Broadcast instruction device, broadcast instruction system, broadcast instruction method, and broadcast instruction program

Abstract

The present invention suppresses a drop in battery voltage of a plurality of slave stations arranged in the same area, thereby extending the time during which at least one slave station in the area is in a state where it can broadcast. [Solution] The broadcast instruction device (100) comprises a memory unit (110) that stores battery information transmitted from each of a plurality of slave stations located in the same area, a judgment unit (120) that judges whether the battery information of each of the plurality of slave stations is below a predetermined value, and a transmission unit (130) that transmits a broadcast instruction to a slave station among the plurality of slave stations whose battery information is below the predetermined value not to broadcast.

Description

Technical Field

[0003]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a broadcast instruction device, a broadcast instruction system, a broadcast instruction method, and a broadcast instruction program.

Background Art

[0002] In a disaster prevention radio system, a method of controlling a slave station according to the battery voltage of the slave station that performs broadcasting is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for determining whether the slave station is operating normally by transmitting the battery voltage or the like from the slave station to the master station. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for suppressing battery consumption of a slave station in a power outage state by the master station performing volume control and broadcast frequency limitation on the slave station.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The slave station performs broadcasting using both commercial power and a battery. Since the battery of the slave station is charged by commercial power, when the slave station performs broadcasting frequently or when the supply of commercial power is cut off (i.e., a power outage occurs), the battery voltage gradually decreases and becomes below the cut-off voltage, and broadcasting may become impossible. In a disaster prevention radio system, even in a situation where the battery voltage of the slave station decreases as described above, it is preferable to prevent a situation where broadcasting is not performed in the area where the slave station is installed, that is, to suppress the decrease in the battery voltage of the slave station.

[0005] The technology described in Patent Document 1 checks whether a substation is operating normally based on the battery voltage of the substation, but does not implement any control to suppress the decrease in the substation's battery voltage. The technology described in Patent Document 2 suppresses the decrease in battery voltage by implementing volume control and broadcast frequency limits for each individual substation. However, when multiple substations are deployed, if each substation is made to broadcast using the same control, the battery voltage may decrease almost simultaneously, potentially rendering all substations in that area unable to broadcast almost simultaneously.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is, in view of the above-mentioned problems, to provide a broadcasting instruction device, a broadcasting instruction system, a broadcasting instruction method, and a broadcasting instruction program that can suppress the decrease in battery voltage of multiple substations located in the same area and extend the time during which at least one substation in the area is capable of broadcasting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The broadcast instruction device related to this disclosure is A storage means for storing battery information transmitted from each of multiple substations located within the same area, A determination means for determining whether the battery information of each of the plurality of substations is less than or equal to a predetermined value, A transmission means that transmits a broadcasting instruction to a slave station among the plurality of slave stations whose battery information is below a predetermined value, preventing it from broadcasting. It is equipped with.

[0008] The broadcast instruction system related to this disclosure is Multiple substations located within the same area, A base station capable of communicating with each of the aforementioned plurality of substations, The system includes a broadcast instruction device that can communicate with the base station and transmits broadcast instructions to each of the plurality of substations via the base station, The aforementioned broadcast instruction device, A storage means for storing battery information transmitted from each of the aforementioned multiple substations, A determination means for determining whether the battery information of each of the plurality of substations is less than or equal to a predetermined value, A broadcast instruction transmission means that transmits a broadcast instruction to a slave station among the plurality of slave stations whose battery information is below a predetermined value, preventing it from broadcasting. It is equipped with.

[0009] The broadcast instruction method related to this disclosure is: Computers A process of storing battery information transmitted from each of multiple substations located within the same area, A step of determining whether the battery information of each of the plurality of substations is less than or equal to a predetermined value, The process of transmitting a broadcasting instruction to a slave station among the plurality of slave stations whose battery information is below a predetermined value, which prevents the slave station from broadcasting, It is equipped with.

[0010] The broadcast instruction program related to this disclosure is: A process of storing battery information transmitted from each of multiple substations located within the same area, A step of determining whether the battery information of each of the plurality of substations is less than or equal to a predetermined value, The process of transmitting a broadcasting instruction to a slave station among the plurality of slave stations whose battery information is below a predetermined value, which prevents the slave station from broadcasting, Have the computer execute it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] This disclosure provides a broadcasting instruction device, a broadcasting instruction system, a broadcasting instruction method, and a broadcasting instruction program that can suppress the decrease in battery voltage of multiple substations located within the same area and extend the time during which at least one substation in that area is capable of broadcasting. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the broadcast instruction device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the broadcast instruction method according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the broadcast instruction system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the slave station included in the broadcast instruction system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] It is a graph showing an example of the change in the battery voltage of the slave station included in the broadcast instruction system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] It is a graph showing an example of the change in the battery voltage during frequency broadcast of the slave station included in the broadcast instruction system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] It is a graph showing an example of the change in the battery voltage of the slave station included in the broadcast instruction system according to Embodiment 2 during a power outage. [Figure 8] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the broadcast instruction device according to Embodiment 2. <​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted where necessary for clarity.

[0014] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a broadcast instruction device according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 1, the broadcast instruction device 100 includes a storage unit 110, a determination unit 120, and a transmission unit 130.

[0015] The broadcast instruction device 100 is a device that can communicate with multiple substations (not shown) located within the same area via a base station (not shown) and controls each substation. The broadcast instruction device 100 is connected to the base station via a network (not shown) so as to be able to communicate. The base station has a communication range that includes the area where the multiple substations are located and communicates with each substation.

[0016] The memory unit 110 stores battery information transmitted from each of several substations (not shown) located within the same area. Here, each substation is a loudspeaker that broadcasts according to broadcast instructions transmitted by the broadcast instruction device 100. Each substation broadcasts using both commercial power and battery power. The batteries are charged by the commercial power. The battery information is information indicating the status of the battery in each substation. Battery information may include, for example, battery voltage, battery level, or broadcast time. Each substation periodically transmits battery information to the base station. The memory unit 110 receives and stores the battery information transmitted by each substation via the base station.

[0017] The determination unit 120 determines whether the battery information of each slave station is below a predetermined value. Each slave station stops operating when its battery information falls below the threshold. The predetermined value is the battery information value at which the slave station can operate, and is greater than the threshold. For example, if the battery information stored in the storage unit 110 is below the predetermined value, the determination unit 120 sets the flag to 1 and stores it in the storage unit 110. Also, if the battery information stored in the storage unit 110 is greater than the predetermined value, the flag is set to 0 and stored in the storage unit 110.

[0018] The transmitting unit 130 transmits a broadcasting instruction to any of the multiple slave stations whose battery information is below a predetermined value, instructing them not to broadcast. For example, if there are multiple slave stations whose battery information is greater than a predetermined value, the transmitting unit 130 transmits a broadcasting instruction to the base station instructing at least one of those slave stations to broadcast. Each slave station receives the broadcasting instruction via the base station and broadcasts according to the instruction.

[0019] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the broadcast instruction method according to Embodiment 1. First, the storage unit 110 stores battery information transmitted from each of the multiple substations located in the same area (step S101). Next, the determination unit 120 determines whether the battery information of each of the multiple substations is below a predetermined value (step S102). Next, the transmission unit 130 transmits a broadcast instruction to the substations whose battery information is below a predetermined value, instructing them not to broadcast (step S103).

[0020] Thus, in the broadcast instruction method according to Embodiment 1, broadcasting is not permitted for any substation whose battery information is below a predetermined value among multiple substations located in the same area, thereby suppressing a decrease in the battery voltage of such substations. As a result, the time during which at least one substation in an area where multiple substations are located has a battery voltage above a threshold, i.e., is in a broadcasting-capable state, can be extended.

[0021] The broadcast instruction device 100 includes a processor, memory, and storage device (not shown). The storage device stores a computer program that implements the broadcast instruction method according to this embodiment. The processor loads the computer program from the storage device into the memory and executes it. In this way, the processor realizes the functions of the storage unit 110, the determination unit 120, and the transmission unit 130.

[0022] Alternatively, each component of the broadcast instruction device 100 may be implemented with dedicated hardware. Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be implemented by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or combinations thereof. These may be comprised of a single chip or multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device may be implemented by a combination of the aforementioned circuits, etc., and programs. Additionally, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), quantum processor (quantum computer control chip), etc., can be used as the processor.

[0023] Furthermore, if some or all of the components of the broadcast instruction device 100 are implemented by multiple information processing devices or circuits, these multiple information processing devices or circuits may be centrally located or distributed. For example, the information processing devices or circuits may be implemented in a form in which each is connected via a communication network, such as a client-server system or a cloud computing system. Also, the functions of the broadcast instruction device 100 may be provided in SaaS (Software as a Service) format.

[0024] <Embodiment 2> Embodiment 2 is a more specific embodiment. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the broadcast instruction system according to Embodiment 2. The broadcast instruction system 200 is an information system that broadcasts local information such as disaster prevention information and administrative information within a region. The broadcast instruction system 200 is, for example, a municipal disaster prevention administrative radio, or broadcast radio.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the broadcast instruction system 200 comprises substations 300a to 300f, a base station 400, and a broadcast instruction device 500. The base station 400 and the broadcast instruction device 500 are connected communicatively via a network 600. Here, the network 600 is a wired or wireless communication line or communication network, such as a LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, or a wireless communication network. The network 600 is not limited to any type of communication protocol. The base station 400 has a wireless communication range in areas X and Y and is connected wirelessly to each substation 300a to 300f. The base station 400 establishes a wireless connection with each substation 300a to 300f and performs wireless communication, and relays communication between each substation 300a to 300f and the broadcast instruction device 500 via the network 600.

[0026] Substations 300a to 300f are loudspeakers that broadcast in areas X and Y, and are, for example, wireless speakers installed outdoors. In the example shown in Figure 3, there are three substations in each of areas X and Y, but the number of substations in the same area is not particularly limited as long as it is two or more. Substations 300a to 300f broadcast according to broadcast instructions received from the broadcast instruction device 500 via the base station 400. The broadcast instructions include information on the broadcast content and the substations that will broadcast, and more preferably include information on the broadcast volume. Each of the substations 300a to 300f has a similar configuration and may be referred to as substation 300 below.

[0027] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a substation in the broadcast instruction system according to Embodiment 2. The substation 300 comprises a communication device, a loudspeaker, a sensor, and a computer as its hardware configuration. As shown in Figure 4, the substation 300 includes a control unit 310, a battery 320, a sensor 330, a broadcast unit 340, a memory 350, and a communication unit 360.

[0028] The control unit 310 controls the hardware of the slave station 300. The battery 320 is a power source that supplies power to the slave station 300 when it broadcasts, and is charged by commercial power. The sensor 330 is a sensor that measures the voltage of the battery 320. The sensor 330 periodically measures the voltage of the battery 320. The control unit 310 transmits the battery voltage measured by the sensor 330 to the broadcast instruction device 500 via the base station 400. The broadcast unit 340 is a loudspeaker that broadcasts based on the received broadcast instructions. The memory 350 is a storage device that stores programs for realizing each function of the slave station 300. The communication unit 360 is a wireless communication interface with the base station 400.

[0029] Figure 5 is a graph showing an example of the change in battery voltage of a substation in the broadcast instruction system according to Embodiment 2. In the graph shown in Figure 5, the vertical axis represents battery voltage, and the horizontal axis represents elapsed time. In the example shown in Figure 5, substation 300 broadcasts when fully charged. Substation 300 broadcasts using both battery power and commercial power. Therefore, during broadcasting, power is consumed from the battery that far exceeds the battery's charge level, causing the battery voltage to drop. When broadcasting ends, the battery is charged by the commercial power supply and returns to a fully charged state. In this way, substation 300 is charged by the commercial power supply during periods when it is not broadcasting, and its battery voltage is restored.

[0030] Figure 6 is a graph showing an example of the change in battery voltage during frequent broadcasting by a substation in the broadcast instruction system according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 6, when the next broadcast is made before the battery is fully charged after the end of a broadcast, that is, when broadcasting is made frequently, the battery voltage gradually decreases with each broadcast. When the battery voltage falls below a threshold (termination voltage), the substation 300 stops operating and is unable to broadcast. Here, the battery voltage threshold is the discharge termination voltage, which is the minimum voltage at which discharge can be performed safely.

[0031] Figure 7 is a graph showing an example of the change in battery voltage during a power outage in a substation of the broadcast instruction system according to Embodiment 2. When the commercial power supply to substation 300 is cut off, i.e., when there is a power outage, substation 300 broadcasts using only battery power. As shown in Figure 7, when there is a power outage, the battery is not charged after the broadcast ends, so the battery voltage does not recover even during periods when there is no broadcasting.

[0032] Next, with reference to Figure 8, the configuration of the broadcast instruction device 500 will be described in detail. The broadcast instruction device 500 is an example of the broadcast instruction device 100 described above. The broadcast instruction device 500 is an information processing device for broadcasting local information such as disaster prevention information and administrative information within a region. The broadcast instruction device 500 may be redundantly configured on multiple servers, and each functional block may be implemented on multiple computers. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the broadcast instruction device according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 8, the broadcast instruction device 500 includes a storage unit 510, a memory 520, a communication unit 530, a display unit 540, and a control unit 550.

[0033] The storage unit 510 is an example of the storage unit 110 described above, and is a storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory. The storage unit 510 stores the broadcast instruction program 511 and the battery information table 512. The broadcast instruction program 511 is a computer program that implements battery information registration processing, flag setting processing, and broadcast instruction generation processing. The battery information table 512 is a table that manages the battery information of each substation 300a to 300f. The battery information table 512 is a table that associates regional information, substation identification information, battery information, and flags. The battery information table 512 may also include power outage information.

[0034] Figure 9 shows an example of a battery information table stored by a broadcast instruction device according to Embodiment 2. In Figure 9, the case where the battery information is the battery voltage is illustrated as an example. In the example shown in Figure 9, the battery information table 512 has "regional information," "substation identification information," "battery voltage," "flags," and "power outage information" as table attributes. "Regional information" is information for identifying the region where the substation 300 is installed. Regional information is, for example, the name of the region. "Substation identification information" is information for identifying each substation 300a to 300f. "Battery voltage" is the battery voltage of each substation 300a to 300f. "Flags" are the flags of each substation 300a to 300f. "Power outage information" is information on whether or not a power outage occurred in the region where each substation 300a to 300f is located.

[0035] Returning to Figure 8, we continue the explanation. Memory 520 is a volatile storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory), and is a storage area for temporarily holding information when the control unit 550 is operating. Communication unit 530 is a communication interface with the network 600. Display unit 540 is a display device that shows the battery information table 512 and the like to the user.

[0036] The control unit 550 is a control device that controls each component of the broadcast instruction device 500. The control unit 550 loads the broadcast instruction program 511 from the storage unit 510 into the memory 520 and executes the broadcast instruction program 511. In this way, the control unit 550 realizes the functions of the receiving unit 551, the registration unit 552, the determination unit 553, the generation unit 554, and the transmission unit 555.

[0037] The receiving unit 551 receives battery information from each slave station 300a to 300f via the base station 400 and the network 600. The registration unit 552 performs the battery information registration process. Specifically, the registration unit 552 associates the battery information received by the receiving unit 551 with the slave station identification information of the slave station 300 that transmitted the battery information and registers it in the battery information table 512. Each slave station 300a to 300f periodically measures its battery voltage and transmits it to the broadcast instruction device 500 via the base station 400. Therefore, each time the registration unit 552 receives battery information, it registers the battery information that has been registered in the battery information table 512. In other words, the battery information of each slave station 300a to 300f is updated in the battery information table 512 as needed.

[0038] The determination unit 553 is an example of the determination unit 120 described above. The determination unit 553 determines whether the battery information of each slave station 300a to 300f is less than or equal to a predetermined value, and registers the determination result as a flag in the battery information table 512. For example, if the battery information registered in the battery information table 512 is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the determination unit 553 registers the flag as 1 in the battery information table 512. Also, if the battery information registered in the battery information table 512 is greater than a predetermined value, the flag is set to 0 and registered in the battery information table 512.

[0039] The generation unit 554 generates a broadcast instruction by referring to the flags registered in the battery information table 512. The transmission unit 555 transmits the broadcast instruction generated by the generation unit 554 to the base station 400. For example, if there is a slave station 300 with a flag of 1, the generation unit 554 generates a broadcast instruction to have at least one slave station 300 that is located in the same area as the slave station 300 and has a flag of 0 perform the broadcast. For example, the generation unit 554 may generate a broadcast instruction to have all slave stations 300 that are located in the same area as the slave station 300 with a flag of 1 and have a flag of 0 perform the broadcast. Alternatively, the generation unit 554 may generate a broadcast instruction to have only the slave station 300 with the highest battery information value among the slave stations 300 that are located in the same area as the slave station 300 with a flag of 1 and have a flag of 0 perform the broadcast.

[0040] The generation unit 554 may generate a broadcast instruction that includes information on the broadcast volume. The broadcast instruction system 200 is desirable to have the substations 300 broadcast at a volume that allows the broadcast content to be heard in all areas within the region. For example, when generating a broadcast instruction that causes only the substation 300 with the highest battery information to broadcast, the generation unit 554 may generate a broadcast instruction that includes information instructing the substation 300 to broadcast at a volume that allows the broadcast to be heard throughout the entire region.

[0041] The example shown in Figure 9 illustrates the case where the battery information is the battery voltage. However, as mentioned earlier, the battery information is not limited to the battery voltage, but may also be, for example, the remaining battery charge or the broadcastable time. Figures 10 and 11 show examples of battery information tables stored in the broadcast instruction device according to Embodiment 2. Figure 10 illustrates the case where the battery information is the remaining battery charge. When the battery information is the remaining battery charge, the threshold value for the battery information is the remaining battery charge at which the slave station 300 stops operating. The predetermined value used by the determination unit 553 for determination is the remaining battery charge at which the slave station 300 can operate, and is a value greater than the threshold value. Figure 11 illustrates the case where the battery information is the broadcastable time. When the battery information is the broadcastable time, the threshold value for the battery information is the broadcastable time at which the slave station 300 stops operating. The predetermined value used by the determination unit 553 for determination is the broadcastable time at which the slave station 300 can operate, and is a value greater than the threshold value.

[0042] Battery level and broadcast time can be calculated from the battery voltage. The calculation of battery level or broadcast time from the battery voltage may be performed at the substation 300. For example, the control unit 310 of the substation 300 may calculate the battery level and broadcast time from the battery voltage measured by the sensor 330 and transmit it to the broadcast instruction device 500 via the base station 400. Alternatively, the calculation of battery level or broadcast time from the battery voltage may be performed at the broadcast instruction device 500. For example, the registration unit 552 of the broadcast instruction device 500 may calculate the battery level or broadcast time based on the battery voltage received by the receiving unit 551 and register it in the battery information table 512.

[0043] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the broadcast instruction method according to Embodiment 2. First, the receiving unit 551 receives battery information from the slave station 300 via the base station 400 and the network 600 (step S201). Next, the registration unit 552 performs battery information registration processing (step S202). Next, the determination unit 553 determines whether the battery information of the slave station 300 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (step S203), and registers the determination result as a flag in the battery information table 512 (step S204). The broadcast instruction device 500 performs each of steps S201 to S204 each time it receives battery information from each slave station 300a to 300f.

[0044] The generation unit 554 generates a broadcast instruction by referring to the flags registered in the battery information table 512 (step S205). For example, in the example shown in Figure 9, of the substations 300a to 300f, only substation 300b located in region X has a flag of 1. Therefore, the generation unit 554 generates a broadcast instruction to have at least one of the substations 300a and 300c located in region X, which have a flag of 0, broadcast. Also, since the flags of all substations 300d to 300f located in region Y are 0, the generation unit 554 generates a broadcast instruction to have all substations 300d to 300f located in region Y broadcast.

[0045] Next, the transmitting unit 555 transmits the broadcast instruction generated by the generating unit 554 to the base station 400 (step S206). Each slave station 300a to 300f receives the broadcast instruction via the base station 400 and broadcasts according to the instruction. As a result, slave station 300b, whose battery information is below a predetermined value, does not broadcast, and its battery 320 can be charged by commercial power. Therefore, the decrease in battery voltage of slave station 300b is suppressed. In this way, the broadcast instruction method according to Embodiment 2 allows the battery 320 to be charged without allowing slave stations 300 whose battery information is below a predetermined value to broadcast. This prevents the battery voltage of all slave stations 300 located in the same area from falling below a threshold, especially when broadcasting is performed frequently. In other words, it is possible to maintain a state in which at least one slave station 300 capable of broadcasting exists in the area.

[0046] <Embodiment 3> Embodiment 3 is a modification of Embodiment 2 described above. Embodiment 3 describes the operation of the broadcast instruction system 200 when a power outage occurs in the area where the substations 300 are located. In Embodiment 3, broadcast instructions are generated by referring to power outage information received from each substation 300. Therefore, the battery information table 512 includes power outage information. The configuration of the broadcast instruction system according to Embodiment 3 is the same as that shown in Figure 3 above, and explanations that overlap with Embodiment 2, including other details, will be omitted as appropriate.

[0047] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the broadcast instruction method according to Embodiment 3. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of a battery information table stored by the broadcast instruction device according to Embodiment 3. Below, an example of the operation of the broadcast instruction device 500 when a power outage occurs in area X with the battery voltages of each substation 300a to 300f as shown in Figure 14 will be described.

[0048] Each substation 300a to 300f transmits power outage information to the broadcast instruction device 500 via the base station 400 when the supply of commercial power is interrupted, i.e., a power outage occurs. The power outage information is information about the occurrence of a power outage in the area where each substation 300a to 300f is located. When the registration unit 552 receives power outage information from at least one substation 300 among multiple substations 300 located in the same area, it registers the power outage information of all substations 300 located in that area as a power outage in the battery information table 512. For example, when the receiving unit 551 receives power outage information transmitted by substation 300a (step S301), the registration unit 552 registers the power outage information of all substations 300a to 300c located in area X as a power outage in the battery information table 512.

[0049] The generation unit 554 generates a broadcast instruction to broadcast only to the slave station with the highest battery voltage if there are multiple slave stations with a flag of 0 in an area where a power outage is occurring. In the example shown in Figure 14, the generation unit 554 generates a broadcast instruction to broadcast only to slave station 300c, which has the highest battery voltage among slave stations 300a and 300c located in area X and with a flag of 0. Then, the transmission unit 555 transmits the generated broadcast instruction (step S302). The generation unit 554 repeatedly generates broadcast instructions to broadcast only to slave station 300c among slave stations 300a to 300c located in area X until the battery voltage of slave station 300c falls below a predetermined value.

[0050] When the battery voltage received from substation 300c falls below a predetermined value (step S303), the generation unit 554 generates a broadcast instruction to broadcast only to substation 300a, which has the second highest battery voltage among the substations 300a and 300c located in region X and whose flag is 0. Then, the transmission unit 555 transmits the generated broadcast instruction (step S304). The generation unit 554 repeatedly generates broadcast instructions to broadcast only to substation 300a among the substations 300a to 300c located in region X, until the battery voltage of substation 300a falls below a predetermined value.

[0051] When the battery voltage of substation 300a falls below a predetermined value, the battery voltages of all substations 300a to 300c located in area X also fall below a predetermined value. In this case, the broadcast instruction device 500 instructs substations 300a and 300c, whose flags are 0, to broadcast in the order in which they were instructed to broadcast in steps S302 to S305. In other words, when the battery voltage received from substation 300a falls below a predetermined value (step S305), the generation unit 554 generates a broadcast instruction to instruct only substation 300c, among the substations 300a to 300c located in area X, to broadcast. Then, the transmission unit 555 transmits the generated broadcast instruction (step S306). The generation unit 554 repeatedly generates broadcast instructions to instruct only substation 300c, among the substations 300a to 300c located in area X, to broadcast until the battery voltage of substation 300c falls below a threshold.

[0052] When the battery voltage received from substation 300c falls below a threshold (step S307), the unit generates a broadcast instruction to broadcast only to substation 300a among the substations 300a to 300c located in area X. The unit then transmits the generated broadcast instruction (step S308). The unit 554 repeatedly generates broadcast instructions to broadcast only to substation 300a among the substations 300a to 300c located in area X until the battery voltage of substation 300a falls below a threshold.

[0053] When the battery voltage of substation 300a falls below the threshold, the battery voltages of all substations 300a and 300c located in area X and whose flag was 0 at the time of the power outage also fall below the threshold. In this case, the broadcast instruction device 500 generates a broadcast instruction to have substation 300b, whose flag was 1 at the time of the power outage, broadcast. In other words, when the battery voltage received from substation 300a falls below the threshold (step S309), it generates a broadcast instruction to have only substation 300b broadcast among the substations 300a to 300c located in area X. Then, the transmission unit 555 transmits the generated broadcast instruction (step S310). The generation unit 554 repeatedly generates broadcast instructions to have only substation 300b broadcast among the substations 300a to 300c located in area X, until the battery voltage of substation 300b falls below the threshold.

[0054] When the battery voltage of substation 300b falls below the threshold, the battery voltages of all substations 300a to 300c located in area X also fall below the threshold. In this case, all substations 300a to 300c located in area X become unable to broadcast, and therefore the broadcast instruction device 500 stops broadcasting in area X. In other words, when the battery voltage received from substation 300b falls below the threshold (step S311), the broadcast instruction device 500 stops generating broadcast instructions that would cause substations 300a to 300c to broadcast.

[0055] Thus, in the broadcast instruction method according to Embodiment 3, when the battery voltage of each substation 300 falls below a predetermined value, the broadcast switches to using another substation 300. Therefore, each substation 300 can retain its broadcasting capacity, and can be prepared for further urgent broadcasts.

[0056] <Other Embodiments> Although the above embodiments were described in terms of hardware configuration, the invention is not limited thereto. This disclosure can also be implemented by having the CPU execute a computer program to perform any desired processing.

[0057] In the examples described above, the program includes a set of instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium that includes electrically, optically, acoustically or otherwise propagating signals.

[0058] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, this disclosure may be implemented by combining the respective embodiments as appropriate.

[0059] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: (Note A1) A storage means for storing battery information transmitted from each of multiple substations located within the same area, A determination means for determining whether the battery information of each of the plurality of substations is less than or equal to a predetermined value, A transmission means that transmits a broadcasting instruction to a slave station among the plurality of slave stations whose battery information is below a predetermined value, preventing it from broadcasting. A broadcast instruction device equipped with the following features. (Appendix A2) The aforementioned transmission means is When power outage information for the area is received from at least one of the aforementioned multiple substations, A broadcast instruction is transmitted to each of the multiple substations, in descending order of the battery information values, to broadcast to only one of them until the battery information of each substation falls below a predetermined value. The broadcast instruction device described in Appendix A1. (Note A3) The aforementioned transmission means is If the battery information of all substations installed in the area falls below the predetermined value, A broadcast instruction is transmitted to only one of the multiple substations in the aforementioned order until each substation stops operating. The broadcast instruction device described in Appendix A2. (Note A4) The aforementioned battery information is the battery voltage, The predetermined value is higher than the battery voltage threshold at which the slave unit stops operating. The broadcast instruction device described in Appendix A1. (Note A5) The aforementioned battery information is the remaining battery charge. The predetermined value is higher than the battery level threshold at which the slave unit stops operating. The broadcast instruction device described in Appendix A1. (Note A6) The aforementioned battery information is the broadcastable time, The predetermined value is higher than the threshold value for the broadcastable time at which the substation stops operating. The broadcast instruction device described in Appendix A1. (Note A7) The aforementioned transmission means is If the battery information of at least one of the plurality of slave stations is below a predetermined value, a broadcast instruction is transmitted to cause only the slave station with the highest battery information to broadcast. The broadcast instruction device described in Appendix A1. (Note A8) Furthermore, the broadcast instruction device according to Appendix A1 includes a display means for linking and displaying the substation identification information of the plurality of substations, the battery information, and the regional information where the plurality of substations are located. (Note B1) Multiple substations located within the same area, A base station capable of communicating with each of the aforementioned plurality of substations, The system includes a broadcast instruction device that can communicate with the base station and transmits broadcast instructions to each of the plurality of substations via the base station, The aforementioned broadcast instruction device, A storage means for storing battery information transmitted from each of the aforementioned multiple substations, A determination means for determining whether the battery information of each of the plurality of substations is less than or equal to a predetermined value, A broadcast instruction transmission means that transmits a broadcast instruction to a slave station among the plurality of slave stations whose battery information is below a predetermined value, preventing it from broadcasting. A broadcast instruction system equipped with the following features. (Note B2) The aforementioned transmission means is When power outage information for the area is received from at least one of the aforementioned multiple substations, A broadcast instruction is transmitted to each of the multiple substations, in descending order of the battery information values, to broadcast to only one of them until the battery information of each substation falls below a predetermined value. The broadcast instruction system described in Appendix B1. (Note C1) Computers A process of storing battery information transmitted from each of multiple substations located within the same area, A step of determining whether the battery information of each of the plurality of substations is less than or equal to a predetermined value, The process of transmitting a broadcasting instruction to a slave station among the plurality of slave stations whose battery information is below a predetermined value, which prevents the slave station from broadcasting, A broadcast instruction method that includes the following features. (Note D1) A process of storing battery information transmitted from each of multiple substations located within the same area, A step of determining whether the battery information of each of the plurality of substations is less than or equal to a predetermined value, The process of transmitting a broadcasting instruction to a slave station among the plurality of slave stations whose battery information is below a predetermined value, which prevents the slave station from broadcasting, A broadcast instruction program that instructs a computer to execute a command. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 100 Broadcast instruction device 110 Storage section 120 Judgment section 130 Transmitter 200 Broadcast Instruction System 300, 300a~300f slave station 310 Control Unit 320 batteries 330 sensors 340 Broadcasting Club 350 memory 360 Communications Department 400 base stations 500 Broadcast Instruction Device 510 Storage section 511 Broadcast Instruction Program 512 Battery Information Table 520 memory 530 Communications Department 540 Display section 550 Control Unit 551 Receiving Unit 552 Registration Department 553 Judgment section 554 Generation part 555 Transmitter 600 Networks

Claims

1. A storage means for storing battery information transmitted from each of multiple substations located within the same area, A determination means for determining whether the battery information of each of the plurality of substations is less than or equal to a predetermined value, The system includes a transmission means that transmits a broadcasting instruction to a slave station whose battery information is below a predetermined value among the plurality of slave stations, thereby preventing it from broadcasting. The aforementioned battery information is the remaining battery charge. A broadcast instruction device wherein the predetermined value is higher than the threshold value of the battery level at which the substation stops operating.

2. A storage means for storing battery information transmitted from each of multiple substations located within the same area, A determination means for determining whether the battery information of each of the plurality of substations is less than or equal to a predetermined value, The system includes a transmission means that transmits a broadcasting instruction to a slave station whose battery information is below a predetermined value among the plurality of slave stations, thereby preventing it from broadcasting. The aforementioned battery information is the broadcastable time, A broadcasting instruction device wherein the predetermined value is higher than the threshold value of the broadcastable time at which the substation stops operating.

3. Multiple substations located within the same area, A base station capable of communicating with each of the aforementioned plurality of substations, The system includes a broadcast instruction device that can communicate with the base station and transmits broadcast instructions to each of the plurality of substations via the base station, The aforementioned broadcast instruction device, A storage means for storing battery information transmitted from each of the aforementioned multiple substations, A determination means for determining whether the battery information of each of the plurality of substations is less than or equal to a predetermined value, The system includes a broadcast instruction transmission means that transmits a broadcast instruction to a slave station whose battery information is below a predetermined value among the plurality of slave stations, thereby preventing it from broadcasting. The aforementioned battery information is the remaining battery charge. A broadcast instruction system in which the predetermined value is higher than the battery level threshold at which the substation stops operating.

4. Multiple substations located within the same area, A base station capable of communicating with each of the aforementioned plurality of substations, The system includes a broadcast instruction device that can communicate with the base station and transmits broadcast instructions to each of the plurality of substations via the base station, The aforementioned broadcast instruction device, A storage means for storing battery information transmitted from each of the aforementioned multiple substations, A determination means for determining whether the battery information of each of the plurality of substations is less than or equal to a predetermined value, The system includes a broadcast instruction transmission means that transmits a broadcast instruction to a slave station whose battery information is below a predetermined value among the plurality of slave stations, thereby preventing it from broadcasting. The aforementioned battery information is the broadcastable time, A broadcast instruction system in which the predetermined value is higher than the threshold value of the broadcastable time at which the substation stops operating.

5. Computers A process of storing battery information transmitted from each of multiple substations located within the same area, A step of determining whether the battery information of each of the plurality of substations is less than or equal to a predetermined value, The process includes transmitting a broadcasting instruction to a slave station whose battery information is below a predetermined value among the plurality of slave stations, thereby preventing it from broadcasting. The aforementioned battery information is the remaining battery charge. A broadcast instruction method wherein the predetermined value is higher than the battery level threshold at which the substation stops operating.

6. Computers A process of storing battery information transmitted from each of multiple substations located within the same area, A step of determining whether the battery information of each of the plurality of substations is less than or equal to a predetermined value, The process includes transmitting a broadcasting instruction to a slave station whose battery information is below a predetermined value among the plurality of slave stations, thereby preventing it from broadcasting. The aforementioned battery information is the broadcastable time, A broadcast instruction method wherein the predetermined value is higher than the threshold value of the broadcastable time at which the substation stops operating.

7. On the computer, A process of storing battery information transmitted from each of multiple substations located within the same area, A step of determining whether the battery information of each of the plurality of substations is less than or equal to a predetermined value, The process involves transmitting a broadcasting instruction to a slave station whose battery information is below a predetermined value among the plurality of slave stations, thereby preventing it from broadcasting. The aforementioned battery information is the remaining battery charge. A broadcast instruction program in which the predetermined value is higher than the battery level threshold at which the substation stops operating.

8. On the computer, A process of storing battery information transmitted from each of multiple substations located within the same area, A step of determining whether the battery information of each of the plurality of substations is less than or equal to a predetermined value, The process involves transmitting a broadcasting instruction to a slave station whose battery information is below a predetermined value among the plurality of slave stations, thereby preventing it from broadcasting. The aforementioned battery information is the broadcastable time, A broadcast instruction program wherein the predetermined value is higher than the threshold value of the broadcastable time at which the substation stops operating.

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