Remote control system for shutters

Abstract

To reduce the influence of the occurrence of a communication failure as much as possible in remote operation for a shutter device.SOLUTION: A system for remotely operating a plurality of shutter devices installed in a premise includes: a server 2 in which opening / closing information on the shutter devices are set; a transmitting / receiving master unit 3 which stores the opening / closing information received from the server 2 through first wireless communication means; and transmitting / receiving slave units 4a, 4b which receive opening / closing commands based on the opening / closing information from the master unit through second wireless communication means. The opening / closing information includes the opening / closing commands and time. The transmitting / receiving master unit 3 transmits the opening / closing commands at the set time to the transmitting / receiving slave units through the second wireless communication means. Each of the transmitting / receiving slave units outputs an opening / closing signal based on the opening / closing command to an opening / closing machine of the corresponding shutter device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote control system for a shutter.

Background Art

[0002] Normally, an operation unit is provided near an opening where an electric shutter device is installed, and the operator presses a push button switch of the operation unit to perform electric opening or electric closing. Alternatively, the operator can perform electric opening or electric closing by remote control using a specific low power or the like from near the opening.

[0003] In large-scale shopping malls, inside train stations, and complex facilities, security guards are on duty only to operate the shutter device, and at regular times, operations such as opening the shutter device for opening the store are performed. In the case of manned operation, as the number of installed shutter devices increases, it is necessary to increase the number of security guards to operate the shutters at regular times, and securing personnel becomes an issue.

[0004] There is a remote security system in which a security room and a shutter device are connected by wire, but there is a problem that it is a wired construction and the installation cost of the system becomes high. In particular, the farther the installation locations of the security room and the shutter device are apart (for example, when the shutter device is installed in an underground shopping street or on a building on the opposite side across a road), the more complicated the wiring work becomes, and it is not easy to change the wiring.

[0005] It is also possible to remotely open multiple shutter devices using wireless technology (Patent Document 1). This method is suitable for remotely operating shutter devices installed in relatively small areas such as home networks, and is not necessarily suitable for remotely operating multiple shutter devices installed in large facilities such as large shopping malls, train stations, or complexes. In these large facilities, for example, there may be cases where it is desired to open multiple shutter devices at a set time. However, if an open signal is sent to the shutter devices at a set time using a public wide-area communication network to open the shutter devices, a communication failure may occur when sending the open signal, resulting in the inability to open the shutter devices at the set time. [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6616154 [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The present invention aims to minimize the impact of communication failures during remote operation of a shutter device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first technical means adopted by the present invention to solve the above problem is: In a system for remotely operating multiple shutter devices installed on a premises, A server where the open / close information for each shutter device is set, A receiving master unit that receives and stores the aforementioned opening / closing information from the server using a first wireless communication means, Each receiving slave unit receives an opening / closing command based on the opening / closing information from the receiving master unit via a second wireless communication means, Equipped with, The aforementioned opening / closing information includes the opening / closing command and the time, The receiving master unit transmits the opening / closing command to each receiving slave unit via a second wireless communication means at a set time. Each receiving unit outputs an opening / closing signal based on the opening / closing command to the corresponding opening / closing mechanism of the shutter device. It's a remote shutter control system. In this specification, "premises" is broadly interpreted to mean the inside of a building or site, and includes, for example, the inside of a large shopping mall, a mixed-use facility, a large building, the space inside a train station, the underground space inside a train station, etc., and shutter devices installed within the premises also include shutter devices installed on openings in buildings.

[0008] In one embodiment, upon receiving the open / close information, the receiving master unit transmits a signal confirming receipt of the open / close information to the server using the first wireless communication means. In one embodiment, the presence or absence of a reception confirmation signal can be confirmed from the terminal device. In one embodiment, if the server does not receive the reception confirmation signal within a predetermined time, it retransmits the open / close information to the receiving master unit using the first wireless communication means. In one embodiment, if the server does not receive the acknowledgment signal after multiple retries, it issues an error notification to the terminal device.

[0009] In one embodiment, when the receiving slave unit receives the switching signal, it transmits a signal confirming receipt of the switching signal to the receiving master unit using the second wireless communication means. In one embodiment, if the receiving master unit fails to confirm the reception confirmation signal (including the identification information of the receiving slave unit) within a predetermined time, it retransmits an open / close signal to the receiving slave unit using the second wireless communication means. In one embodiment, if a reception acknowledgment signal is not returned after multiple retries, the first wireless communication means transmits a reception unacknowledgment signal to the server for the receiving slave unit from which the reception acknowledgment signal cannot be confirmed, and the server notifies the terminal device of the abnormality. The receiving master unit may also forward each reception confirmation signal received from each receiving slave unit to the server using the first wireless communication means. The server may identify the receiving slave unit with an abnormality and notify the terminal device of the abnormality. Furthermore, if there is a communication failure in the first wireless communication means at the set time, the signal from the receiving base station to the server will not be transmitted.

[0010] The second technical means employed in this invention is, In a system for remotely operating multiple shutter devices installed on a premises, A server where the open / close information for each shutter device is set, A receiving master unit that receives the opening / closing information from the server via a first wireless communication means, Each receiving slave unit receives and stores the aforementioned opening / closing information from the receiving master unit via a second wireless communication means, Equipped with, The aforementioned opening / closing information includes the opening / closing command and the time, Each receiving unit outputs an open / close signal based on the open / close command to the corresponding shutter device's open / close mechanism at the set time. It's a remote shutter control system.

[0011] In one embodiment, when the receiving master unit receives the open / close information, it transmits a signal confirming receipt of the open / close information to the server using the first wireless communication means. In one embodiment, if the server cannot confirm receipt of the reception confirmation signal within a predetermined time, it retransmits the open / close information to the receiving master unit using the first wireless communication means. In one embodiment, if the server does not receive the acknowledgment signal after multiple retries, it issues an error notification to the terminal device.

[0012] In one embodiment, when each receiving slave unit receives the open / close information, it transmits a reception acknowledgment signal to the receiving master unit using the second wireless communication means, and when the receiving master unit receives the reception acknowledgment signal, it forwards the reception acknowledgment signal to the server using the first wireless communication means. In one embodiment, if the receiving master unit does not receive the reception confirmation signal (including the identification information of the receiving slave unit) within a predetermined time, it retransmits an open / close signal to the receiving slave unit using the second wireless communication means. In one aspect, if the acknowledgment signal is not returned even after retrying multiple times, for a slave receiver that cannot obtain the acknowledgment signal, the unacknowledged reception signal is transmitted to the server by the first wireless communication means, and the server notifies the terminal device of an abnormality. In one aspect, the presence or absence of an acknowledgment signal from each slave receiver can be confirmed from the terminal device.

[0013] In the above first technical means and second technical means, in one aspect, the first wireless communication means is a public wide-area communication network, and the second wireless communication means is an in-house wireless communication network. In one aspect, the public wide-area communication network is LTE, but other public wide-area communication networks such as 4G, 5G, etc. may also be used. In one aspect, the in-house wireless communication network is specific low-power wireless, but it may also be Bluetooth, WiFi, etc. Typically, the above master receiver and slave receivers have a transmission function, that is, the above master receiver and slave receivers are transceiver master and transceiver slave devices. The output of the opening / closing signal from each slave receiver to the opening / closing device of the shutter device may be direct or indirect. For example, the opening / closing signal may be output to the opening / closing device from the slave receiver via a control unit (separate from the shutter control panel of the opening / closing device). In this specification, when each slave receiver receives an opening / closing command based on the opening / closing signal or the opening / closing information from the master receiver by the second wireless communication means, it includes the case of receiving the opening / closing command or the opening / closing information via another slave receiver (equipped with a transmission function and functioning as a relay). In this case, the slave receiver functioning as a relay may be a slave receiver provided corresponding to the opening / closing device of each shutter device, or may be a relay slave receiver separate from the slave receiver provided corresponding to the opening / closing device of each shutter device. In one aspect, the in-house area is divided into a plurality of areas, a plurality of shutter devices are installed in each area, and a master receiver capable of receiving signals from the plurality of slave receivers installed in the area is installed in each area.

[0014] The third technical means adopted by the present invention is In a system for remotely operating a plurality of shutter devices installed within the premises, a server in which the opening / closing information of each shutter device is set, each receiver that receives and stores the opening / closing information from the server by means of wireless communication, and the opening / closing information includes an opening / closing command and a time, each receiver outputs an opening / closing signal based on the opening / closing command at the set time to the opening / closing machine of the corresponding shutter device, a remote operation system for shutters.

[0015] In one aspect, when each receiver receives the opening / closing information, it transmits a reception confirmation signal to the server by means of the wireless communication means. In one aspect, if the server does not receive the reception confirmation signal within a predetermined time, it retransmits the opening / closing information to the corresponding receiver by means of the wireless communication means. In one aspect, if the server does not receive a reply of the reception confirmation signal even after retrying a plurality of times, it notifies the terminal device of an abnormality for the receiver for which the reception confirmation signal cannot be obtained. In one aspect, the presence or absence of the reception confirmation signal from each receiver can be confirmed from the terminal device.

[0016] The technical means adopted by the present invention is also defined as a method for remotely operating a plurality of shutter devices installed within the premises, a step of setting, in a server, opening / closing information including an opening / closing command and a time of the shutter device, a step of transmitting the opening / closing information from the server to one or a plurality of receivers arranged within the premises before the time and storing the opening / closing information in the receivers, a step of transmitting, at the time, an opening / closing signal based on the opening / closing command from the receiver to the opening / closing machine of each shutter device, which consists of a method for remotely operating a shutter. In one aspect, the receiver consists of a main receiver and a plurality of sub-receivers corresponding to each opening / closing machine. The aforementioned opening / closing information is stored in the receiving master unit. At the aforementioned time, the switching signal is transmitted from the receiving master unit to each switching device via each receiving slave unit. In one embodiment, the receiver consists of a master receiver and a plurality of slave receivers corresponding to each switch. The aforementioned opening / closing information is transmitted from the receiving master unit to each receiving slave unit and stored in each receiving slave unit. At the aforementioned time, the switching signal is transmitted from each receiving unit to each switch. In one embodiment, the receiver is a plurality of receivers corresponding to each switchgear, The aforementioned switching information is stored in each receiver. At the aforementioned time, the switching signal is transmitted from each receiver to each switch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] In this invention, by transmitting and storing opening and closing information (opening and closing commands, set time) to a transceiver (transceiver master unit and transceiver slave unit) installed within the premises where the shutter device is installed, it is possible to open and close the shutter device using a second wireless communication means (private wireless communication network) even if a communication failure occurs in the first wireless communication means (public wide-area communication network) at the set time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a remote control system for shutters installed in multiple areas. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of a remote control system for shutters installed in multiple areas. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating the process of remotely controlling a shutter. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows a first embodiment of a remote control system in which the impact of communication failures is reduced. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the relationship between the server, the master / receiver, the slave / receiver, and the switch according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6]This flowchart shows a second embodiment of a remote control system in which the impact of communication failures is reduced. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows a third embodiment of a remote control system in which the impact of communication failures is reduced. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] [A] Overview of a remote control system for shutter devices installed in multiple areas This section describes a remote control system for shutter devices according to this embodiment. The remote control system according to this embodiment remotely opens and closes multiple electric shutter devices installed in each of multiple areas within a premises. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the remote control system according to this embodiment comprises a terminal device 1, a server 2, a transmitting / receiving master unit 3, a transmitting / receiving slave unit 4, and a shutter device (open / closer). Based on input from the terminal device 1, the server 2 wirelessly transmits open / close information to the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 and the transmitting / receiving slave unit 4, and the transmitting / receiving slave unit 4 outputs an open / close signal to the open / closer.

[0020] The shutter device according to this embodiment is a so-called slat shutter, and the shutter curtain is constructed by connecting long slats extending in the opening width direction in the height direction. The opening is opened or closed by winding up or unwinding the shutter curtain by rotating the winding shaft in the forward or reverse direction using an opening / closing mechanism. The opening / closing mechanism operates according to the input of operation signals (open signal, close signal, stop signal) to rotate the winding shaft in a predetermined direction or to stop the rotation of the winding shaft.

[0021] In the configuration shown in Figure 1, five shutter devices A to E are installed in Area 1, and five shutter devices F to J are installed in Area 2. Each shutter device A to E and F to J is equipped with transceiver / slave units 4a to 4e and 4f to 4j, which correspond to each opener / closer. For example, when each transceiver / slave unit receives an open command wirelessly, it outputs an open signal to the corresponding opener / closer (shutter control panel), either directly or indirectly (for example, via a control unit separate from the shutter control panel and transceiver / slave units), which drives the opener / closer to raise the shutter curtain from the fully closed position and open the opening. Each shutter device's open / closer mechanism consists of each transceiver / slave unit 4 and each opener / closer (including the shutter control panel).

[0022] Each area is equipped with a transceiver / slave unit 4 for each shutter device installed in that area and a transceiver / master unit 3 that can be wirelessly connected via an area-specific premises communication network. More specifically, Area 1 is equipped with a transceiver / slave unit 4A to 4E for shutter devices A to E and a transceiver / master unit 3x that can be wirelessly connected via an area-specific premises communication network, and Area 2 is equipped with a transceiver / slave unit 4F to 4J for shutter devices F to J and a transceiver / master unit 3y that can be wirelessly connected via an area-specific premises communication network. In this embodiment, the area-specific premises communication network is a low-power radio, but the area-specific premises communication network is not limited to low-power radio. In the illustrated configuration, in each area, opening / closing information (open / close commands) is transmitted from one transceiver / master unit to each transceiver / slave unit using the area-specific premises communication network, but opening / closing information (open / close commands) may also be transmitted from the transceiver / master unit to the transceiver / slave units (which function as relay units) via the area-specific premises communication network. In this case, the transceiver / receiver unit that functions as a relay unit may be the same transceiver / receiver unit installed in conjunction with the opener / closer of each shutter device, or it may be a separate receiving unit for relaying purposes from the transceiver / receiver unit installed in conjunction with the opener / closer of each shutter device.

[0023] Each transceiver master unit 3x, 3y is wirelessly connected to server 2 via a public wide-area communication network. Based on input from terminal device 1 to server 2, open / close information is transmitted from server 2 to each transceiver master unit 3x, 3y using the public wide-area communication network. Upon receiving the open / close information, each transceiver master unit 3x, 3y transmits an open / close command to each transceiver slave unit 4A~4E, 4F~4J in the same area using an area-specific private network. Upon receiving the open / close command, each transceiver slave unit 4A~4E, 4F~4J outputs an open / close signal to the open / close mechanism of the corresponding shutter device A~E, 4F~4J. In this embodiment, the public wide-area communication network is an LTE communication network, but the public wide-area communication network is not limited to an LTE communication network.

[0024] Each area is equipped with one transceiver master unit 3. In one embodiment, the transceiver master unit 3 is positioned on one of the shutter devices belonging to a given area, representing that shutter device. In each area, at least the transceiver master unit 3 is positioned to reliably receive radio waves from the server 2. In the illustrated embodiment, in area 1, the transceiver master unit 3x is positioned on shutter device E, and in area 2, the transceiver master unit 3y is positioned on shutter device F. The transceiver master unit 3 may be positioned independently of each shutter device in each area. Furthermore, the transceiver master unit of a representative shutter device may also serve as the transceiver slave unit for that shutter device (one device combines the functions of both a transceiver master and a transceiver slave unit). In each area, the transceiver master unit and the multiple transceiver slave units are able to transmit and receive signals via an area-specific private network that is effective within that area. Adjacent area-specific private networks may partially exist in the same space.

[0025] Each transceiver / slave unit 4 is equipped with memory, a processor, and communication functions (transmitting and receiving means). The transceiver / master unit 3 is equipped with memory, a processor, and communication functions (transmitting and receiving means). The transceiver / master unit 3 and the transceiver / slave units 4 are located in a predetermined area within the premises, and at least the transceiver / master unit 3 is set in a position where it can reliably receive radio waves from the server 2. The terminal device 1 is located in a remote location outside the premises, away from the shutter device, for example. In one embodiment, the server 2 is a cloud server. The server 2 consists of one or more computers and is equipped with memory, a processor, and communication functions (transmitting and receiving means). The terminal device is exemplified by a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone. The terminal device 1 and the server 2 may be composed of the same computer.

[0026] Each area, each master transceiver 3, each sub-transceiver 4, and each shutter device are equipped with identification information. The identification information of each area corresponds to the identification information of each master transceiver 3 and may be a common identification number. The identification information of each sub-transceiver 4 corresponds to the identification information of each shutter device and may be a common identification number. The identification number of each area (each master transceiver) is associated with the multiple identification numbers of the multiple shutter devices (sub-transceivers) belonging to that area.

[0027] The operation of each shutter device is controlled and managed by Server 2. Server 2's memory stores a database of all shutter devices, registering the shutter devices (area information, identification information for each shutter device), the identification information of the master / receiver unit 3, and the identification numbers of the sub-receivers 4. The master / receiver unit 3's memory stores the identification information for each shutter device (each sub-receiver 4). Server 2 provides a setting screen for operation to the display unit of Terminal Device 1, and the operation log from Terminal Device 1 is stored in its memory.

[0028] Remote operation of the shutter device is performed based on open / close information entered from a terminal device (PC, smartphone, etc.) 1. By accessing server 2 from terminal device 1 (e.g., PC) and logging in (ID + password, facial recognition, etc.), a settings screen is displayed on the display of terminal device 1. Once the open / close information is set on the settings screen from terminal device 1, the open / close information is transmitted from server 2 to the transmitting / receiving master unit 3. The open / close information includes the target of operation (shutter identification information), open / close command (open command or close command), and time (typically date and time information).

[0029] For specifying the target of operation, either area-based specification or specification by individual shutter device (shutter identification information) can be employed. By specifying by area, all shutter devices belonging to that area can be specified. For example, open / close information specified by area includes the identification information of the master / receiver 3 representing each area (and the identification information of the sub-receiver 4 belonging to that area) and the open / close command. Furthermore, by specifying each shutter device as the target of operation, the set times of shutter devices belonging to the same area can be made different.

[0030] If the target of operation (shutter device) and the operation (open or close) are predetermined, setting the time (transmitting date and time information) can be considered as transmitting open / close information. For example, terminal device 1 can set the area and open time (e.g., OPEN at 10:00 on August 5, 2022; OPEN at 09:30 on August 6, 2022), and server 2 can transmit the date and time information as open / close information (open information) to the transmitting / receiving master unit 3, which can then be used as an open command for all shutter devices managed by the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 at a predetermined time.

[0031] There are several configurations for the mechanism by which opening / closing information set from the operation terminal 1 is output to the opening / closing mechanisms of each shutter device via the server 2, the master / receiver unit 3, and the sub-receiver unit 4. These configurations are shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6. Note that these figures illustrate the case where an opening signal is output to the opening / closing mechanism (remote opening operation). In the configuration shown in Figure 3, when opening / closing information (open operation signal, time) is set from the operation terminal 1, at the set time, an open signal is transmitted from the server 2 to the master / receiver unit via public wireless communication. The master / receiver unit, upon receiving the open signal, transmits the open signal to the sub-receiver unit via wireless communication. The sub-receiver unit, upon receiving the open signal, outputs the open signal to the shutter opening / closing mechanism. When the sub-receiver unit receives the open signal, it transmits a reception confirmation signal to the master / receiver unit, and the master / receiver unit transmits a reception confirmation signal from the sub-receiver unit to the server. The configurations shown in Figures 4 and 6 will be described in detail later.

[0032] Remote operation using the remote control system for shutters according to this embodiment will be explained using remote opening operation as an example, with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Access the server 2 from a terminal device (personal computer or smartphone) 1 and set the opening / closing information on the opening / closing information setting screen. For example, select area 1 and enter the opening time. In one embodiment, selecting area 1 selects all shutter devices A to E included in area 1, and entering the opening time means a command to open all shutter devices A to E included in area 1 at the set time. In this case, at the set time, an opening command is sent from the server 2 to the transmitting / receiving master unit 3x in area 1, and the transmitting / receiving master unit 3x that receives the opening command sequentially sends opening commands to the transmitting / receiving slave units 4A to 4E of each shutter device A to E. When the transmitting / receiving slave units 4A to 4E receive the opening command, they output an opening signal to the corresponding opening / closing device. The set opening time is the overall opening start time for the group of shutter devices A to E belonging to area 1.

[0033] Similarly, select Area 2 and input the opening time. In one embodiment, selecting Area 2 selects all shutter devices F to J included in Area 2, and inputting the opening time means a command to open all shutter devices F to J included in Area 2 at the set time. In this case, at the set time, an opening command is sent from Server 2 to the transmitting / receiving master unit 3y in Area 2, and upon receiving the opening command, the transmitting / receiving master unit 3y sequentially sends opening commands to the transmitting / receiving slave units 4F to 4J for each shutter device F to J. When the transmitting / receiving slave units 4F to 4J receive the opening command, they output an opening signal to the corresponding switch.

[0034] Each transceiver / slave unit 4A-4E, upon receiving a release command, sends a reception confirmation signal to the transceiver / master unit 3x. Upon receiving confirmation signals from each transceiver / slave unit 4A-4E, the transceiver / master unit 3x sends a confirmation signal to the server 2. Each transceiver / slave unit 4F-4J, upon receiving a release command, sends a reception confirmation signal to the transceiver / master unit 3y. Upon receiving confirmation signals from each transceiver / slave unit 4F-4J, the transceiver / master unit 3y sends a confirmation signal to the server 2. If the server 2 finds that no confirmation signal has been received from any transceiver / slave unit within a predetermined time, it resends the release command to that transceiver / slave unit via the transceiver / master unit. In one embodiment, if the server 2 does not receive a reception confirmation signal after multiple retries, it notifies the terminal device 1 of an abnormality regarding that transceiver / slave unit. In another embodiment, the presence or absence of a reception confirmation signal can be confirmed by accessing the server 2 from the terminal device 1.

[0035] In the above description, the opening / closing command is sent from server 2 to the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 at the set time. However, as will be described later, by sending the opening / closing information from server 2 to the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 or the transmitting / receiving slave unit 4 prior to the set time, and having the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 or the transmitting / receiving slave unit 4 store the set time, and then sending the opening / closing command from the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 or the transmitting / receiving slave unit 4 at the set time, the impact of communication failures in the wireless communication means between server 2 and the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 can be reduced. Also, in the above description, the opening time is set to be the same for all shutter devices in the same area, but the opening time for each shutter device in the same area may be set individually.

[0036] Each shutter device may be equipped with detection means to detect the state of the shutter device (fully open position, fully closed position, obstacle detection, etc.). The state of the shutter device may include maintenance information such as the number of times the shutter has been opened and closed and the history of abnormalities. This information is stored, for example, in the memory of a control unit or transceiver installed in the shutter device. Furthermore, the detection signals and maintenance information output from each shutter device are transmitted via the reverse path of the wireless transmission path of the opening and closing signals and stored in the memory of server 2, and necessary information may be notified to terminal device 1 as appropriate. In addition to this remote control system, each shutter device may be equipped with an operating unit at the shutter installation site (for example, an operating switch embedded in the wall, or a remote control switch that enables remote operation at a short distance).

[0037] In large shopping malls, train stations, and other large-scale complexes, walls and other obstacles can block wireless communication from public wide-area communication networks (PWNs). To address this, the complex is divided into multiple areas, ensuring that each area includes at least one area where PWNs radio waves can reach. A transceiver (e.g., an LTE communication device) is installed in each area, and the transceiver 3 transmits opening and closing signals to each transceiver 4 via the area-specific PWN network, enabling remote control of multiple shutter devices installed within the large complex. Dividing the multiple shutter devices within the complex into areas makes it easy to change the opening time of the shutter curtains for each area. For example, it is possible to set the opening time for shutter devices A-E in Area 1 to 9:30 and the opening time for shutter devices F-J in Area 2 to 10:00.

[0038] [B] Remote control system for shutter devices with reduced impact from communication failures [B-1] First embodiment (Figure 4) The remote control system for shutters according to the first embodiment comprises a terminal device 1, a server 2, a transmitting / receiving master unit 3 capable of sending and receiving signals with the server 2 via public wide-area wireless communication, and transmitting / receiving slave units 4 provided on each of the multiple shutter devices. Open / close information is set in the server 2 based on input from the terminal device 1. In the remote control system for shutters according to the first embodiment, the transmitting / receiving master unit 3, upon receiving the open / close information including the time transmitted from the server 2, stores the set time in the memory of the transmitting / receiving master unit 3, and transmits an open / close command from the transmitting / receiving slave unit 4 using a timer based on the set time. The transmitting / receiving slave unit 4 then transmits an open / close signal to the open / close device based on the open / close command. In the illustrated embodiment, two transmitting / receiving slave units 4a and 4b are shown as examples for convenience, but the number of transmitting / receiving slave units is not limited.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the remote control system for shutters according to the first embodiment includes a server 2 on which opening and closing information for each shutter device is set, a transmitting / receiving master unit 3 that receives and stores the opening and closing information (date and time information) from the server 2 via a first wireless communication means, and transmitting / receiving slave units 4a and 4b that receive opening and closing commands (open signals in the illustrated configuration) based on the opening and closing information from the transmitting / receiving master unit via a second wireless communication means. The opening and closing information includes the opening and closing command and the time. The transmitting / receiving master unit 3 transmits the opening and closing command to each transmitting / receiving slave unit 4a and 4b via the second wireless communication means at the set time, and each transmitting / receiving slave unit 4a and 4b outputs an opening and closing signal (open signal in the illustrated configuration) based on the opening and closing command to the opening and closing mechanism of the corresponding shutter device. The first wireless communication means is a public wide-area communication network (e.g., LTE), and the second wireless communication means is a private wireless communication network (e.g., low-power radio).

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, in the remote control system according to the first embodiment, the transmitting / receiving master unit is equipped with a communication function (transmitting / receiving means), a processor, memory, and a clock. When it receives open / close information (set time, open / close command) from the server, the set time is stored in the memory. When the transmitting / receiving master unit receives open / close information from the server, it sends a reception confirmation signal to the server. A timer set based on the set time sends an open / close command to the transmitting / receiving slave unit at the set time, and the transmitting / receiving slave unit outputs an open / close signal to the switch based on the open / close command. While the server and the transmitting / receiving master unit are communicating, the time on the clock built into the transmitting / receiving master unit is updated based on the time on the clock built into the server, thereby synchronizing the time on the transmitting / receiving master unit with the time on the server. When the transmitting / receiving slave unit receives an open / close command from the transmitting / receiving master unit, it sends a reception confirmation signal to the transmitting / receiving master unit. The transmitting / receiving master unit sends the reception confirmation signal (unreceived signal) received from the transmitting / receiving slave unit to the server.

[0041] When the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 receives open / closed information from the server 2, it transmits a signal confirming receipt of the open / closed information to the server 2 using the first wireless communication means. In one embodiment, if the server 2 does not receive the above-mentioned signal confirming receipt within a predetermined time, it retransmits the open / closed information to the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 using the first wireless communication means. In another embodiment, if the server 2 does not receive a confirmation receipt signal after multiple retries, it sends an error notification to the terminal device 1. In another embodiment, the presence or absence of a confirmation receipt signal can be confirmed by accessing the server 2 from the terminal device 1.

[0042] When each transceiver / slave unit 4 receives an open / close signal from the transceiver / master unit 3, it transmits a signal acknowledging receipt of the open / close signal to the transceiver / master unit 4 using a second wireless communication means. In one embodiment, if the transceiver / master unit 3 cannot confirm the above-mentioned signal acknowledgment (including the identification information of the transceiver / slave unit) within a predetermined time, it retransmits the open / close signal to the transceiver / slave unit 4 using the second wireless communication means. In another embodiment, if the signal acknowledgment is not returned after multiple retries, the transceiver / master unit 3 transmits a signal indicating unacknowledged receipt to the transceiver / slave unit 4 using the first wireless communication means, and the server 2 notifies the terminal device 1 of the abnormality. Alternatively, the transceiver / master unit 3 may forward each received signal acknowledgment to the server 2 using the first wireless communication means. In this case, the server may identify the abnormal transceiver / slave unit 4 and notify the terminal device 1 of the abnormality. Alternatively, the server 2 may notify the terminal device 1 of the abnormality for any transceiver / slave unit 4 that has not received a confirmation signal within a predetermined time from the set time. Please note that if there is a communication failure in the first wireless communication means at the set time, the signal from the transmitting / receiving base station 3 to the server 2 will not be transmitted.

[0043] In the first embodiment, the method for remotely operating a plurality of shutter devices installed on the premises comprises the steps of: setting open / close information including an open / close command and time for the shutter device in the server 2; transmitting the open / close information from the server 2 to a transmitting / receiving master unit 3 located on the premises prior to the time, so that the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 stores the open / close information; and at the time, transmitting an open / close signal based on the open / close command from the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 to each open / close device via each receiving slave unit 4 (4a, 4b).

[0044] In one embodiment, terminal device 1 accesses server 2, and when a time is set on the web screen (for example, by clicking the send button), open / close information is sent to the transmitting / receiving master unit 3. The time included in the open / close information, i.e., time information (typically date and time information), is registered in the memory of the transmitting / receiving master unit 3. In one embodiment, server 2 and transmitting / receiving master unit 3 perform scheduled communication (for example, every hour), and during scheduled communication, they may verify and match the next open time information with the next time information registered in the transmitting / receiving master unit. In one embodiment, before the open time (for example, 10 minutes before), the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 may send a time confirmation signal to server 2, which is then compared with the set time information stored in the memory of server 2. If there is a discrepancy, the time information may be corrected.

[0045] In one embodiment, an alert may be generated on-site immediately before or at the start of operation of each switchgear. For example, a warning signal may be sent from the master transceiver 3 to each transceiver / slave unit 4 immediately before the set time, and an alert may be generated based on the receipt of the warning signal. Alternatively, an open / close command may be sent from the master transceiver 3 to each transceiver / slave unit 4 immediately before the set time, and each transceiver / slave unit 4 that receives the open / close command may first generate an alert and then output an open / close signal to the switchgear at the set time (delayed by a timer). Examples of alerts include voice (music, buzzer, announcement) and / or lamp displays. Voice information may be stored in the memory of the transceiver / slave unit 4, and the transceiver / slave unit 4 may be equipped with a voice output unit (including a speaker). Alternatively, an alert generator (with voice information stored in its memory) may be provided separately from the transceiver / slave unit 4.

[0046] In one embodiment, multiple areas are set up within the premises space, and multiple shutter devices are installed in each area. Each area is equipped with a transceiver / receiver unit 3 that can wirelessly connect to the transceiver / receiver unit 4 of each shutter device installed in that area via an area-specific premises communication network. The server is wirelessly connected to each transceiver / receiver unit 3 via a public wide-area communication network (see Figures 1 and 2). Based on input from terminal device 1 to server 2, open / close information is transmitted from server 2 to each receiving unit 3 using the public wide-area communication network. The open / close information includes a time, and prior to a set time, the server transmits the open / close information (including the time) to a predetermined transceiver / receiver unit 3. Each transceiver / receiver unit 3 stores the received open / close information and, at the set time, transmits the open / close command to each transceiver / receiver unit 4 in the same area using the area-specific premises wireless network. Each transceiver / receiver unit 4 that receives the open / close command outputs an open / close signal to the open / close mechanism of the corresponding shutter device.

[0047] In the first embodiment, by storing and retaining the opening / closing information (open / close command, set time) in the transmitting / receiving master unit 3, even if a communication failure occurs in the public wide-area communication network (e.g., LTE) at the set time, the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 transmits the opening / closing command to each transmitting / receiving slave unit 4 via the local wireless communication network (e.g., low-power radio) at the set time, and the shutter device is opened and closed. Furthermore, by updating the clock built into the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 based on the time of the clock built into the server 2, stable timer-based opening and closing can be performed at the latest time. In addition, by changing the set time in the opening / closing information (open / close command, set time) transmitted from the server 2 and sending it to the transmitting / receiving master unit 3, it is easy to change the time as needed to match events held on the premises.

[0048] [B-2] Second embodiment (Figure 6) The remote control system for shutters according to the second embodiment comprises a terminal device 1, a server 2, a transmitting / receiving master unit 3 capable of sending and receiving signals with the server 2 via public wide-area wireless communication, and transmitting / receiving slave units 4 provided on each of the multiple shutter devices. Open / close information is set in the server 2 based on input from the terminal device 1. The remote control system for shutters according to the second embodiment transmits the open / close information, including the time transmitted from the server 2, from the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 to the transmitting / receiving slave units 4, stores the set time in the memory of the transmitting / receiving slave units 4, and transmits an open / close signal from the transmitting / receiving slave units 4 to the open / close device at the set time using a timer based on the set time. In the illustrated embodiment, two transmitting / receiving slave units 4a and 4b are shown as examples for convenience, but the number of transmitting / receiving slave units is not limited.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, a system for remotely operating multiple shutter devices installed on a premises comprises a server 2 in which open / close information for each shutter device is set, a transceiver master unit 3 that receives the open / close information (date and time information) from the server 2 via a first wireless communication means, and transceiver slave units 4 that receive and store the open / close information from the transceiver master unit 3 via a second wireless communication means. The open / close information includes an open / close command and a time, and each transceiver slave unit outputs an open / close signal (an open signal in the illustrated configuration) based on the open / close command to the open / close mechanism of the corresponding shutter device at the set time. The first wireless communication means is a public wide-area communication network (e.g., LTE), and the second wireless communication means is a premises wireless communication network (e.g., low-power radio). In one configuration, the transceiver master unit and each transceiver slave unit have built-in clocks, and the clocks of the transceiver slave units are updated based on the time of the clock built into the server via the clock built into the transceiver master unit.

[0050] When the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 receives open / closed information from the server 2, it transmits a signal confirming receipt of the open / closed information to the server 2 using the first wireless communication means. In one embodiment, if the server 2 cannot confirm receipt of the above-mentioned signal within a predetermined time, it retransmits the open / closed information to the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 using the first wireless communication means. In another embodiment, if the server 2 does not receive the above-mentioned signal confirmation after multiple retries, it sends an error notification to the terminal device 1.

[0051] When each transceiver / slave unit 4 receives open / close information, it transmits a reception acknowledgment signal to the transceiver / master unit 3 using a second wireless communication means. When the transceiver / master unit 3 receives the reception acknowledgment signal, it forwards the signal to the server 2 using a first wireless communication means. In one embodiment, the transceiver / master unit 3 stores the open / close signal in its storage unit when it transmits it to each transceiver / slave unit 4, and erases the open / close signal from the storage unit when it receives a reception acknowledgment signal from each transceiver / slave unit 4. In one embodiment, if the transceiver / master unit does not receive the reception acknowledgment signal (including the identification information of the transceiver / slave unit) within a predetermined time, it retransmits the open / close signal to the transceiver / slave unit 4 using a second wireless communication means. In one embodiment, if the reception acknowledgment signal is not returned after multiple retries, the transceiver / slave unit 4 from which the reception acknowledgment signal is not obtained transmits an unacknowledgment signal to the server 2 using the first wireless communication means, and the server 2 notifies the terminal device 1 of the abnormality. In one embodiment, the presence or absence of a reception acknowledgment signal from each transceiver / slave unit 4 can be confirmed by accessing the server 2 from the terminal device 1.

[0052] In one embodiment, multiple areas are set up within the premises space, and multiple shutter devices are installed in each area. Each area is equipped with a transceiver / receiver unit 3 that can wirelessly connect to the transceiver / receiver unit 4 of each shutter device installed in that area via an area-specific premises communication network. Server 2 is wirelessly connected to each transceiver / receiver unit 3 via a public wide-area communication network (see Figures 1 and 2). Based on input from terminal device 1 to server 2, open / close information is transmitted from server 2 to each receiving unit 3 using the public wide-area communication network. The open / close information includes a time, and prior to the set time, the open / close information (including the time) is transmitted from server 2 to a predetermined transceiver / receiver unit 3. Each transceiver / receiver unit 3 transmits the received open / close information to each transceiver / receiver unit 4 in the same area using the area-specific premises wireless network. Each transceiver / receiver unit 4 stores the open / close information and outputs an open / close signal to the corresponding switch at the set time.

[0053] In the second embodiment, the method for remotely operating a plurality of shutter devices installed on the premises comprises the steps of: setting open / close information including an open / close command and time for the shutter device in the server 2; transmitting the open / close information from the server 2 to a transmitting / receiving master unit 3 located on the premises prior to the time, and further transmitting it from the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 to each receiving slave unit 4 (4a, 4b) so that the open / close information is stored in each receiving slave unit 4 (4a, 4b); and transmitting an open / close signal based on the open / close command from each transmitting / receiving slave unit 4 (4a, 4b) to the open / close mechanism of each shutter device at the time.

[0054] In one embodiment, the terminal device 1 accesses the server 2, and when a time is set on the web screen (for example, by clicking the send button), the open / close information is sent to the transmitting / receiving master unit 3, and the open / close information is sent from the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 to each transmitting / receiving slave unit 4. In another embodiment, if multiple shutter devices are set up on the premises, the status of each shutter device (for example, fully open) may be acquired, and the open / close information may be sent to each transmitting / receiving slave unit 4 when a predetermined shutter device (for example, all shutter devices) is in the fully open state. The time information (typically date and time information) included in the open / close information is registered in the memory of each transmitting / receiving slave unit 4. In another embodiment, the server 2 and the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 communicate regularly (for example, every hour), and the transmitting / receiving master unit 3 and each transmitting / receiving slave unit 4 also communicate regularly to confirm and match the next time information to be opened with the next time information registered in the transmitting / receiving slave unit. In one embodiment, before the release time (for example, 10 minutes before), a time confirmation signal may be sent from the transceiver / slave unit 4 to the server 2 via the transceiver / master unit 3, and this signal may be compared with the set time information stored in the server 2's memory. If there is a discrepancy, the time information may be corrected.

[0055] In one embodiment, an alert may be generated on-site immediately before or at the start of operation of each switch. For example, an alert may be generated immediately before a set time from the transceiver / slave unit 4 or from an alert generator provided separately from the transceiver / slave unit 4. Examples of alerts include voice (music, buzzer, announcement) and / or lamp displays. The voice information may be stored, for example, in the memory of the transceiver / slave unit 4, or in the memory of the alert generator.

[0056] In the second embodiment, by storing and retaining opening / closing information (open / close command, set time) in the transceiver / slave unit 4, even if a communication failure occurs in the public wide-area communication network (e.g., LTE) at the set time, each transceiver / slave unit 4 outputs an opening / closing signal to the switch at the set time, and the shutter device is opened or closed. Furthermore, when transmitting opening / closing information from the transceiver / master unit 3 to each transceiver / slave unit 4 within the premises, the opening / closing information (e.g., open command and time) is transmitted while the shutter device is in the open position, allowing the set time to be stored in the memory of the transceiver / slave unit 4 in advance in an environment where communication is easy. Even if there is a failure in LTE communication or wireless communication between devices within the premises (transceiver / master unit 3 and transceiver / slave unit 4), each transceiver / slave unit 4 outputs an opening / closing signal to the switch based on the set time stored in memory, and the shutter device is opened or closed.

[0057] [B-3] Third Embodiment (Figure 7) The remote control system for shutters according to the third embodiment comprises a terminal device 1, a server 2, and transceivers 5a and 5b provided on each of the multiple shutter devices. The server 2 and each transceiver 5a and 5b can send and receive signals using public wide-area wireless communication (e.g., LTE), and open / close information is set in the server 2 based on input from the terminal device 1. The remote control system for shutters according to the third embodiment transmits the open / close information directly from the server 2 to the corresponding transceiver on each shutter device.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, the system for remotely operating multiple shutter devices installed on the premises comprises a server 2 in which opening and closing information for each shutter device is set, and transceivers 5a and 5b that receive and store the opening and closing information (date and time information) from the server 2 via wireless communication. The opening and closing information includes an opening and closing command and a time, and each transceiver 5a and 5b outputs an opening and closing signal (an open signal in the illustrated configuration) based on the opening and closing command to the opening and closing mechanism of the corresponding shutter device at the set time.

[0059] Each transceiver 5a and 5b, upon receiving switch information, transmits a reception acknowledgment signal to the server 2 via wireless communication. In one embodiment, if the server 2 does not receive the reception acknowledgment signal within a predetermined time, it retransmits the switch information to the transceiver 5a and 5b via wireless communication. In another embodiment, if the server 2 does not receive a reception acknowledgment signal after multiple retries, it notifies the terminal device 1 of an abnormality regarding the transceiver 5a and 5b from which the reception acknowledgment signal is not obtained. In another embodiment, the presence or absence of reception acknowledgment signals from each transceiver 5a and 5b can be confirmed by accessing the server 2 from the terminal device 1.

[0060] In the third embodiment, the method for remotely operating a plurality of shutter devices installed on the premises comprises the steps of: setting open / close information including an open / close command and time for the shutter device in the server 2; transmitting the open / close information from the server 2 to a plurality of transceivers 5a and 5b located on the premises prior to the time, so that the transceivers 5a and 5b store the open / close information; and transmitting an open / close signal based on the open / close command from the transceivers 5a and 5b to the open / close device of each shutter device at the time.

[0061] In one embodiment, the terminal device 1 accesses the server 2, and when a time is set on the web screen (for example, by clicking the send button), the open / close information is sent to the transceivers 5a and 5b. In another embodiment, if multiple shutter devices are set up on the premises, the status of each shutter device (for example, fully open) may be acquired, and the open / close information may be sent to each transceiver when a predetermined shutter device (for example, all shutter devices) is in the fully open state.

[0062] The time information (typically date and time information) included in the opening and closing information is registered in the memory of each transceiver. In one embodiment, the server 2 and the transceiver communicate at regular intervals (e.g., every hour), and during these regular communications, the time information for the next opening and the next time information registered in the transceiver may be checked and matched. In another embodiment, before the opening time (e.g., 10 minutes before), the transceiver 4 may send a time confirmation signal to the server 2, which will then compare it with the set time information stored in the server 2's memory, and correct the time information if there is a discrepancy.

[0063] In one embodiment, an alert may be generated on-site immediately before or at the start of operation of each switch. For example, an alert may be generated immediately before a set time from the transceiver or an alert generator provided separately from the transceiver. Examples of alerts include voice (music, buzzer, announcement) and / or lamp displays. The voice information may be stored, for example, in the memory of the transceiver or in the memory of the alert generator.

[0064] In the third embodiment, by storing and holding opening / closing information (open / close command, set time) in the transceivers 5a and 5b, even if a communication failure occurs in the public wide-area communication network (e.g., LTE) at the set time, the transceivers 5a and 5b output an opening / closing signal to the open / closer at the set time, and the shutter device is opened or closed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1. Terminal device 2 servers 3, 3x, 3y transmitting / receiving base unit 4, 4A~4J, 4a, 4b transmitter / receiver handset A-J Shutter device 5a, 5b Transmitter / Receiver

Claims

1. In a system for remotely operating multiple shutter devices installed on a premises, A server where the open / close information for each shutter device is set, A receiving master unit that receives and stores the opening / closing information from the server using a first wireless communication means, Each receiving slave unit receives an open / close command based on the open / close information from the receiving master unit via a second wireless communication means, Equipped with, The aforementioned opening / closing information includes the opening / closing command and the time, The receiving master unit transmits the opening / closing command to each receiving slave unit via a second wireless communication means at a set time. Each receiving unit outputs an opening / closing signal based on the opening / closing command to the corresponding opening / closing mechanism of the shutter device. A remote control system for shutters.

2. When the receiving master unit receives the open / close information, it transmits a signal confirming receipt of the open / close information to the server using the first wireless communication means. The remote control system for a shutter according to claim 1.

3. When the receiving slave unit receives the switching signal, it transmits a signal confirming receipt of the switching signal to the receiving master unit using the second wireless communication means. The remote control system for a shutter according to claim 2.

4. In a system for remotely operating multiple shutter devices installed on a premises, A server where the open / close information for each shutter device is set, A receiving master unit that receives the opening / closing information from the server via a first wireless communication means, Each receiving slave unit receives and stores the aforementioned opening / closing information from the receiving master unit via a second wireless communication means, Equipped with, The aforementioned opening / closing information includes the opening / closing command and the time, Each receiving unit outputs an open / close signal based on the open / close command to the corresponding shutter device's open / close mechanism at the set time. A remote control system for shutters.

5. When the receiving master unit receives the open / close information, it transmits a signal to the server acknowledging receipt of the open / close information using the first wireless communication means. The remote control system for a shutter according to claim 4.

6. When each receiving slave unit receives the open / close information, it transmits a reception confirmation signal to the receiving master unit using the second wireless communication means, and when the receiving master unit receives the reception confirmation signal, it transfers the reception confirmation signal to the server using the first wireless communication means. The remote control system for a shutter according to claim 5.

7. The first wireless communication means is a public wide-area communication network, and the second wireless communication means is a private wireless communication network. A remote control system for a shutter according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The aforementioned premises are divided into multiple areas, each area is equipped with multiple shutter devices, and each area is equipped with a receiving slave unit and a receiving master unit capable of receiving signals from the multiple shutter devices installed within that area. The remote control system for a shutter according to claim 7.

9. In a system for remotely operating multiple shutter devices installed on a premises, A server where the open / close information for each shutter device is set, Each receiver receives and stores the aforementioned opening / closing information from the server via wireless communication means, Equipped with, The aforementioned opening / closing information includes the opening / closing command and the time, Each receiver outputs an open / close signal based on the open / close command to the corresponding shutter device's open / close mechanism at a set time. A remote control system for shutters.

10. When each receiver receives the open / close information, it transmits a reception confirmation signal to the server using the wireless communication means. The remote control system for a shutter according to claim 9.

11. In a method for remotely operating multiple shutter devices installed on a premises, The server includes the steps of setting open / close information, which includes the open / close command and time for the shutter device, Prior to the aforementioned time, the process involves transmitting the opening / closing information from the server to one or more receivers located within the premises, and having the receivers store the opening / closing information; At the aforementioned time, the receiver transmits an opening / closing signal based on the opening / closing command to the opening / closing mechanism of each shutter device. A method for remotely operating a shutter, consisting of the following.

12. The receiver consists of a master receiver and a plurality of slave receivers corresponding to each switch. The aforementioned opening / closing information is stored in the receiving master unit. At the aforementioned time, the switching signal is transmitted from the receiving master unit to each switching device via each receiving slave unit. The method for remotely operating a shutter according to claim 11.

13. The receiver consists of a master receiver and a plurality of slave receivers corresponding to each switch. The aforementioned opening / closing information is transmitted from the receiving master unit to each receiving slave unit and stored in each receiving slave unit. At the aforementioned time, the switching signal is transmitted from each receiving unit to each switch. The method for remotely operating a shutter according to claim 11.

14. The aforementioned receiver consists of multiple receivers corresponding to each switchgear, The aforementioned switching information is stored in each receiver. At the aforementioned time, the switching signal is transmitted from each receiver to each switch. The method for remotely operating a shutter according to claim 11.

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