Industrial Wireless Communication System

Abstract

This industrial wireless communication system (10) comprises a base wireless device (14) and a remote wireless device (16). The base wireless device has a synchronous connection transmission unit (25) for performing, by broadcast, the transmission process of transmitting a synchronous connection signal for achieving synchronous connection to the remote wireless device in only a single synchronous connection period (Tsc) which is an integral multiple of a hopping period (Tfh), the synchronous connection transmission unit sequentially switching communication frequencies for synchronization so as to transmit the synchronous connection signal with a plurality of communication frequencies for synchronization within one hopping period. The remote wireless device has a synchronous connection reception unit (36) for sequentially switching communication frequencies for synchronization with a switching period (Tcg) which is longer than the hopping period and shorter than twice the hopping period so as to perform a reception wait process for the synchronous connection signal with a plurality of communication frequencies for synchronization.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an industrial wireless communication system. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 5497730 discloses an FA system in which a PC and a controller are connected via a field network, the controller functions as a master, and wireless messages are transmitted and received between the master and slaves. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, conventional systems cannot always achieve a synchronous connection quickly.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an industrial wireless communication system that can quickly establish a synchronous connection.

[0005] An industrial wireless communication system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a computer that monitors and controls industrial equipment, a base wireless device connected to the computer by a field bus, and a plurality of remote wireless devices that are provided in each of a plurality of devices that make up the industrial equipment and that wirelessly communicate with the base wireless device, wherein the base wireless device and the remote wireless devices that are synchronously connected transmit and receive data by switching hopping frequencies at a predetermined hopping period, and the base wireless device sends a synchronous connection signal to the remote wireless device when synchronous connection with the remote wireless device is not established. The remote radio device has a synchronous connection transmitting unit that broadcasts a transmission process that transmits only at a single synchronous connection period that is an integer multiple of the hopping period, and the synchronous connection transmitting unit transmits the synchronous connection signal at a plurality of synchronous communication frequencies within one hopping period by sequentially switching synchronous communication frequencies that are communication frequencies for synchronization, and the remote radio device has a synchronous connection receiving unit that, when synchronous connection with the base radio device is not established, performs a reception waiting process for the synchronous connection signal at a plurality of synchronous communication frequencies by sequentially switching the synchronous communication frequencies at a switching period that is longer than the hopping period and shorter than twice the hopping period.

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an industrial wireless communication system that can quickly establish a synchronous connection. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an industrial wireless communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an industrial wireless communication system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing transmission and reception of a synchronous connection signal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time chart. [Figure 5]5A and 5B are time charts showing examples of the switching order of the synchronization communication frequency. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the industrial wireless communication system according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the industrial wireless communication system according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the industrial wireless communication system according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the industrial wireless communication system according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a time chart showing an example of the interrupt period Tir. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An industrial wireless communication system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] [One embodiment] An industrial wireless communication system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 9. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the industrial wireless communication system according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the industrial wireless communication system according to this embodiment.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 1, an industrial wireless communication system 10 according to this embodiment includes a computer 12, a base wireless device 14, and a remote wireless device 16. The industrial wireless communication system 10 includes a plurality of base wireless devices 14. One computer 12 and a plurality of base wireless devices 14 can be connected via a field bus 17. A plurality of remote wireless devices 16 can be synchronously connected to one base wireless device 14. A plurality of networks 43 can be configured by synchronously connecting a plurality of remote wireless devices 16 to each base wireless device 14.

[0011] The computer 12 may monitor and control industrial equipment. The computer 12 may be configured, for example, by a programmable logic controller (PLC), but is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 2 , the computer 12 includes, for example, an arithmetic unit (processing unit) 18 and a memory unit 19.

[0012] The calculation unit 18 may be configured by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). itr y). The calculation unit 18 is provided with a control unit 20. The calculation unit 18 may also be provided with components other than the control unit 20, but for simplicity of explanation, components other than the control unit 20 are omitted here. The control unit 20 is responsible for overall control of the computer 12. The control unit 20 may perform monitoring and control of industrial equipment. The control unit 20 may be realized by the calculation unit 18 executing a program stored in the memory unit 19. Note that at least a part of the control unit 20 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Furthermore, at least a part of the control unit 20 may be configured by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0013] The storage unit 19 may be configured with a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). Examples of the volatile memory include a random access memory (RAM). Examples of the non-volatile memory include a read only memory (ROM) and a flash memory. Data and the like may be stored in the volatile memory. Programs, tables, maps, and the like may be stored in the non-volatile memory. At least a part of the storage unit 19 may be provided in the processor, integrated circuit, etc. described above.

[0014] The computer 12 is provided with an input / output interface 21 for realizing a fieldbus connection. The computer 12 can communicate with the base radio device 14 via the fieldbus 17.

[0015] The base radio device 14, that is, the master radio device, is provided with, for example, a calculation unit (processing unit) 22 and a storage unit 23.

[0016] The calculation unit 22 may be configured with, for example, a processor (processing circuit) such as a CPU. The calculation unit 22 includes a control unit 24, a synchronous connection transmission unit 25, a transmission / reception processing unit 26, a connection status determination unit 27, and a forced disconnection signal transmission unit 28. The calculation unit 22 may also include components other than these components, but for simplicity of explanation, these components are omitted here. The control unit 24, the synchronous connection transmission unit 25, the transmission / reception processing unit 26, the connection status determination unit 27, and the forced disconnection signal transmission unit 28 may be realized by the calculation unit 22 executing a program stored in the storage unit 23. Note that at least a portion of the control unit 24, the synchronous connection transmission unit 25, the transmission / reception processing unit 26, the connection status determination unit 27, and the forced disconnection signal transmission unit 28 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. Furthermore, at least some of the control unit 24, the synchronous connection transmitting unit 25, the transmission / reception processing unit 26, the connection status determining unit 27, and the forced disconnection signal transmitting unit 28 may be configured by electronic circuits including discrete devices.

[0017] The storage unit 23 may be configured with a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). Examples of the volatile memory include RAM. Examples of the non-volatile memory include ROM and flash memory. Data and the like may be stored in the volatile memory. Programs, tables, maps, and the like may be stored in the non-volatile memory. At least a part of the storage unit 23 may be provided in the processor, integrated circuit, etc. described above.

[0018] The base radio 14 is provided with an input / output interface 29 for realizing a fieldbus connection. The base radio 14 can be connected to the computer 12 by the fieldbus 17 as described above.

[0019] The base radio device 14 is provided with a communication unit 30 for performing wireless communication. The base radio device 14 can perform wireless communication with the remote radio device 16 using the communication unit 30.

[0020] The remote radio device 16, i.e., the slave radio device, may be provided in each of a plurality of devices 44 (see FIG. 1) that make up the industrial facility. Examples of such devices 44 include, but are not limited to, sensors and valves. The remote radio device 16 includes, for example, a calculation unit (processing unit) 32 and a storage unit 34.

[0021] The calculation unit 32 may be configured with, for example, a processor (processing circuit) such as a CPU. The calculation unit 32 includes a control unit 35, a synchronous connection receiving unit 36, a transmission / reception processing unit 37, a reception completion notification transmitting unit 38, a forced disconnection signal transmitting unit 39, a diagnostic information transmitting unit 40, and a power supply monitoring unit 41. The calculation unit 32 may include components other than these components, but these components are omitted here for simplicity of explanation. The control unit 35, the synchronous connection receiving unit 36, the transmission / reception processing unit 37, and the reception completion notification transmitting unit 38 may be realized by the calculation unit 32 executing a program stored in the storage unit 34. The forced disconnection signal transmitting unit 39, the diagnostic information transmitting unit 40, and the power supply monitoring unit 41 may be realized by the calculation unit 32 executing a program stored in the storage unit 34. At least some of the control unit 35, synchronous connection receiving unit 36, transmission / reception processing unit 37, reception completion notification transmitting unit 38, forced disconnection signal transmitting unit 39, diagnostic information transmitting unit 40, and power supply monitoring unit 41 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. Also, at least some of the control unit 35, synchronous connection receiving unit 36, transmission / reception processing unit 37, reception completion notification transmitting unit 38, forced disconnection signal transmitting unit 39, diagnostic information transmitting unit 40, and power supply monitoring unit 41 may be configured by an electronic circuit including a discrete device.

[0022] The storage unit 34 may be configured with a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). Examples of the volatile memory include RAM. Examples of the non-volatile memory include ROM and flash memory. Data and the like may be stored in the volatile memory. Programs, tables, maps, and the like may be stored in the non-volatile memory. At least a portion of the storage unit 34 may be provided in the processor, integrated circuit, etc. described above.

[0023] The remote radio device 16 is provided with a communication unit 42 for performing wireless communication. The remote radio device 16 can perform wireless communication with the base radio device 14 using the communication unit 42.

[0024] Frequency hopping communication can be performed between the base radio device 14 and the remote radio device 16. That is, data can be transmitted and received between the base radio device 14 and the remote radio device 16 by switching the hopping frequency at a predetermined hopping period Tfh. The hopping frequency can be switched based on a predetermined hopping pattern. Since the base radio device 14 and the remote radio device 16, which are synchronously connected to each other, use the same hopping pattern, communication can be performed between the base radio device 14 and the remote radio device 16 while switching the communication frequency. The communication frequency is the frequency of a carrier wave. Processing of frequency hopping communication is controlled by a transmission / reception processing unit 26 provided in the base radio device 14 and a transmission / reception processing unit 37 provided in the remote radio device 16. That is, processing of data transmission and reception using the frequency hopping method is controlled by the transmission / reception processing unit 26 provided in the base radio device 14 and the transmission / reception processing unit 37 provided in the remote radio device 16.

[0025] For example, the 2.4 GHz band can be used for frequency hopping wireless communications. If the minimum frequency is 2403 MHz, the maximum frequency is 2481 MHz, and the occupied frequency band of each channel is 1 MHz wide, the number of channels will be 79.

[0026] Pairing may be performed in advance between the base radio device 14 and the remote radio device 16. Even if the base radio device 14 and the remote radio device 16 are already paired, frequency hopping communication cannot be performed between the base radio device 14 and the remote radio device 16 unless the base radio device 14 and the remote radio device 16 are synchronously connected. Therefore, prior to performing frequency hopping communication, a synchronous connection signal for establishing a synchronous connection is transmitted and received between the base radio device 14 and the remote radio device 16.

[0027] The synchronous connection signal may include identification information of the base radio device 14, identification information of the remote radio device 16 to which the synchronous connection signal is to be sent, and time information. The identification information of the base radio device 14 may be, for example, but is not limited to, the product ID of the base radio device 14. The identification information of the remote radio device 16 may be, for example, but is not limited to, the product ID of the remote radio device 16.

[0028] For example, the transmission and reception of a synchronous connection signal for establishing a synchronous connection may be performed in the following cases. For example, when a network 43 that has not yet been established is established, the transmission and reception of a synchronous connection signal is performed between all of the multiple remote radio devices 16 that constitute the network 43 and the base radio device 14. If a remote radio device 16 becomes disconnected for some reason while the network 43 is in operation, the transmission and reception of a synchronous connection signal may be performed between the remote radio device 16 and the base radio device 14. The disconnected state is a state in which the remote radio device 16 is not synchronously connected to the base radio device 14.

[0029] As described above, the base radio device 14 includes a synchronous connection transmitter 25. When at least one of the multiple remote radio devices 16 constituting the network 43 is not synchronously connected to the base radio device 14, the synchronous connection transmitter 25 included in the base radio device 14 performs the following process. That is, in such a case, the synchronous connection transmitter 25 performs a transmission process of transmitting a synchronous connection signal for establishing a synchronous connection with the remote radio device 16 that is not synchronously connected. This transmission process can be performed by broadcast to the multiple remote radio devices 16 constituting the network 43. This transmission process is performed only at a single synchronous connection period Tsc, which is an integer multiple of the hopping period Tfh. That is, this transmission process is performed only at a predetermined synchronous connection period Tsc. In other words, this transmission process can be performed at a predetermined interrupt period. The synchronous connection period Tsc can be set to, for example, 250 msec, but is not limited to this.

[0030] In addition, signals for maintaining the synchronous connection may also be transmitted and received between the base radio device 14 and the remote radio device 16 that are synchronously connected. The transmission and reception of signals for maintaining the synchronous connection may be performed by wireless communication using a frequency hopping method. The transmission and reception of signals for maintaining the synchronous connection may be performed at a cycle of, for example, 100 msec, but is not limited to this. Continued The signal for maintaining the synchronization may include time information, so that the transmission and reception of the signal for maintaining the synchronization may eliminate discrepancies between the time information of the base radio device 14 and the time information of the remote radio device 16.

[0031] The reason why the synchronous connection signal is transmitted only in the synchronous connection period Tsc is that, outside the synchronous connection period Tsc, data transmission and reception by frequency hopping is performed between the remote radio device 16 and the base radio device 14, which have already been synchronously connected. That is, in order to prevent interference with data transmission and reception by frequency hopping, the synchronous connection signal for performing the synchronous connection is transmitted only in the predetermined synchronous connection period Tsc.

[0032] The synchronous connection transmitter 25 transmits the synchronous connection signal at multiple synchronous communication frequencies within one hopping period Tfh by sequentially switching the synchronous communication frequencies, which are communication frequencies for synchronization. The reason why multiple synchronous communication frequencies are used when transmitting the synchronous connection signal is as follows: That is, even if transmission and reception of the synchronous connection signal at a certain synchronous communication frequency is hindered by radio wave interference or the like, the synchronous connection signal may be transmitted and received at a synchronous communication frequency different from the certain synchronous communication frequency. For this reason, multiple synchronous communication frequencies are used when transmitting the synchronous connection signal.

[0033] As described above, the remote radio device 16 is provided with a synchronous connection receiving unit 36. When a synchronous connection is not established between the remote radio device 16 and the base radio device 14, the synchronous connection receiving unit 36 ​​performs a process of waiting for reception of a synchronous connection signal. The process of waiting for reception of the synchronous connection signal is performed at a plurality of synchronous communication frequencies by sequentially switching the synchronous communication frequencies at a predetermined switching period Tcg. The plurality of synchronous communication frequencies used when transmitting the synchronous connection signal and the plurality of synchronous communication frequencies used during the process of waiting for reception are set in the same manner. For example, if the plurality of synchronous communication frequencies used when one base radio device 14 transmits a synchronous connection signal are f1, f2, and f3, the plurality of synchronous communication frequencies used by the remote radio device 16 during the process of waiting for reception are also set to f1, f2, and f3.

[0034] When the synchronous communication frequency set by the remote radio device 16 while waiting to receive does not match the synchronous communication frequency used by the base radio device 14 when transmitting the synchronous connection signal, the synchronous connection signal cannot be received by the remote radio device 16. When the synchronous communication frequency set by the remote radio device 16 while waiting to receive matches the synchronous communication frequency used by the base radio device 14 when transmitting the synchronous connection signal, the synchronous connection signal can be received by the remote radio device 16.

[0035] The switching period Tcg is set to be longer than the hopping period Tfh and shorter than twice the hopping period Tfh. The reason for setting the switching period Tcg in this manner is as follows. That is, when the switching period Tcg is set in this manner, the relative time relationship between the timing of the transmission process of the synchronous connection signal and the timing of switching the synchronization communication frequency for the reception waiting process gradually changes over time. As a result, the synchronization communication frequency used for the transmission process and the synchronization communication frequency used for the reception waiting process quickly match. For these reasons, the switching period Tcg is set to be longer than the hopping period Tfh and shorter than twice the hopping period Tfh.

[0036] The hopping period Tfh is, for example, 5 msec or less, but is not limited to this. However, from the viewpoint of realizing high-speed communication using the hopping method, it is preferable that the hopping period Tfh is 5 msec or less. Here, an example in which the hopping period Tfh is 5 msec will be described. When the hopping period Tfh is 5 msec, the switching period Tcg can be, for example, 6 msec, but is not limited to this.

[0037] When the hopping period Tfh is 5 msec, the number of synchronization communication frequencies used in the transmission process and reception waiting process may be, for example, 3, but is not limited to this. The number of synchronization communication frequencies used in the transmission process and reception waiting process may be, for example, 2 or 4. Here, an example will be described in which the number of synchronization communication frequencies used in the transmission process and reception waiting process is 3.

[0038] When the transmission / reception processing unit 37 receives a synchronous connection signal, the control unit 35 provided in the remote radio device 16 performs the following process. That is, in this case, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the synchronous connection signal is a synchronous connection signal transmitted from the base radio device 14 to the remote radio device 16, based on the information included in the synchronous connection signal. Specifically, the control unit 35 determines whether or not the synchronous connection signal is a synchronous connection signal transmitted from the base radio device 14 to the remote radio device 16, based on the identification information of the base radio device 14 and the identification information of the remote radio device 16.

[0039] 3 is a diagram conceptually showing transmission and reception of a synchronous connection signal, in which the vertical direction indicates the elapsed time from a certain timing.

[0040] As described above, the base radio device 14 transmits a synchronization connection signal at a synchronization connection period Tsc. An example in which the synchronization connection period Tsc is 250 msec is shown in FIG.

[0041] As described above, the transmission process of the synchronous connection signal is performed within the hopping period Tfh. An example in which the hopping period Tfh is 5 msec is shown in FIG.

[0042] As described above, the remote radio device 16 switches the synchronization communication frequency in the reception waiting process at a predetermined switching period Tcg. An example in which the switching period Tcg is 6 msec is shown in FIG.

[0043] In the example shown in Fig. 3, within one hopping period Tfh, a synchronous connection signal with a synchronous communication frequency of f1, a synchronous connection signal with a synchronous communication frequency of f2, and a synchronous connection signal with a synchronous communication frequency of f3 are transmitted from the base radio apparatus 14. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 3, transmission processing of the synchronous connection signal from the base radio apparatus 14 is performed in the hopping period Tfh when the elapsed time is 0 msec. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 3, transmission processing of the synchronous connection signal from the base radio apparatus 14 is performed in the hopping period Tfh when the elapsed time is 250 msec. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 3, transmission processing of the synchronous connection signal from the base radio apparatus 14 is performed in the hopping period Tfh when the elapsed time is 500 msec. If there is a remote radio apparatus 16 that is not synchronously connected, transmission processing of the synchronous connection signal from the base radio apparatus 14 may be performed in the same manner thereafter, for example, every time 250 msec has elapsed, but a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0044] 3, the timing of switching the synchronization communication frequency in the reception waiting process is shifted by 1 msec among the multiple remote radio devices 16A to 16P. When describing the remote radio devices in general, reference numeral 16 is used, and when describing each individual remote radio device 16, reference numerals 16A to 16P are used. Because the remote radio devices 16 are not synchronized with each other, the actual timing of switching the synchronization communication frequency in the reception waiting process is not necessarily shifted by 1 msec among the multiple remote radio devices 16. Here, for ease of explanation, the timing of switching the synchronization communication frequency in the reception waiting process is shown shifted by 1 msec among the multiple remote radio devices 16A to 16P.

[0045] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the synchronization communication frequency in the reception waiting process is switched by the remote radio device 16A when the elapsed time is 0 msec, 6 msec, 12 msec, and so on. In the example shown in Fig. 3, when the elapsed time is equal to or greater than 0 msec but less than 6 msec, the synchronization communication frequency in the reception waiting process is set to f1 by the remote radio device 16A. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 3, when the elapsed time is equal to or greater than 6 msec but less than 12 msec, the synchronization communication frequency in the reception waiting process is set to f2 by the remote radio device 16A. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 3, when the elapsed time is equal to or greater than 12 msec but less than 18 msec, the synchronization communication frequency in the reception waiting process is set to f3 by the remote radio device 16A. The remote radio device 16A continues to switch the synchronization communication frequency in the reception waiting process between f1, f2, and f3 in the same manner as above until a synchronous connection is established with the base radio device 14.

[0046] 3, the timing at which the remote radio device 16B switches the synchronization communication frequency in the reception waiting process is delayed by 1 msec relative to the timing at which the remote radio device 16A switches the synchronization communication frequency in the reception waiting process. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the remote radio device 16B switches the synchronization communication frequency in the reception waiting process from f1 to f2 to f3 in that order when the elapsed time is 1 msec, 7 msec, 13 msec, and so on. Like the remote radio device 16A, the remote radio device 16B also continues to switch the synchronization communication frequency in the reception waiting process from f1 to f2 to f3 in that order in the same manner as above until a synchronous connection is established with the base radio device 14.

[0047] 3, the timing of switching the synchronous communication frequency in the reception waiting process is shifted by 1 msec among the multiple remote radio devices 16A to 16P. Like the remote radio devices 16A and 16B, the remote radio devices 16C to 16P also continue to switch the synchronous communication frequency in the reception waiting process in the order of f1, f2, and f3 in the same manner as above until a synchronous connection is established with the base radio device 14.

[0048] In the example shown in Fig. 3, when the destination of the synchronous connection signal transmitted from the base radio device 14 in the hopping period Tfh when the elapsed time is 0 msec is the remote radio device 16A, the following occurs. That is, in the example shown in Fig. 3, when the elapsed time is 0 msec, the synchronous connection signal is transmitted from the base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f1. When the elapsed time is 0 msec, the synchronous communication frequency in the reception waiting process is set to f1 in the remote radio device 16A. Therefore, the synchronous connection signal transmitted from the base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f1 when the elapsed time is 0 msec is received by the remote radio device 16A. In the example shown in Fig. 3, when the elapsed time is 2 msec, the synchronous connection signal is transmitted from the base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f2. When the elapsed time is 2 msec, the synchronous communication frequency in the reception waiting process is set to f1 in the remote radio device 16A. Therefore, the synchronous connection signal transmitted from the base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f2 when the elapsed time is 2 msec is not received by the remote radio device 16A. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the synchronous connection signal is transmitted from the base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f3 when the elapsed time is 4 msec. When the elapsed time is 4 msec, the synchronous communication frequency in the reception waiting process is set to f1 in the remote radio device 16A. Therefore, the synchronous connection signal transmitted from the base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f3 when the elapsed time is 4 msec is not received by the remote radio device 16A.

[0049] In the example shown in Fig. 3, when the destination of the synchronous connection signal transmitted from the base radio device 14 in the hopping period Tfh when the elapsed time is 250 msec is the remote radio device 16K, the following occurs. That is, in the example shown in Fig. 3, when the elapsed time is 250 msec, the synchronous connection signal is transmitted from the base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f1. When the elapsed time is 250 msec, the synchronous communication frequency in the reception waiting process is set to f2 in the remote radio device 16K. Therefore, the synchronous connection signal transmitted from the base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f1 when the elapsed time is 250 msec is not received by the remote radio device 16K. In the example shown in Fig. 3, when the elapsed time is 252 msec, the synchronous connection signal is transmitted from the base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f2. When the elapsed time is 252 msec, the synchronous communication frequency in the reception waiting process is set to f2 in the remote radio device 16K. Therefore, the synchronous connection signal transmitted from the base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f2 when the elapsed time is 252 msec is received by the remote radio device 16K. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the synchronous connection signal is transmitted from the base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f3 when the elapsed time is 254 msec. When the elapsed time is 254 msec, the synchronous communication frequency in the reception waiting process is set to f2 in the remote radio device 16K. Therefore, the synchronous connection signal transmitted from the base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f3 when the elapsed time is 254 msec is not received by the remote radio device 16K.

[0050] In the example shown in Fig. 3, when the destination of the synchronous connection signal transmitted from the base radio device 14 in the hopping period Tfh when the elapsed time is 500 msec is the remote radio device 16D, the following occurs. That is, in the example shown in Fig. 3, when the elapsed time is 500 msec, the synchronous connection signal is transmitted from the base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f1. When the elapsed time is 500 msec, the synchronous communication frequency in the reception waiting process is set to f2 in the remote radio device 16D. Therefore, the synchronous connection signal transmitted from the base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f1 when the elapsed time is 500 msec is not received by the remote radio device 16D. In the example shown in Fig. 3, when the elapsed time is 502 msec, the synchronous connection signal is transmitted from the base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f2. When the elapsed time is 502 msec, the synchronous communication frequency in the reception waiting process is set to f3 in the remote radio device 16D. Therefore, the synchronous connection signal transmitted from the base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f2 when the elapsed time is 502 msec is not received by the remote radio device 16D. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the synchronous connection signal is transmitted from the base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f3 when the elapsed time is 504 msec. When the elapsed time is 504 msec, the synchronous communication frequency in the reception waiting process is set to f3 in the remote radio device 16D. Therefore, the synchronous connection signal transmitted from the base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f3 when the elapsed time is 504 msec is received by the remote radio device 16D.

[0051] As described above, the remote radio device 16 is provided with the reception completion notification transmitter 38. When the synchronous connection receiver 36 receives a synchronous connection signal, the reception completion notification transmitter 38 can transmit a reception completion notification Ack to the base radio device 14 in the hopping period Tfh next to the hopping period Tfh in which the synchronous connection signal was received. That is, when the control unit 35 determines that the synchronous connection signal is addressed to the remote radio device 16, the reception completion notification transmitter 38 performs the following process. In this case, the reception completion notification transmitter 38 transmits a reception completion notification Ack to the base radio device 14 in the hopping period Tfh next to the hopping period Tfh in which the synchronous connection signal was received. Note that this reception completion notification Ack can be sent during data transmission and reception using the frequency hopping method. When the base radio device 14 receives this reception completion notification Ack, the synchronous connection process between the base radio device 14 and the remote radio device 16 is completed.

[0052] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart illustrating a synchronous connection signal Tx transmitted from the base radio device 14 and an acknowledgement Ack returned from the remote radio device 16 that is the destination of the synchronous connection signal Tx.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 4, in a hopping period Tfh(1), the synchronization communication frequency is switched in the order of f1, f2, and f3 to transmit a synchronization connection signal. When describing a hopping period in general, the symbol Tfh is used, and when describing individual hopping periods, the symbols Tfh(1), Tfh(2), ..., Tfh(n) are used.

[0054] When the synchronous connection signal is received by the remote radio device 16 that is the destination of the synchronous connection signal, a reception completion notification Ack is returned from the remote radio device 16 in the hopping period Tfh(2) that is next to the hopping period Tfh(1).

[0055] As described above, when the 2.4 GHz band is used for frequency hopping wireless communication, the number of channels is, for example, 79. Because the number of channels, i.e., the number of synchronization communication frequencies, is limited to, for example, 79, the following situation may occur in an industrial wireless communication system 10 equipped with a large number of base radio devices 14. That is, the combination of multiple synchronization communication frequencies used when transmitting a synchronization connection signal may match between one base radio device 14 and another base radio device 14. If the multiple synchronization communication frequencies used in the transmission process for transmitting the synchronization connection signal match between one base radio device 14 and another base radio device 14, the transmission of the synchronization connection signal may be more likely to be interrupted by radio wave interference. In such a case, the base radio devices 14 may be configured to switch the multiple synchronization communication frequencies in different orders to prevent the transmission of the synchronization connection signal from being interrupted by radio wave interference.

[0056] 5A and 5B are time charts showing examples of the switching order of synchronization communication frequencies. FIG. 5A shows an example of the present embodiment. That is, FIG. 5A shows an example in which the switching orders of multiple synchronization communication frequencies are different from each other. FIG. 5B shows an example of a comparative example. That is, FIG. 5B shows an example in which the switching orders of multiple synchronization communication frequencies are set to be the same. FIGS. 5A and 5B show an example in which the synchronization connection period Tsc1 in one base radio device 14 and the synchronization connection period Tsc2 in another base radio device 14 overlap each other. In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the combination of multiple synchronization communication frequencies used when transmitting a synchronization connection signal is set to f1, f2, and f3 in both the one base radio device 14 and the other base radio device 14. Tx1 in FIGS. 5A and 5B indicates the synchronization connection signal transmitted from the one base radio device 14. Tx2 in FIGS. 5A and 5B indicates a synchronous connection signal transmitted from another base radio unit 14.

[0057] 5B , in the comparative example, one base radio device 14 switches the synchronization communication frequency when transmitting a synchronization connection signal in the order of f1, f2, and f3. The other base radio devices 14 also switch the synchronization communication frequency when transmitting a synchronization connection signal in the order of f1, f2, and f3. When the synchronization communication frequency is switched in this order, if the synchronization connection period Tsc1 of one base radio device 14 and the synchronization connection period Tsc2 of the other base radio devices 14 overlap with each other, the following occurs. That is, when a synchronization connection signal is transmitted from one base radio device 14 at the synchronization communication frequency f1, the synchronization connection signal is transmitted from the other base radio devices 14 at the synchronization communication frequency f1. Because the synchronization communication frequencies when transmitting the synchronization connection signals are the same, radio wave interference occurs when transmitting the synchronization connection signal at the synchronization communication frequency f1. Furthermore, when a synchronization connection signal is transmitted from one base radio device 14 at the synchronization communication frequency f2, the synchronization connection signal is transmitted from the other base radio devices 14 at the synchronization communication frequency f2. Because the synchronous communication frequency when transmitting the synchronous connection signal is the same, radio wave interference occurs even when transmitting the synchronous connection signal at the synchronous communication frequency f2. Furthermore, when a synchronous connection signal is transmitted from one base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f3, a synchronous connection signal is transmitted from another base radio device 14 at the synchronous communication frequency f3. Because the synchronous communication frequency when transmitting the synchronous connection signal is the same, radio wave interference occurs even when transmitting the synchronous connection signal at the synchronous communication frequency f3.

[0058] In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5A, one base radio device 14 switches the synchronization communication frequency when transmitting a synchronization connection signal, for example, in the order of f1, f2, and f3. Also, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5A, another base radio device 14 switches the synchronization communication frequency when transmitting a synchronization connection signal, for example, in the order of f3, f2, and f1. When the synchronization communication frequency is switched in this order, even if the synchronization connection period Tsc1 of one base radio device 14 and the synchronization connection period Tsc2 of the other base radio device 14 overlap with each other, the following occurs. That is, when a synchronization connection signal is transmitted from one base radio device 14 at the synchronization communication frequency f1, a synchronization connection signal is transmitted from the other base radio device 14 at the synchronization communication frequency f3. Because the synchronization communication frequencies when transmitting the synchronization connection signals are different from each other, radio wave interference does not occur between them. Furthermore, when one base radio device 14 transmits a synchronous connection signal at the synchronous communication frequency f3, another base radio device 14 transmits a synchronous connection signal at the synchronous communication frequency f1. Because the synchronous communication frequencies used to transmit the synchronous connection signals are different, radio wave interference does not occur between them. Radio wave interference occurs only when one base radio device 14 and another base radio device 14 transmit a synchronous connection signal at the synchronous communication frequency f2.

[0059] In this manner, in this embodiment, when the combinations of multiple synchronous communication frequencies used when transmitting the synchronous connection signal are the same among multiple base radio devices 14, the switching order of the multiple synchronous communication frequencies is made different among these base radio devices 14. In this manner, it is possible to prevent radio wave interference from interfering with the transmission of the synchronous connection signal.

[0060] The power of the remote radio device 16 that was synchronously connected may be turned off. Whether the remote radio device 16 is in a disconnected state can be determined, for example, as follows. That is, when the base radio device 14 and the remote radio device 16 are synchronously connected, data indicating that the remote radio device 16 is in a connected state is transmitted from the remote radio device 16 to the base radio device 14, for example, every two seconds. When the remote radio device 16 becomes in a disconnected state, the remote radio device 16 stops transmitting data indicating that the remote radio device 16 is in a connected state to the base radio device 14. In this embodiment, if the elapsed time since the time when the data was received reaches the time threshold TTH but no new data is received from the remote radio device 16, the following process is performed. That is, the connection status determination unit 27 determines that the remote radio device 16 is in a disconnected state. The time threshold TTH can be, for example, 5 seconds, but is not limited to this. In this manner, in this embodiment, it is determined that the remote radio device 16 is in a disconnected state based on whether the time during which no data is received from the synchronously connected remote radio device 16 reaches a predetermined time threshold TTH. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the power of the remote radio device 16 is turned off, for example, it can be accurately determined that the remote radio device 16 is in a disconnected state. Note that diagnostic information, which will be described later and which indicates whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the device 44 in which the remote radio device 16 is provided, may be transmitted together with data indicating that the remote radio device 16 is in a connected state.

[0061] 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the industrial wireless communication system according to this embodiment. An example is shown in FIG. 6 in which the remote wireless device 16 is determined to be in a disconnected state based on the time during which no data has been received from the remote wireless device 16 reaching a time threshold TTH.

[0062] In step S1, the connection status determination unit 27 determines whether the base radio device 14 has received data from the remote radio device 16. If the base radio device 14 has received data from the remote radio device 16 (YES in step S1), the process shown in Fig. 6 is completed. If the base radio device 14 has not received data from the remote radio device 16 (NO in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2.

[0063] In step S2, the connection status determination unit 27 determines whether the time elapsed since the timing of receiving data from the remote radio device 16 has reached the time threshold value TTH. If the time elapsed since the timing of receiving data from the remote radio device 16 has reached the time threshold value TTH (YES in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3. If the time elapsed since the timing of receiving data from the remote radio device 16 has not reached the time threshold value TTH (NO in step S2), the process from step S1 onwards is repeated.

[0064] In step S3, the connection status determination unit 27 determines that the remote radio device 16 is in a non-connected state, thus completing the processing shown in FIG.

[0065] The remote radio device 16 may be determined to be in a disconnected state as follows. That is, if the base radio device 14 transmits data to the remote radio device 16 but does not transmit a reception completion notification Ack from the remote radio device 16, the base radio device 14 performs the following process. In such a case, the base radio device 14 retransmits the data to the remote radio device 16. That is, in such a case, the base radio device 14 performs a retry. Even if the base radio device 14 does not receive a reception completion notification Ack from the remote radio device 16, the base radio device 14 continues to retransmit the data until the number of times reaches the threshold NTH. In this embodiment, if the number of times of data transmission reaches the threshold NTH but the base radio device 14 does not receive a reception completion notification Ack from the remote radio device 16, the connection status determination unit 27 determines that the remote radio device 16 is in a disconnected state. The threshold NTH may be, for example, 32 times, but is not limited to this. In this way, even if the number of repeated data transmissions to a remote radio device 16 with which a synchronous connection was established has reached the threshold number NTH, the remote radio device 16 may be determined to be in a disconnected state based on the fact that the reception completion notification Ack has not been received.

[0066] 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the industrial wireless communication system according to this embodiment. Fig. 7 illustrates an example in which it is determined that the remote wireless device 16 is in a disconnected state based on the fact that the number of repeated data transmissions to the remote wireless device 16 has reached a count threshold NTH.

[0067] In step S11, the transmission / reception processing unit 26 transmits data using the frequency hopping method to the remote radio device 16. After that, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0068] In step S12, the connection status determination unit 27 determines whether or not the reception completion notification Ack from the remote radio device 16 has been received by the transmission and reception processing unit 26. If the reception completion notification Ack from the remote radio device 16 has been received by the transmission and reception processing unit 26 (YES in step S12), the processing shown in Fig. 7 is completed. If the reception completion notification Ack from the remote radio device 16 has not been received by the transmission and reception processing unit 26 (NO in step S12), the processing proceeds to step S13.

[0069] In step S13, the connection status determination unit 27 determines whether the number of times data transmission to the remote radio device 16 has been repeated has reached the number threshold NTH. If the number of times data transmission to the remote radio device 16 has been repeated has not reached the number threshold NTH (NO in step S13), the processing from step S11 onwards is repeated. If the number of times data transmission to the remote radio device 16 has been repeated has reached the number threshold NTH (YES in step S13), the processing proceeds to step S14.

[0070] In step S14, the connection status determination unit 27 determines that the remote radio device 16 is in a non-connected state, and the process shown in FIG.

[0071] The base radio device 14 has a function of forcibly disconnecting a connection with a synchronously connected remote radio device 16. That is, as described above, the base radio device 14 has a forced disconnection signal transmitter 28. The forced disconnection signal transmitter 28 can transmit a forced disconnection signal to a remote radio device 16 to forcibly disconnect the synchronously connected connection with the remote radio device 16. When the forced disconnection signal transmitter 28 transmits a forced disconnection signal to the remote radio device 16, the connection status determiner 27 provided in the base radio device 14 can determine that the remote radio device 16 is in a disconnected state.

[0072] 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the industrial wireless communication system according to this embodiment. An example is shown in FIG. 8 in which, when a forced disconnection signal is transmitted from the forced disconnection signal transmitting unit 28 to the remote wireless device 16, the remote wireless device 16 is determined to be in a disconnected state.

[0073] In step S21, the connection status determination unit 27 determines whether or not the forced disconnection signal transmission unit 28 has transmitted a forced disconnection signal to the remote radio device 16. If the forced disconnection signal transmission unit 28 has transmitted a forced disconnection signal to the remote radio device 16 (YES in step S21), the process proceeds to step S22. If the forced disconnection signal transmission unit 28 has not transmitted a forced disconnection signal to the remote radio device 16 (NO in step S21), the process shown in FIG. 8 is completed.

[0074] In step S22, the connection status determination unit 27 determines that the remote radio device 16 is in a non-connected state, thus completing the processing shown in FIG.

[0075] The remote radio device 16 has a function of forcibly disconnecting the connection with the base radio device 14 with which it is synchronously connected. That is, as described above, the remote radio device 16 is provided with a forced disconnection signal transmitter 39 and a power supply monitor 41. The forced disconnection signal transmitter 39 can transmit a forced disconnection signal to one of the base radio devices 14 to forcibly disconnect the synchronous connection between the remote radio device 16 and the base radio device 14. For example, when the power supply voltage monitored by the power supply monitor 41 falls below a voltage threshold, the forced disconnection signal transmitter 39 can transmit a forced disconnection signal to the base radio device 14 to forcibly disconnect the synchronous connection. When the forced disconnection signal is received from the remote radio device 16, the connection status determiner 27 provided in the base radio device 14 can determine that the remote radio device 16 is in a disconnected state.

[0076] Although the example described here is one in which a forced disconnection signal is transmitted from the remote radio device 16 when the power supply voltage monitored by the power supply monitoring unit 41 falls below the voltage threshold, the present invention is not limited to this. When it is desired to establish a synchronous connection with another base radio device 14 different from the one base radio device 14 with which a synchronous connection is currently established, the remote radio device 16 may transmit a forced disconnection signal to the one base radio device 14.

[0077] 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the industrial wireless communication system according to this embodiment. FIG. 9 illustrates an example in which, when a forced disconnection signal is received from a remote wireless device 16, the remote wireless device 16 is determined to be in a disconnected state.

[0078] In step S31, the connection status determination unit 27 determines whether or not a forced disconnection signal from the remote radio device 16 has been received by the transmission and reception processing unit 26. If a forced disconnection signal has been received by the transmission and reception processing unit 26 (YES in step S31), the process proceeds to step S32. If a forced disconnection signal has not been received by the transmission and reception processing unit 26 (NO in step S31), the process shown in FIG. 9 is completed.

[0079] In step S32, the connection status determination unit 27 determines that the remote radio device 16 is in a non-connected state, and the process shown in FIG.

[0080] When the base radio device 14 is disconnected from a synchronously connected remote radio device 16, the base radio device 14 performs a transmission process of a synchronous connection signal to re-establish a synchronous connection with the remote radio device 16. That is, when the synchronously connected remote radio device 16 is disconnected, the synchronous connection transmitting unit 25 provided in the base radio device 14 performs the following process. In this case, the synchronous connection transmitting unit 25 broadcasts a transmission process to transmit a synchronous connection signal at a synchronous connection period Tsc to re-establish a synchronous connection with the remote radio device 16.

[0081] As described above, the remote radio device 16 is provided with a diagnostic information transmission unit 40. The diagnostic information transmission unit 40 can transmit diagnostic information of the device 44 in which the remote radio device 16 is provided to the base radio device 14. Examples of the diagnostic information include information indicating whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the device 44 in which the remote radio device 16 is provided. The transmission and reception of such diagnostic information can be performed during data transmission and reception using a frequency hopping method. The transmission and reception of such diagnostic information can also be performed during data transmission and reception using a predetermined interrupt period Tir. FIG. 10 is a time chart showing an example of the interrupt period Tir. The interrupt period Tir can be set to, for example, 500 msec, but is not limited to this.

[0082] As described above, in this embodiment, the synchronization connection signal for synchronously connecting to the remote radio device 16 is broadcast from the base radio device 14 to the remote radio device 16 only at a single synchronization connection period Tsc, which is an integer multiple of the hopping period Tfh. In the transmission process of the synchronization connection signal, the synchronization communication frequency is sequentially switched, so that the synchronization connection signal is transmitted at multiple synchronization communication frequencies within one hopping period Tfh. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the synchronization communication frequency is sequentially switched at a switching period Tcg, which is longer than the hopping period Tfh and shorter than twice the hopping period Tfh, so that the reception wait process for the synchronization connection signal is performed at multiple synchronization communication frequencies. Therefore, this embodiment can provide an industrial wireless communication system 10 that can quickly establish a synchronization connection.

[0083] [Modified embodiment] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0084] For example, in the above embodiment, the hopping period Tfh is 5 msec, but is not limited to this. The hopping period Tfh may be, for example, 2 msec. In this case, the number of synchronization communication frequencies used in the transmission process and reception waiting process may be, for example, 2, but is not limited to this. The number of synchronization communication frequencies used in the transmission process and reception waiting process may be, for example, 3. When the hopping period Tfh is, for example, 2 msec, the synchronization connection receiving unit 36 ​​may sequentially switch the synchronization communication frequencies at a cycle of, for example, 3 msec, but is not limited to this.

[0085] The above embodiment can be summarized as follows.

[0086] The industrial wireless communication system (10) includes a computer (12) that monitors and controls industrial equipment, a base wireless device (14) that is connected to the computer by a field bus (17), and a plurality of remote wireless devices (16) that are provided in each of a plurality of devices (44) that make up the industrial equipment and that communicate wirelessly with the base wireless device, and the base wireless device and the remote wireless devices that are synchronously connected transmit and receive data by switching hopping frequencies at a predetermined hopping period (Tfh). When the base wireless device is not synchronously connected to the remote wireless device, the base wireless device transmits a synchronous connection signal for synchronously connecting to the remote wireless device to the hopping period (Tfh). The remote radio device includes a synchronous connection transmitter (25) that broadcasts a transmission process for transmitting only at a single synchronous connection period (Tsc) that is an integer multiple of a ping period, and the synchronous connection transmitter transmits the synchronous connection signal at a plurality of synchronous communication frequencies within one hopping period by sequentially switching among synchronous communication frequencies (f1, f2, f3) that are communication frequencies for synchronization. The remote radio device includes a synchronous connection receiver (36) that, when synchronous connection with the base radio device is not established, performs a reception waiting process for the synchronous connection signal at a plurality of synchronous communication frequencies by sequentially switching among the synchronous communication frequencies at a switching period (Tcg) that is longer than the hopping period and shorter than twice the hopping period. With this configuration, a synchronous connection signal for synchronously connecting to the remote radio device is broadcast from the base radio device to the remote radio device only at a single synchronous connection period that is an integer multiple of the hopping period. In the transmission process for the synchronous connection signal, the synchronous connection frequency is sequentially switched, so that the synchronous connection signal is transmitted at a plurality of synchronous communication frequencies within one hopping period. Furthermore, by sequentially switching the synchronization communication frequency at a switching period that is longer than the hopping period but shorter than twice the hopping period, the synchronization connection signal is waited for at multiple synchronization communication frequencies, thereby providing an industrial wireless communication system that can quickly establish a synchronization connection.

[0087] A plurality of networks (43) may be configured by including a plurality of base radio devices and synchronously connecting a plurality of remote radio devices to each base radio device.

[0088] The synchronous connection period may be 250 msec or less.

[0089] The hopping period may be 5 msec or less.

[0090] The hopping period may be 5 msec, and the number of the plurality of synchronization communication frequencies used in the transmission process and the reception waiting process may be any one of two to four.

[0091] The synchronization connection receiving unit may sequentially switch the synchronization communication frequency at a cycle of 6 msec.

[0092] The hopping period may be 2 msec, and the number of the plurality of synchronization communication frequencies used in the transmission process and the reception waiting process may be two or three.

[0093] The synchronization connection receiving unit may sequentially switch the synchronization communication frequency at a cycle of 3 msec.

[0094] The synchronous connection signal may include identification information of the base radio device, identification information of the remote radio device to be synchronously connected, and time information.

[0095] The remote radio device may further include a reception completion notification sending unit (38) that, when the synchronization connection signal is received by the synchronization connection receiving unit, sends a reception completion notification (Ack) to the base radio device in the hopping period next to the hopping period in which the synchronization connection signal was received.

[0096] The base radio devices may be configured to change the order of the synchronizing communication frequencies among the plurality of base radio devices that use the same combination of the synchronizing communication frequencies in the transmission process. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent radio interference from interfering with the transmission of the synchronizing connection signal.

[0097] The base radio device may further include a connection status determination unit (27) that determines that one of the remote radio devices is in a disconnected state when a time during which no data is received from one of the remote radio devices with which the base radio device was synchronously connected reaches a predetermined time threshold (TTH). With this configuration, it is possible to accurately determine that the remote radio device has become in a disconnected state.

[0098] The base radio device may further include a connection status determination unit that determines that one of the remote radio devices with which the base radio device is synchronously connected is in a disconnected state based on the fact that the number of repeated data transmissions to the one of the remote radio devices has reached a count threshold (NTH) but a reception completion notification has not been received from the one of the remote radio devices. With this configuration, it is possible to accurately determine that the remote radio device has become in a disconnected state.

[0099] The base radio device may further include a forced disconnection signal transmitter (28) that transmits a forced disconnection signal to one of the remote radio devices to forcibly disconnect the connection with the remote radio device with which the base radio device is synchronously connected, and a connection status determiner that determines that the one remote radio device is in a disconnected state when the forced disconnection signal transmitter transmits the forced disconnection signal to the one remote radio device. With this configuration, it is possible to forcibly disconnect the synchronous connection with the remote radio device and accurately determine that the remote radio device has become in a disconnected state.

[0100] The remote radio device may further include a forced disconnection signal transmitter (39) that transmits a forced disconnection signal to the base radio device to forcibly disconnect the connection with the base radio device with which the synchronous connection was established, and the base radio device may further include a connection status determiner that determines that one of the remote radio devices is in a disconnected state when the forced disconnection signal is received from the remote radio device. With this configuration, the synchronous connection with the base radio device can be forcibly disconnected from the remote radio device side, and the base radio device side can accurately determine that the remote radio device has become in a disconnected state.

[0101] When the connection with the remote wireless device with which the synchronous connection was established is disconnected, the synchronous connection transmitting unit broadcasts the synchronous connection signal at the synchronous connection period for re-establishing the synchronous connection with the remote wireless device. With this configuration, the synchronous connection can be quickly resumed.

[0102] The remote radio device may further include a diagnostic information transmitter (40) that transmits diagnostic information of the device to which the remote radio device is attached to the base radio device during data transmission and reception performed by switching the hopping frequency at the hopping period. With this configuration, the diagnostic information can be quickly transmitted from the remote radio device to the base radio device.

Claims

1. a computer (12) for monitoring and controlling industrial equipment; a base radio unit (14) connected to said computer by a fieldbus (17); a plurality of remote radio devices (16) provided in each of a plurality of devices (44) constituting the industrial facility and communicating wirelessly with the base radio device; Equipped with An industrial wireless communication system, wherein the base wireless device and the remote wireless device, which are synchronously connected, switch hopping frequencies at a predetermined hopping period (Tfh) to transmit and receive data, the base radio device has a synchronous connection transmitting unit (25) that, when synchronous connection with the remote radio device is not established, broadcasts a transmission process of transmitting a synchronous connection signal for synchronous connection to the remote radio device only at a single synchronous connection period (Tsc) that is an integral multiple of the hopping period; the synchronization connection transmitter transmits the synchronization connection signal at a plurality of synchronization communication frequencies (f1, f2, f3) within one hopping period by sequentially switching the synchronization communication frequencies (f1, f2, f3), which are communication frequencies for synchronization; the remote radio device has a synchronous connection receiving unit (36) that, when synchronous connection with the base radio device is not established, performs a process of waiting for reception of the synchronous connection signal at a plurality of the synchronous communication frequencies by sequentially switching the synchronous communication frequency at a switching period (Tcg) that is longer than the hopping period and shorter than twice the hopping period, An industrial wireless communication system (10) in which the switching order of the plurality of synchronous communication frequencies is made different among the plurality of base wireless devices in which the combinations of the plurality of synchronous communication frequencies used in the transmission process are the same.

2. A computer that monitors and controls industrial equipment; a base radio connected to said computer by a fieldbus; a plurality of remote radio devices provided in each of a plurality of devices constituting the industrial facility, the remote radio devices performing wireless communication with the base radio device; Equipped with an industrial wireless communication system in which the base wireless device and the remote wireless device, which are synchronously connected, switch hopping frequencies at a predetermined hopping period to transmit and receive data, the base radio device has a synchronous connection transmitting unit that broadcasts a synchronous connection signal for synchronously connecting to the remote radio device only at a single synchronous connection period that is an integral multiple of the hopping period when the synchronous connection with the remote radio device is not established, the synchronization connection transmitter transmits the synchronization connection signal at a plurality of synchronization communication frequencies within one hopping period by sequentially switching a synchronization communication frequency, the synchronization connection signal being a communication frequency for synchronization; the remote radio device has a synchronous connection receiving unit that, when synchronous connection with the base radio device is not established, performs a process of waiting for reception of the synchronous connection signal at a plurality of the synchronous communication frequencies by sequentially switching the synchronous communication frequencies at a switching period that is longer than the hopping period and shorter than twice the hopping period; The base radio device a forced disconnection signal transmitting unit (28) for transmitting a forced disconnection signal to one of the remote radio devices for forcibly disconnecting a connection with the one of the remote radio devices that is synchronously connected; a connection state determination unit that determines that the one remote wireless device is in a disconnected state when the forced disconnection signal transmission unit transmits the forced disconnection signal to the one remote wireless device.

3. A computer that monitors and controls industrial equipment; a base radio connected to said computer by a fieldbus; a plurality of remote radio devices provided in each of a plurality of devices constituting the industrial facility, the remote radio devices performing wireless communication with the base radio device; Equipped with an industrial wireless communication system in which the base wireless device and the remote wireless device, which are synchronously connected, switch hopping frequencies at a predetermined hopping period to transmit and receive data, the base radio device has a synchronous connection transmitting unit that broadcasts a synchronous connection signal for synchronously connecting to the remote radio device only at a single synchronous connection period that is an integral multiple of the hopping period when the synchronous connection with the remote radio device is not established, the synchronization connection transmitter transmits the synchronization connection signal at a plurality of synchronization communication frequencies within one hopping period by sequentially switching a synchronization communication frequency, the synchronization connection signal being a communication frequency for synchronization; the remote radio device has a synchronous connection receiving unit that, when synchronous connection with the base radio device is not established, performs a process of waiting for reception of the synchronous connection signal at a plurality of the synchronous communication frequencies by sequentially switching the synchronous communication frequencies at a switching period that is longer than the hopping period and shorter than twice the hopping period; the remote radio device further includes a forced disconnection signal transmitting unit that transmits a forced disconnection signal to the base radio device to forcibly disconnect the connection between the remote radio device and the base radio device that has been synchronously connected; The base wireless device further includes a connection status determination unit that determines that one of the remote wireless devices is in a disconnected state when the base wireless device receives the forced disconnection signal from the one of the remote wireless devices.

4. The industrial wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a plurality of base radio devices; An industrial wireless communication system in which a plurality of networks (43) are configured by synchronously connecting a plurality of the remote wireless devices to each of the base wireless devices.

5. The industrial wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An industrial wireless communication system, wherein the synchronous connection period is 250 msec or less.

6. The industrial wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The hopping period is 5 msec or less.

7. 7. The industrial wireless communication system according to claim 6, the hopping period is 5 msec; The number of the plurality of synchronization communication frequencies used in the transmission process and the reception waiting process is any one of 2 to 4.

8. 8. The industrial wireless communication system according to claim 7, The synchronous connection receiver sequentially switches the synchronous communication frequency at a cycle of 6 msec.

9. 7. The industrial wireless communication system according to claim 6, the hopping period is 2 msec; The number of the plurality of synchronization communication frequencies used in the transmission process and the reception waiting process is two or three.

10. 10. The industrial wireless communication system according to claim 9, The synchronous connection receiver sequentially switches the synchronous communication frequency at a cycle of 3 msec.

11. The industrial wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, An industrial wireless communication system, wherein the synchronous connection signal includes identification information of the base wireless device, identification information of the remote wireless device that is the target of the synchronous connection, and time information.

12. The industrial wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The remote radio device further includes a reception completion notification transmitting unit (38) that, when the synchronization connection signal is received by the synchronization connection receiving unit, transmits a reception completion notification (ACK) to the base radio device in the hopping period next to the hopping period in which the synchronization connection signal was received.

13. The industrial wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The base wireless device further includes a connection status determination unit (27) that determines that one of the remote wireless devices, with which the base wireless device has been synchronously connected, is in a disconnected state based on a time during which no data has been received from the one of the remote wireless devices reaching a predetermined time threshold (TTH).

14. The industrial wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the base wireless device further includes a connection status determination unit that determines that one of the remote wireless devices, with which the base wireless device is synchronously connected, is in a disconnected state based on the fact that the number of repeated data transmissions to the one of the remote wireless devices has reached a count threshold (NTH) but a reception completion notification has not been received from the one of the remote wireless devices.

15. The industrial wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the synchronous connection transmitting unit broadcasts a transmission process to transmit the synchronous connection signal at the synchronous connection period to re-establish a synchronous connection with the remote wireless device when the connection with the remote wireless device with which the synchronous connection was established is disconnected.

16. The industrial wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The remote wireless device further includes a diagnostic information transmission unit (40) that transmits diagnostic information of the equipment to which the remote wireless device is attached to the base wireless device during data transmission and reception that is performed by switching the hopping frequency at the hopping period.

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