Wireless system, method for setting address value of wireless system, and gas meter

Abstract

To provide a radio system that includes a plurality of alarms, and enables the simplification of registration work related to an address value of each of the alarms, an address value setting method of the radio system, and a gas meter.SOLUTION: A radio system 1 is provided, performing transmission and reception of information by radio between each alarm 10 and a gas meter 20. Each alarm 10 comprises: a storage unit 13 that stores an address value; and a communication unit 11 that transmits the address value stored by a storage unit 13 when performing connection request to the gas meter 20. The gas meter 20 comprises: a control unit 22 that when an address value transmitted by the communication unit 11 is an initial value in the case that the connection request is performed, generates a unique address value for each alarm 10 to which the connection request has been performed; and a communication unit 21 that transmits the unique address value generated by the control unit 22 to each alarm 10. Each alarm 10 causes the storage unit 13 to store the unique address value transmitted by the communication unit 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless system, a method for setting an address value in a wireless system, and a gas meter. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a wireless system has been proposed in which an alarm that detects and issues an alarm about gas, fire, etc. is wirelessly connected to a gas meter that displays the cumulative amount of gas used by the consumer, and information is sent and received between the two (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3153013 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a wireless system such as the one described in Patent Document 1, multiple alarm devices can be wirelessly connected to one gas meter. When multiple alarm devices are connected to one gas meter, the gas meter needs to know the address value of each alarm device in order to determine which alarm device has sent and received information.

[0005] One possible solution here is to assign a unique address value to each alarm device when it is shipped, and then register the unique address value of each alarm device into the gas meter when it is connected to the gas meter. However, in this case, registration work would be required to be carried out by an operator or similar.

[0006] Another option is to assign a unique address value to each alarm device when it is installed by the consumer, rather than assigning a unique address value to each alarm device at the time of shipment. However, even in this case, manual registration work is required to ensure that the address value does not overlap with other alarm devices.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve these problems in the past, and its object is to provide a wireless system, a method for setting address values ​​in a wireless system, and a gas meter that can simplify the registration process for the address values ​​of each of a plurality of alarm devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The wireless system of the present invention is a wireless system in which information is sent and received wirelessly between an alarm device and a gas meter, wherein the alarm device comprises a storage unit that stores an address value, and a first communication unit that sends the address value stored in the storage unit when a connection request is made to the gas meter, and the gas meter comprises a generation unit that generates a unique address value for the alarm device that has made the connection request if the address value sent by the first communication unit at the time of the connection request is an initial address value, and a second communication unit that sends the unique address value generated by the generation unit to the alarm device, and the alarm device stores the unique address value sent by the second communication unit in the storage unit. Whether or not the initial address value is the initial address value can be determined by the fact that all or part of the initial address value is common between the alarm devices, or by the fact that it has a specific rule, and the generation unit determines whether or not the address value transmitted by the first communication unit at the time of the connection request is the initial address value. do.

[0009] An address value setting method for a wireless system of the present invention is a method for setting an address value for a wireless system in which information is sent and received wirelessly between an alarm device and a gas meter, wherein the alarm device comprises a first communication step in which it transmits a stored address value when making a connection request to the gas meter, and the gas meter comprises a generation step in which, if the address value sent in the first communication step is an initial address value, it generates a unique address value for the alarm device that has made the connection request, and a second communication step in which it sends the unique address value generated in the generation step to the alarm device, and the alarm device further comprises a storage step in which it stores the unique address value sent in the second communication step. Whether or not the initial address value is the initial address value can be determined by the fact that all or part of the initial address value is common between the alarm devices, or by the fact that it has a specific rule, and in the generation step, it is determined whether or not the address value transmitted in the first communication step is the initial address value. do.

[0010] A wireless system gas meter of the present invention is a gas meter of a wireless system that transmits and receives information wirelessly between an alarm device and a gas meter, and comprises a generation unit that generates a unique address value for the alarm device that has requested a connection, when the address value transmitted at the time of the connection request from the alarm device is an initial address value, and a communication unit that transmits the unique address value generated by the generation unit to the alarm device. Whether or not the initial address value is the initial address value can be determined by the fact that all or part of the initial address value is common between the alarm devices, or by the fact that it has a specific rule, and the generation unit determines whether or not the address value sent when the connection request is made from the alarm device is the initial address value. do. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The present invention can provide a wireless system, a method for setting address values ​​for a wireless system, and a gas meter that can simplify the work of registering the address values ​​of each of a plurality of alarm devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a wireless system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of an address value setting method for a wireless system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of a gas meter in the wireless system according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention will be described below in accordance with preferred embodiments. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, in the embodiments shown below, some components are omitted from illustration and description, but it goes without saying that publicly known or well-known technologies are applied as appropriate to the details of the omitted technologies within the scope of the content described below.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a wireless system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless system 1 shown in Fig. 1 performs wireless communication between a plurality of alarm devices 10 and a gas meter 20.

[0015] The alarm 10 is, for example, a gas alarm or a fire alarm. A gas alarm detects abnormally high concentrations of target gases such as city gas, LP gas, and carbon monoxide, and issues an alert to that effect. A fire alarm detects whether heat, smoke, carbon monoxide, etc. correspond to symptoms of a fire, and issues an alert if they do.

[0016] The gas meter 20 measures the amount of gas used by the consumer. The gas meter 20 has an internal shutoff valve (not shown) that closes to cut off the flow of gas in the event of a gas leak, ensuring safety.

[0017] Each of the multiple alarm devices 10 comprises a communication section (first communication section) 11, a control section 12, and a storage section 13.

[0018] The communications unit 11 communicates wirelessly with the gas meter 20. The control unit 12 controls the entire alarm device 10, and has the function of detecting abnormalities in the monitored area and issuing an alarm, for example. The control unit 12 also has the function of generating telegrams to be sent wirelessly to the gas meter 20. By sending telegrams to the gas meter 20, the alarm device 10 communicates its own status to the other party, requests a specified action from the other party, etc.

[0019] The memory unit 13 stores programs and the like for operating the alarm device 10, as well as various types of information required for communication. In particular, in this embodiment the memory unit 13 stores an initial address value until a unique address value is assigned by the gas meter 20. The initial address value is a value that is common to multiple alarm devices 10 (for example, "800000000000000").

[0020] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the multiple alarm devices 10 issues a connection request in order to communicate wirelessly with the gas meter 20. When making this connection request, the address value stored in the storage unit 13 is also transmitted. Until a unique address value is assigned, the alarm device 10 transmits an initial address value to the gas meter 20.

[0021] The gas meter 20 includes a communication unit (second communication unit) 21, a control unit (generation unit) 22, and a storage unit .

[0022] The communications unit 21 communicates wirelessly with the alarm device 10. The control unit 22 controls the entire gas meter 20, and is equipped with, for example, a flow rate measurement function for metering, and a function for operating a shut-off valve in the event of an earthquake, etc. The control unit 22 also has the function of generating messages to be sent wirelessly to the alarm device 10, just like the control unit 12 of the alarm device 10. By sending messages to the alarm device 10, the gas meter 20 communicates its own status to the other party, requests a specified action from the other party, etc.

[0023] Additionally, in this embodiment the control unit 22 is equipped with the function of generating and assigning unique address values ​​to multiple alarm devices 10. If the address value sent from the alarm device 10 when making a connection request (connection call) is an initial address value, the control unit 22 generates a unique address value for that alarm device 10.

[0024] In particular, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit 22 generates a unique address value that includes the object number assigned to its own gas meter 20. The object number is a number unique to the gas meter 20. Here, the address value of the gas meter 20 is made up of a type code (1 digit) + object number (8 digits) + meter model code (2 digits) + subaddress (3 digits). Of these, the 1-digit type code is "1" and the 3-digit subaddress is "000". The control unit 22 according to this embodiment uses the 3-digit subaddress as the alarm management number. In other words, the gas meter 20 assigns a unique address value to each alarm device 10 as follows: type code (1 digit) + object number (8 digits) + meter model code (2 digits) + alarm management number (3 digits). The gas meter 20 then sets the alarm management number to "001" for the first alarm device 10 that has requested connection to itself, and increments the alarm management number for each subsequent alarm device 10. In this way, the control unit 22 assigns a unique address value to the alarm device 10.

[0025] The control unit 22 is not limited to generating an address value including an object number as described above, and may generate an address value randomly or the like as long as it can generate a unique address value.

[0026] The memory unit 23 stores programs and the like for operating the gas meter 20, as well as various types of information required for communication. In particular, in this embodiment the memory unit 23 stores information about the unique address values ​​assigned to each of the multiple alarm devices 10. Therefore, when assigning unique address values ​​to the second and subsequent alarm devices 10, the control unit 22 can check whether there are any overlaps based on the address values ​​stored in the memory unit 23, and ensure that there are no overlaps.

[0027] Next, an outline of the address value setting method of the wireless system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of the address value setting method of the wireless system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0028] First, in this embodiment, an initial address value is stored in the storage unit 13 of the alarm device 10 at the manufacturing stage, as shown in Figure 1. This initial address value is a value that is common to all alarm devices 10.

[0029] Such an alarm device 10 is installed by a worker in the kitchen or other location on the consumer's side. During installation, the alarm device 10 issues a connection request to the consumer's gas meter 20, either automatically or through operation by the worker. At this time, the communication unit 11 of the alarm device 10 sends the initial address value stored in the memory unit 13 to the gas meter 20.

[0030] When the control unit 22 of the gas meter 20 receives the initial address value, it generates a unique address value. Thereafter, the control unit 22 stores (registers) the unique address value in the storage unit 23, and returns information about the unique address value to the alarm device 10.

[0031] The alarm device 10 stores the unique address value transmitted from the gas meter 20 in the memory unit 13. Thereafter, the unique address values ​​stored in the memory units 13, 23 of both devices will be used in wireless communications between the two.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the gas meter 20 of the wireless system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0033] First, the gas meter 20 determines whether an address value (hereinafter also referred to as ID) has been received at the time of the connection request (S1). If an ID has not been received (S1: NO), the gas meter 20 repeats this process until it determines that an ID has been received.

[0034] On the other hand, if an ID has been received (S1: YES), the control unit 22 of the gas meter 20 determines whether the ID received in step S1 is an initial ID (S2). If the received ID is not an initial ID (S2: NO), the processing shown in Figure 3 ends. At this time, the control unit 22 of the gas meter 20 may determine that the ID transmitted from the alarm device 10 is a unique ID, and store (register) this ID in the storage unit 23, or may determine that it cannot be registered in the first place.

[0035] On the other hand, if the received ID is an initial ID (S2: YES), the control unit 22 sets a temporary ID (S3). At this time, the control unit 22 first generates an address value from the type code (1 digit) + object number (8 digits) + meter model code (2 digits) + alarm device management number (3 digits) that results in an alarm device management number of "001".

[0036] Next, the control unit 22 determines whether the temporary ID is new (S4). In this process, the control unit 22 determines whether the temporary ID is new based on the unique ID stored in the storage unit 23 (an ID that is already managed as the ID of another alarm device 10).

[0037] If the temporary ID is not new (S4: NO), the control unit 22 increments the alarm device management number (S5). After that, processing proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if the temporary ID is new (S4: YES), the control unit 22 stores (registers) the temporary ID as a unique ID in the storage unit 23, and transmits unique ID information to the alarm device 10 (S6). After that, the processing shown in Figure 3 ends.

[0038] In this way, using the wireless system 1, its address value setting method, and gas meter 20 according to this embodiment, if the address value sent from the alarm device 10 when making a connection request is an initial address value, the gas meter 20 generates a unique address value and sends this to the alarm device 10. For this reason, it is sufficient to store a common initial address value for multiple alarm devices 10 manufactured in a factory, etc., and there is no need to set a unique address value for each alarm device 10 at the time of shipment. Furthermore, no work is required on-site. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the registration process.

[0039] Furthermore, the gas meter 20 generates a unique address value that includes the object number assigned to the gas meter 20. This prevents the address value from overlapping with that generated by another gas meter 20, and prevents communication confusion with surrounding gas meters 20.

[0040] The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and publicly known or well-known technologies or other technologies may be combined as appropriate within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0041] For example, in the above embodiment, the initial address value stored in the alarm device 10 at the time of shipment from the factory or the like is common to all alarm devices 10, but this is not particularly limited, and it is also possible for only a portion to be common, with this portion indicating that the device is initial. In other words, the initial address value does not need to have all 14 digits being the same as above, and it may also be configured so that the initial address value is indicated by, for example, entering a special value in the last three digits.

[0042] Furthermore, the initial address value may be distinguishable as an initial address value based on a specific rule, such as a specific number being obtained when all 14 digits are added together.

[0043] Additionally, in the above embodiment, the alarm device 10 and gas meter 20 each have a built-in communication unit 11, 21, but this is not particularly limited, and the communication unit 11, 21 may be attached externally to both or either one of the alarm device 10 and gas meter 20. For this reason, for example, the gas meter 20 may be configured by attaching an external repeater (communication unit 21) to a gas meter that does not have a communication function. In terms of external attachment, the gas meter that does not have a communication function and the repeater may be connected via a communication line, or the terminals of the repeater may be connected directly to terminal units on a terminal block or the like of the gas meter that does not have a communication function, making a connection that does not involve an intermediate communication line. The same applies to the alarm device 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1: Wireless system 10:Alarm 11: Communication Department (First Communication Department) 12: Control section 13: Storage section 20: Gas meter 21: Communications Department (Second Communications Department) 22: Control unit (generation unit) 23: Storage section

Claims

1. In a wireless system that transmits and receives information wirelessly between an alarm and a gas meter, the alarm device comprises a storage unit that stores an address value, and a first communication unit that transmits the address value stored in the storage unit when making a connection request to the gas meter, the gas meter comprises: a generation unit that generates a unique address value for the alarm device for which the connection request has been made, when the address value transmitted by the first communication unit at the time of the connection request is an initial address value; and a second communication unit that transmits the unique address value generated by the generation unit to the alarm device; the alarm device stores the unique address value transmitted by the second communication unit in the storage unit, whether or not the initial address value is the initial address value can be determined by the fact that all or part of the initial address value is common between the alarm devices, or by the fact that the initial address value conforms to a specific rule; The generation unit determines whether the address value transmitted by the first communication unit at the time of the connection request is the initial address value. A wireless system characterized by:

2. The generating unit of the gas meter generates a unique address value including a property number assigned to the gas meter.

2. The wireless system according to claim 1.

3. A method for setting address values ​​in a wireless system that transmits and receives information wirelessly between an alarm device and a gas meter, comprising: the alarm device comprises a first communication step of transmitting a stored address value when making a connection request to the gas meter, the gas meter comprises: a generation step of generating a unique address value for the alarm device for which the connection request has been made, when the address value transmitted in the first communication step is an initial address value; and a second communication step of transmitting the unique address value generated in the generation step to the alarm device; The alarm device further has a storage step for storing the unique address value transmitted in the second communication step, whether or not the initial address value is the initial address value can be determined by the fact that all or part of the initial address value is common between the alarm devices, or by the fact that the initial address value conforms to a specific rule; In the generating step, it is determined whether the address value transmitted in the first communication step is the initial address value.

10. A method for setting an address value in a wireless system, comprising:

4. In a gas meter with a wireless system that transmits and receives information wirelessly between an alarm and a gas meter, a generation unit that generates a unique address value for the alarm device that has requested a connection, when the address value sent when the alarm device made a connection is an initial address value, and a communication unit that sends the unique address value generated by the generation unit to the alarm device; Equipped with whether or not the initial address value is the initial address value can be determined by the fact that all or part of the initial address value is common between the alarm devices, or by the fact that the initial address value conforms to a specific rule; The generation unit determines whether the address value sent when the connection request is made from the alarm device is the initial address value. A gas meter for a wireless system.

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