a generates a signal corresponding to this event in step S12. This signal includes the group ID of group A, destination information, and the transmission source address. The transmission source address is the address of the slave unit 10a that generates an event and transmits a signal. In step S13, the determination unit 112 of this slave unit 10a determines the value of the event counter and adds the event counter with the determined value to the signal generated in step S12. In step S14, the transmission unit 113 of this slave unit 10a transmits this signal wirelessly. Since the group ID included in the signal matches the group ID stored in the storage unit 102 of the master unit 10b of group A, the reception unit 114 of the master unit 10b receives the signal transmitted from the slave unit 10a. When receiving the signal, the master unit 10b performs processing corresponding to this signal.

[0033] Also, in steps S15 and S16, after confirming that the transmission of the signal from the slave unit 10a, which is the signal transmission source, has stopped, the transfer unit 115 of the master unit 10b wirelessly transfers this signal to other slave units 10a in group A and the repeater 20. Since the group ID included in this signal matches the group ID stored in the storage unit 102 of this slave unit 10a, the receiving unit 114 of other slave units 10a in group A receives the signal transferred from the master unit 10b. When receiving the signal, the other slave units 10a perform processing according to this signal. Similarly, since the group ID included in this signal matches the group ID stored in the storage unit 202, the receiving unit 211 of the repeater 20 in group A also receives the signal transferred from the master unit 10b.

[0034] In step S17, the receiving unit 211 of this repeater 20 stores the received signal in the storage unit 202. The signal stored in the storage unit 202 is used for determining signal duplication, which will be described later. The signal stored in the storage unit 202 is deleted after a predetermined time has elapsed. This is because after a predetermined time has elapsed, the possibility of receiving duplicate signals is low. Note that instead of storing the signal itself, only the event counter and the transmission source address included in the signal may be stored. In step S18, the determination unit 213 of this repeater 20 determines whether the currently received signal duplicates the previously received signal. The previously received signal is stored in the storage unit 202. For example, if the value of the event counter included in the currently received signal is different from the value of the event counter included in the previously received signal, or if the transmission source address included in the currently received signal is different from the transmission source address included in the previously received signal, the determination unit 213 determines that the currently received signal does not duplicate the previously received signal (the determination in step S18 is NO). When it is determined that the currently received signal does not duplicate the previously received signal, the process proceeds to step S19.

[0035] In step S19, the restriction unit 214 of this repeater 20 permits the relay processing of the signal received this time. In step S20, the relay unit 212 of this repeater 20 transfers the signal received this time to the repeater 20 in group B. The receiving unit 211 of the repeater 20 in group B receives the signal transferred from the repeater 20 in group A. In step S21, the relay unit 212 of the repeater 20 in group B transfers this signal to the alarm 10 in group B. When receiving the signal, the alarm 10 in group B performs processing according to this signal.

[0036] On the other hand, in step S18 described above, when the value of the event counter included in the signal received this time is the same as the value of the event counter included in the signal received last time, and the source address included in the signal received this time is the same as the source address included in the signal received last time, the determination unit 213 of the repeater 20 in group A determines that the signal received this time duplicates the signal received last time (the determination in step S18 is YES). When it is determined that the signal received this time duplicates the signal received last time, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0037] In step S22, the restriction unit 214 of this repeater 20 prohibits the relay processing of the signal received this time. For example, the restriction unit 214 discards the signal received this time. As a result, this signal is not supplied to the relay unit 212 and is not transferred.

[0038] (Operation Example 1) In Operation Example 1, after the power supplies of all the alarms 10 in Group A are turned on simultaneously, taking the case where the second slave unit 10a in Group A detects a fire after the interlock inspection is performed in the first slave unit 10a in Group A as an example, an explanation will be given. When the operator uses the operation unit 104 of the first slave unit 10a to perform an operation instructing the execution of the interlock inspection, in step S11, an execution instruction for the interlock inspection is input to the first slave unit 10a. When the execution instruction for the interlock inspection is input, an alarm notifying the occurrence of a fire is output from the display unit 105 and the sound output unit 106 of the first slave unit 10a. In step S12, an interlock inspection signal instructing the execution of the interlock inspection is generated. This interlock inspection signal includes the address of the first slave unit 10a as the transmission source address. Since this interlock inspection signal is the first signal generated after the power is turned on, in step S13, the initial value of the event counter is determined using the serial number and the number of times the power has been turned on of the first slave unit 10a and is added to the interlock inspection signal. In step S14, this interlock inspection signal is wirelessly transmitted from the first slave unit 10a.

[0039] In steps S15 and S16, the interlock inspection signal is transferred from the master unit 10b in Group A to the other slave units 10a and the repeater 20 in Group A. When the interlock inspection signal is received, an alarm notifying the occurrence of a fire is output from the respective display units 105 and sound output units 106 of the master unit 10b and the other slave units 10a.

[0040] In step S17, the interlock check signal is stored in the storage unit 202 of the repeater 20 in group A. Since at least one of the previously received signal, the value of the event counter, and the source address is different from this interlock check signal, in step S18, it is determined that the interlock check signal does not overlap with the previously received signal (the determination in step S18 is NO). In this case, the process proceeds to step S19, and the relay process of the interlock check signal is permitted. In step S20, the interlock check signal is transferred from the repeater 20 in group A to the repeater 20 in group B. In step S21, the interlock check signal is transferred from the repeater 20 in group B to the alarm 10 within group B. When the interlock check signal is received, an alarm notifying the occurrence of a fire is output from the display unit 105 and the sound output unit 106 of each alarm 10 within group B.

[0041] Subsequently, when the fire detection unit 107 of the second slave unit 10a in group A detects a fire, in step S11, a fire is detected. When a fire is detected, an alarm notifying the occurrence of the fire is output from the display unit 105 and the sound output unit 106 of the second slave unit 10a. In step S12, a fire signal notifying the occurrence of the fire is generated. This fire signal includes the address of the second slave unit 10a as the source address. In step S13, since the value of the event counter is determined for the first time after the power is turned on, the initial value of the event counter is determined using the serial number of the second slave unit 10a and the number of times the power is turned on, and is added to the fire signal. Here, since the serial number of the second slave unit 10a and the serial number of the first slave unit 10a are different from each other, an initial value different from the initial value of the event counter of the above-described interlock check signal is determined. In step S14, this fire signal is wirelessly transmitted from the second slave unit 10a.

[0042] In steps S15 and S16, the fire signal is transferred from the master unit 10b in group A to the other slave units 10a and the repeaters 20 in group A. When the fire signal is received, an alarm notifying the occurrence of the fire is output from the display unit 105 and the sound output unit 106 of each of the master unit 10b and the other slave units 10a.

[0043] In step S17, a fire signal is stored in the storage unit 202 of the repeater 20 in group A. As described above, since the serial number of the first slave unit 10a and the serial number of the second slave unit 10a are different from each other, the initial value of the event counter of the fire signal received this time and the initial value of the event counter of the interlock inspection signal received last time are different from each other. Also, since the transmission source address of the fire signal is the address of the second slave unit 10a, while the transmission source address of the interlock inspection signal is the address of the first slave unit 10a, these transmission source addresses are also different from each other. Therefore, in step S18, since the fire signal received this time is different from the interlock inspection signal received last time in both the value of the event counter and the transmission source address, it is determined that there is no duplication (the determination in step S18 is NO). In this case, the process proceeds to step S19, and the relay process of the fire signal is permitted. In step S20, the fire signal is transferred from the repeater 20 in group A to the repeater 20 in group B. In step S21, the fire signal is transferred from the repeater 20 in group B to the alarm device 10 within group B. When the fire signal is received, an alarm notifying the occurrence of a fire is output from the display unit 105 and the sound output unit 106 of each alarm device 10 within group B.

[0044] If the initial value of the event counter is a fixed value of 0 and the duplication of the signal is determined using only the event counter, since the initial value of the event counter of the interlock inspection signal and the initial value of the event counter of the fire signal are both 0 and the same, the fire signal is determined to be duplicated with the interlock inspection signal even though the fire signal and the interlock inspection signal are different signals. In that case, the fire signal is discarded and not transferred to the repeater 20 and the alarm device 10 in group B. As a result, the alarm device 10 in group B does not issue an interlocked fire alarm. However, in the operation example 1 described above, since the initial value of the event counter varies depending on the serial number of the alarm device 10 and the number of power-on times, and the duplication of the signal is determined using both the event counter and the transmission source address, as described above, the fire signal is determined not to be duplicated with the interlock inspection signal. Thereby, the fire signal is transferred to the repeater 20 and the alarm device 10 in group B, and the alarm device 10 in group B also issues an interlocked fire alarm.

[0045] (Operation Example 2) In Operation Example 2, after the interlock inspection is performed on the first slave unit 10a of Group A, and after the battery is once removed and the power is re - turned on, the case where the first slave unit 10a detects a fire will be described as an example. When the operator uses the operation unit 104 of the first slave unit 10a to instruct the execution of the interlock inspection, the processes of steps S11 to S21 are performed in the same manner as in Operation Example 1 described above.

[0046] When the interlock inspection is completed, the operator removes the battery of the first slave unit 10a once and then turns on the power again. Subsequently, when the fire detection unit 107 of the first slave unit 10a detects a fire, in step S11, a fire is detected. When a fire is detected, an alarm notifying the occurrence of the fire is output from the display unit 105 and the sound output unit 106 of the first slave unit 10a. In step S12, a fire signal notifying the occurrence of the fire is generated. This fire signal includes the address of the first slave unit 10a as the source address. Since this fire signal is the first signal generated after the power is turned on, in step S13, the initial value of the event counter is determined using the serial number and the number of power - on times of the first slave unit 10a and is added to the fire signal. Since the number of power - on times of the first slave unit 10a changes before and after the power is re - turned on, an initial value different from the initial value of the event counter before the power is turned on is determined. In step S14, this fire signal is wirelessly transmitted from the first slave unit 10a.

[0047] In steps S15 and S16, the fire signal is transferred from the master unit 10b of Group A to the other slave units 10a of Group A and the repeater 20. When the fire signal is received, an alarm notifying the occurrence of the fire is output from the respective display units 105 and sound output units 106 of the master unit 10b and the other slave units 10a.

[0048] In step S17, a fire signal is stored in the storage unit 202 of the repeater 20 in group A. As described above, since the number of times the first slave unit 10a is powered on changes before and after the power is restored, even if not only the event counter of the fire signal received this time but also the event counter of the interlock inspection signal received last time has an initial value, these initial values are different from each other. Therefore, in step S18, since the event counter value of the fire signal received this time is different from that of the interlock inspection signal received last time, it is determined that there is no overlap with the interlock inspection signal received last time (the determination in step S18 is NO). In this case, the process proceeds to step S19, and the relay process of the fire signal is permitted. In step S20, the fire signal is transferred from the repeater 20 in group A to the repeater 20 in group B. In step S21, the fire signal is transferred from the repeater 20 in group B to the alarm 10 within group B. When the fire signal is received, an alarm notifying the occurrence of a fire is output from the display unit 105 and the sound output unit 106 of each alarm 10 within group B.

[0049] If the initial value of the event counter is a fixed value of 0, there is a possibility that the initial value of the event counter of the interlock inspection signal and the initial value of the event counter of the fire signal are both 0 and the same. Therefore, even though the fire signal and the interlock inspection signal are different signals, the fire signal may be determined to overlap with the interlock inspection signal. In that case, the fire signal is discarded and not transferred to the repeater 20 and the alarm 10 in group B. As a result, the alarm 10 in group B does not issue a fire alarm in conjunction. However, in the above-described operation example 2, since the initial value of the event counter varies depending on the serial number of the alarm 10 and the number of times the power is turned on, as described above, the fire signal is determined not to overlap with the interlock inspection signal. As a result, the fire signal is transferred to the repeater 20 and the alarm 10 in group B, and the alarm 10 in group B also issues a fire alarm in conjunction.

[0050] (Operation Example 3) In Operation Example 3, the repeater 20 of Group A is installed within the wireless communication ranges of both the first slave unit 10a and the master unit 10b of Group A and can receive signals from both the first slave unit 10a and the master unit 10b. A case where the first slave unit 10a detects a fire will be described as an example.

[0051] When the fire detection unit 107 of the first slave unit 10a detects a fire, in step S11, a fire is detected. When a fire is detected, an alarm notifying the occurrence of the fire is output from the display unit 105 and the sound output unit 106 of the first slave unit 10a. In step S12, a fire signal notifying the occurrence of the fire is generated. This signal includes the address of the first slave unit 10a as the transmission source address. In step S13, since the signal is not generated for the first time after the power of the first slave unit 10a is turned on, the value of the event counter is determined by adding a predetermined value to the value of the previous event counter and is added to the fire signal. In step S14, this fire signal is wirelessly transmitted from the first slave unit 10a.

[0052] In steps S15 and S16, the fire signal is transferred from the master unit 10b of Group A to the other slave units 10a and the repeater 20 of Group A. When the fire signal is received, an alarm notifying the occurrence of the fire is output from the respective display units 105 and sound output units 106 of the master unit 10b and the other slave units 10a.

[0053] Here, since the repeater 20 is installed within the wireless communication range of the first slave unit 10a, first, the fire signal from the first slave unit 10a (hereinafter referred to as the "first fire signal") is directly received. Subsequently, when the fire signal is transferred from the master unit 10b, the repeater 20 also receives the fire signal transferred from the master unit 10b (hereinafter referred to as the "second fire signal"). In step S17, the first fire signal and the second fire signal are stored in the storage unit 202 of the repeater 20 of Group A.

[0054] In step S18, it is determined whether the first fire signal received earlier duplicates the signal received last time. Since the first fire signal is different from the previously received signal in at least one of the value of the event counter and the source address, it is determined that it does not duplicate the previously received signal (the determination in step S18 is NO). In this case, the process proceeds to step S19, and the relay process of the first fire signal is permitted. In step S20, the first fire signal is transferred from the repeater 20 in group A to the repeater 20 in group B. In step S21, the first fire signal is transferred from the repeater 20 in group B to the alarm 10 within group B. When the first fire signal is received, an alarm notifying the occurrence of a fire is output from the display unit 105 and the sound output unit 106 of each alarm 10 within group B.

[0055] Subsequently, in step S18, it is determined whether the second fire signal received later duplicates the first fire signal. Since the second fire signal is the one that transferred the first fire signal, the value of the event counter is the same as that of the first fire signal. Also, for both the first fire signal and the second fire signal, the source address is the first slave unit 10a. Then, since the second fire signal has the same value of the event counter as the first fire signal and the same source address, it is determined that it duplicates the first fire signal (the determination in step S18 is YES). In this case, the process proceeds to step S22, the relay process of the second fire signal is prohibited, and it is not transferred to the repeater 20 and the alarm 10 in group B. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the fire alarm from being duplicated in response to the second fire signal in the alarm 10 in group B.

[0056] According to the above-described embodiments, since the duplication of signals is determined using both the event counter and the source address, it is possible to prevent the signal transmitted from the alarm device 10 from being misrecognized as a duplicate signal and the processing corresponding to this signal from not being performed. Further, since the initial value of the event counter is determined using the serial number of the alarm device 10, it is possible to suppress the misjudgment that different signals transmitted from these alarm devices 10 are duplicate signals when the power supplies of a plurality of alarm devices 10 are turned on, as compared with the case where the initial value is a fixed value. Furthermore, since the initial value of the event counter is determined using the number of times the power supply of the alarm device 10 is turned on, it is possible to suppress the misjudgment that a signal transmitted before the power supply of a single alarm device 10 is turned on again and a different signal transmitted after the power supply is turned on again are duplicate signals, as compared with the case where the initial value is a fixed value. Furthermore, when the signal received this time duplicates the signal received last time, the transfer of the signal to other repeaters 20 is prohibited, so that it is possible to prevent duplicate processing corresponding to the duplicate signal from being performed in the group to which the other repeaters 20 belong. Furthermore, since the value of the event counter is not stored in the non-volatile memory of the storage unit 102 in the alarm device 10, the amount of data stored in the non-volatile memory can be reduced. Also, if the value of the event counter were stored in the non-volatile memory of the storage unit 102 before and after the wireless transmission of the signal, power fluctuations might occur during the wireless transmission of the signal, and there would be a risk that the correct value of the event counter would not be stored in the non-volatile memory. However, in the above-described embodiments, since the value of the event counter is not stored in the non-volatile memory of the storage unit 102, it is possible to prevent such problems from occurring.

[0057] 3. Modification Example The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The above-described embodiments may be modified and implemented as follows. The embodiments and the modification examples may be used in combination or may be switched and used according to the execution. Similarly, the following modification examples may be used in combination or may be switched and used according to the execution.

[0058] In the above-described embodiment, the initial value of the event counter does not necessarily have to be determined using both the serial number and the number of power-on times. For example, the initial value of the event counter may be determined using either the serial number or the number of power-on times. Further, the initial value of the event counter may be determined using the identification information of the alarm device 10. This identification information includes, in addition to the above-described serial number, for example, the address of the alarm device 10, different digit values in the group ID depending on the alarm device 10, the manufacturing date and time, and the manufacturing control number. However, the identification information of the alarm device 10 is not limited to these pieces of information, and any information that can identify the alarm device 10 may be used. Furthermore, the initial value of the event counter may be determined using the operation history of the alarm device 10. This operation history includes, in addition to the above-described number of power-on times, for example, the power-on date and time, the number of test executions, and the time from when the power is turned on until the test instruction operation is first performed. The power-on date and time is the date and time when the power of the alarm device 10 was last turned on. The number of test executions is the number of times a test has been performed on the alarm device 10. This test may be all the tests performed on the alarm device 10, or may be a specific test such as an interlock inspection. The time from when the power is turned on until the test instruction operation is first performed is the time from when the power of the alarm device 10 is turned on until an operation instructing the execution of a test is performed. In addition, any information may be used as long as it is different for each alarm device 10 or is likely to change each time the power is turned on. Furthermore, the initial value of the event counter may be determined using an event code determined according to the content of the transmitted signal. For example, when the transmitted signal is a fire signal, a first event code is determined, and the initial value of the event counter is determined using the first event code. When the transmitted signal is an interlock inspection signal, a second event code is determined, and the initial value of the event counter is determined using the second event code. When the transmitted signal is a fire recovery signal, a third event code is determined, and the initial value of the event counter is determined using the third event code. These event codes each have different values. These pieces of information are different for each alarm device 10 or are likely to change each time the power is turned on.Therefore, by determining the initial value of the event counter using this information, it is possible to suppress the misjudgment that different signals transmitted from one or a plurality of alarms 10 are overlapping signals.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, the value of the event counter is determined by adding a predetermined value to the value of the previous event counter. However, the value of the above-described event code may be used as this predetermined value. That is, the value of the event counter may be determined by adding the value of the event code to the value of the previous event counter.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, when one alarm 10 transmits a signal, the same signal may be transmitted continuously a plurality of times. These signals all have the same value of the event counter and the same transmission source address. When the same signal is transmitted a plurality of times from the alarm 10, the repeater 20 may receive this signal a plurality of times. However, as described above, since these signals all have the same value of the event counter and the same transmission source address, the signals received after the second time are determined as overlapping signals, and the process of transferring them to other repeaters 20 is not performed. As a result, it is possible to prevent overlapping processes from being performed in accordance with overlapping signals in the group to which the other repeaters 20 belong.

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, the time until the signal stored in the storage unit 202 is deleted, that is, the time during which the signal stored in the storage unit 202 is held, may be changed depending on the signal.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, depending on the event counter and the content of the signal included in the signal, the presence or absence of a confirmation response of this signal by the repeater 20 may be selected.

[0063] In the above-described embodiment, the alarm contents of the slave unit 10a, the master unit 10b, and the repeater 20 are examples and are not limited thereto. For example, in the repeater 20 as well as in the alarm 10, an alarm may be output.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, the repeater 20 may not be provided, and the alarm 10 may function as the repeater 20. For example, the fire monitoring system 1 may include only the slave unit 10a and the master unit 10b, and the master unit 10b may have the function of the repeater 20. In this case, the master unit 10b further includes a receiving unit 211, a relay unit 212, a determination unit 213, and a restriction unit 214 instead of the repeater 20. When the master unit 10b receives a signal from the slave unit 10a within the group, it performs the same operation as the repeater 20. When the signals do not overlap, it transfers the signal to other slave units 10a in this group or the master units 10b in other groups. When the signals overlap, it does not transfer the overlapping signals. In this example, the master unit 10b functions as the receiver or the second detector according to the present invention. The slave unit 10a functions as the first detector according to the present invention.

[0065] Alternatively, the fire monitoring system 1 may include only the slave unit 10a, and the slave unit 10a may have the function of the repeater 20. In this case, the slave unit 10a further includes a receiving unit 211, a relay unit 212, a determination unit 213, and a restriction unit 214 instead of the repeater 20. When the slave unit 10a receives a signal from another slave unit 10a within the group, it performs the same operation as the repeater 20. When the signals do not overlap, it transfers the signal to other slave units 10a in this group or the slave units 10a in other groups. When the signals overlap, it does not transfer the overlapping signals. In this example, the slave unit 10a functions as the receiver or the second detector according to the present invention. The other slave units 10a function as the first detector according to the present invention.

[0066] The receiver according to the present invention is not limited to the repeater 20. For example, the receiver may be a device without a relay function. The receiver may be any device as long as it can receive a signal from the alarm 10 and perform processing according to the received signal. Further, the processing performed by the receiver is not limited to signal transfer, and may be any processing according to the signal, such as outputting an alarm by sound or light. Furthermore, the restriction of the processing is not limited to prohibiting signal transfer. The restriction of the processing may be prohibiting all or part of the processing, or may be a restriction on the processing amount or processing time.

[0067] The fire detector according to the present invention is not limited to the alarm 10 and does not necessarily need to give an alarm. For example, the fire detector may be a sensor or a fire sensor without an alarm function. Further, the present invention may be applied to an alarm system that alarms the occurrence of phenomena other than a fire. For example, the alarm 10 may be a gas alarm, a human sensor, or the like that detects a phenomenon other than a fire and gives an alarm. Those that detect a phenomenon other than a fire, such as a gas alarm and a human sensor, and give an alarm are also examples of the detector according to the present invention. In short, the detector according to the present invention may be any device as long as it can detect an abnormality. This abnormality is not limited to a fire and may be any abnormality such as a gas leak or the intrusion of a suspicious person.

[0068] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration of the fire monitoring system 1 is not limited to the above-described example. The fire monitoring system 1 may be configured to include one or more of the above-described devices, or may be configured without including some of the devices. For example, the fire monitoring system 1 does not necessarily need to include the slave unit 10a and the master unit 10b, and may include a plurality of alarms 10 without such distinction.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 101 of the alarm 10 includes circuits such as a DSP, an ASIC, a PLD, and an FPGA, and at least a part of the functions of the alarm 10 may be realized by this circuit. Similarly, the control unit 201 of the repeater 20 also includes this circuit, and at least a part of the functions of the repeater 20 may be realized by this circuit.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, the operation of the fire monitoring system 1 is not limited to the above-described example. The processing procedure of the fire monitoring system 1 may be changed in order as long as there is no contradiction. Also, some of the processing procedures of the fire monitoring system 1 may be omitted.

[0071] Another aspect of the present invention may provide a method having steps of processing performed in at least any one of the fire monitoring system 1, the slave unit 10a, the master unit 10b, and the repeater 20. Still another aspect of the present invention may provide a program executed in the slave unit 10a, the master unit 10b, and the repeater 20. This program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium or may be provided by downloading via the Internet or the like.

Explanation of Signs

[0072] 1: Fire monitoring system, 10: Alarm, 10a: Slave unit, 10b: Master unit, 20: Repeater, 101: Control unit, 102: Storage unit, 103: Communication unit, 104: Operation unit, 105: Display unit, 106: Sound output unit, 107: Fire detection unit, 108: Power supply unit, 111: Generation unit, 112: Decision unit, 113: Transmission unit, 114: Reception unit, 115: Transfer unit, 201: Control unit, 202: Storage unit, 203: Communication unit, 204: Power supply unit, 211: Reception unit, 212: Repeater unit, 213: Judgment unit, 214: Limiting unit

Claims

1. A monitoring system including a first detector, a second detector, and a repeater for detecting an abnormality, The first detector is A generation unit that generates a signal in response to an occurrence of an event related to the abnormality monitoring; a determination unit that uses an initial value to determine a counter value that changes sequentially according to a predetermined rule every time a new signal is generated; a transmission unit that transmits the signal including the counter value, The second detector is a transfer unit that transfers the signal received from the first detector, The repeater includes: a receiving unit that receives a plurality of the signals from the first detector and the second detector; a limiting unit that permits processing in response to a first signal among the plurality of signals, and limits processing in response to the second signal when a second signal received within a predetermined time after receiving the first signal includes the same counter value as the first signal and is transmitted from the same transmission source as the first signal, The counter value is reset every time the first detector is powered on; The determination unit determines the initial value by using an operation history of the first detector when the signal is generated for the first time after the first detector is powered on. Surveillance system.

2. A monitoring system comprising a first detector for detecting an abnormality and a repeater, The first detector is A generation unit that generates a signal in response to an occurrence of an event related to the abnormality monitoring; A determination unit that uses an initial value to determine a counter value that changes sequentially according to a predetermined rule every time a new signal is generated; a transmitting unit configured to transmit the signal including the counter value a plurality of times; The repeater includes: a receiving unit configured to receive the signal from the first detector a plurality of times; a restriction unit that permits processing according to an initially received signal among the signals received a plurality of times, and restricts processing according to the second or subsequent signals when a second or subsequent signal received within a predetermined time after the reception of the first signal contains the same counter value as the first received signal and is transmitted from the same transmission source as the first received signal, The counter value is reset every time the first detector is powered on; The determination unit determines the initial value by using an operation history of the first detector when the signal is generated for the first time after the first detector is powered on. Surveillance system.

3. The first detector, the second detector, and the repeater constitute a first group that outputs an alarm in conjunction with each other, The repeater further includes a repeater unit that transfers the first signal to another repeater that belongs to a second group that outputs an alarm in conjunction with the first group, The restriction unit prohibits the relay unit from transferring the second signal to the other relay devices belonging to the second group when the first signal and the second signal include the same counter value and the first signal and the second signal are transmitted from the same transmission source. The monitoring system of claim 1 .

4. The first detector and the repeater constitute a first group that outputs an alarm in conjunction with each other, The repeater further includes a repeater unit for transferring the initially received signal to another repeater belonging to a second group that outputs an alarm in conjunction with the first group, The restriction unit prohibits the relay unit from transferring the second or subsequent signal to the other relay devices belonging to the second group when the initially received signal and the second or subsequent signal contain the same counter value and the initially received signal and the second or subsequent signal are transmitted from the same transmission source. The monitoring system of claim 2.

5. The operation history includes the number of times the power is turned on or the date and time of power on. A monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The determination unit determines the initial value by using the operation history and identification information of the first detector. A monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A monitoring system including a first detector and a second detector for detecting an abnormality, The first detector is A generation unit that generates a signal in response to an occurrence of an event related to the abnormality monitoring; A determination unit that uses an initial value to determine a counter value that changes sequentially according to a predetermined rule every time a new signal is generated; a transmitting unit configured to transmit the signal including the counter value a plurality of times; The second detector is a receiving unit configured to receive the signal from the first detector a plurality of times; a restriction unit that permits processing according to an initially received signal among the signals received a plurality of times, and restricts processing according to the second or subsequent signals when a second or subsequent signal received within a predetermined time after the reception of the first signal contains the same counter value as the first received signal and is transmitted from the same transmission source as the first received signal, The counter value is reset every time the first detector is powered on; The determination unit determines the initial value by using an operation history of the first detector when the signal is generated for the first time after the first detector is powered on. Surveillance system.

8. A first detector for detecting the abnormality, the first detector comprising: a generating unit for generating a signal in response to the occurrence of an event related to abnormality monitoring; a determining unit for determining a counter value using an initial value, the counter value changing sequentially according to a predetermined rule each time a new signal is generated; and a transmitting unit for transmitting the signal including the counter value; a receiving unit for receiving a plurality of the signals from a second detector having a transmitting unit for transmitting the signals received from the first detector; a restriction unit that permits processing in response to a first signal among the plurality of signals, and restricts processing in response to the second signal when a second signal received within a predetermined time after receiving the first signal includes the same counter value as the first signal and is transmitted from the same transmission source as the first signal; Equipped with The counter value is reset every time the first detector is powered on; The determination unit determines the initial value by using an operation history of the first detector when the signal is generated for the first time after the first detector is powered on. Repeater.

9. A system including: a generating unit that generates a signal in response to the occurrence of an event related to abnormality monitoring; a determining unit that uses an initial value to determine a counter value that changes sequentially according to a predetermined rule each time a new signal is generated; and a transmitting unit that transmits the signal including the counter value multiple times; a receiving unit that receives the signal multiple times from a first detector that detects the abnormality; a restriction unit that permits processing according to an initially received signal among the signals received a plurality of times, and restricts processing according to the second or subsequent signals when a second or subsequent signal received within a predetermined time after the reception of the first signal contains the same counter value as the first received signal and is transmitted from the same transmission source as the first received signal; Equipped with The counter value is reset every time the first detector is powered on; The determination unit determines the initial value by using an operation history of the first detector when the signal is generated for the first time after the first detector is powered on. Repeater.

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