Measurement information management device, measurement program, measurement method, and measurement system

Abstract

This measurement information management device comprises a measurement information management unit that transmits a measurement command signal, receives measurement result signals respectively transmitted from a plurality of measurement instruments, and manages the plurality of measurement result signals. The measurement information management unit is provided with a first wireless transmission / reception unit that transmits the measurement command signal by using a first communication scheme and that receives the measurement result signals. The first wireless transmission / reception unit transmits the measurement command signal a plurality of times at different timings by using different wireless frequency bands, and receives the measurement result signals transmitted by second wireless transmission / reception units of the plurality of measurement instruments at mutually different timings by using a second communication scheme in which are used different wireless frequency bands from those of the first communication scheme.

Description

Measurement information management device, measurement program, measurement method, and measurement system

[0001] The present invention relates to a measurement information management device, a measurement program, a measurement method, and a measurement system.

[0002] Conventionally, a measurement system is known that includes multiple measuring devices, an information processing device that processes information output from each measuring device, and a transmission means for transmitting information between them (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also known is a technology for transmitting measurement data measured by the measuring devices to a data processing device via a wireless medium (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Various other technologies for transmitting and receiving measurement information have also been proposed, including those for transmitting and receiving measurement information via a wireless medium (see, for example, Patent Documents 3 to 7).

[0003] Furthermore, a multipoint measurement device has been known in the past for use in measuring the shape of an object to be measured (see, for example, Patent Document 8). The multipoint measurement device includes multiple measuring instruments. In such a multipoint measurement device, it is desirable for each measuring instrument to perform measurements at the same timing as much as possible. For this reason, it would be convenient if information related to the measurement could be transmitted and received via a wireless medium.

[0004] JP 2009-129416 A JP 2009-033422 A JP 2007-114906 A JP 2016-116210 A JP 2011-118727 A JP 2021-125794 A International Publication No. 2009 / 148003 JP 2013-200248 A

[0005] However, when a measurement system equipped with multiple measuring instruments exchanges various signals via wireless media, signal interference can become a problem. When a measurement system is equipped with multiple measuring instruments, interference within the measurement system is expected. Furthermore, interference may occur in the measurement system due to disturbances caused by the environment in which the measurement system is used. Such interference may hinder the proper acquisition of measurement information.

[0006] All of the above patent documents have room for improvement in terms of countermeasures against interference in measurement systems.

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention aims to efficiently acquire measurement information in a measurement system including a plurality of measuring devices.

[0008] In one aspect, a measurement information management device is a measurement information management device that transmits a measurement command signal, receives measurement result signals transmitted from multiple measuring devices, and manages the multiple measurement result signals, wherein the measurement information management unit transmits the measurement command signal using a first communication method and includes a first wireless transceiver unit that receives the measurement result signal, and the first wireless transceiver unit transmits the measurement command signal multiple times at different times using different radio frequency channels, and receives the measurement result signals transmitted by second wireless transceivers provided in each of the multiple measuring devices at different times using a second communication method that is a radio frequency band different from the first communication method.

[0009] In the measurement information management device having the above configuration, the first communication method may be a wireless method having a faster communication speed than a wireless method used in the second communication method.

[0010] In addition, in the measurement information management device having the above configuration, the first communication method may be a broadcast communication method, and the second communication method may be a unicast communication method.

[0011] Furthermore, in the measurement information management device having the above configuration, the first wireless transceiver may be configured to set the time intervals of the measurement command signal to different time intervals when the measurement command signal is transmitted multiple times.

[0012] Furthermore, in the measurement information management device having the above configuration, the measurement information management unit can assign identifiers to the multiple measuring devices, and the first wireless transceiver unit can receive the measurement result signals transmitted sequentially based on the identifiers by the second wireless transceiver unit provided in the measuring device that successfully received the measurement command signal.

[0013] In the measurement information management device having the above configuration, the first wireless transceiver may receive the measurement result signal retransmitted by the second communication method a plurality of times within a predetermined time period.

[0014] In addition, in the measurement information management device having the above configuration, the predetermined time period can be changed.

[0015] In the measurement information management device having the above configuration, the first wireless transceiver unit may receive the measurement result signals a number of times equal to or less than the number of times the second wireless transceiver unit can retransmit within the specified time.

[0016] In another aspect, the measurement program causes a computer to execute a process of transmitting a measurement command signal using a first communication method multiple times at different times using different radio frequency channels, and a process of receiving measurement result signals wirelessly transmitted by multiple measuring devices at mutually different times using a second communication method that is a radio frequency band different from the first communication method.

[0017] In yet another aspect, the measurement method includes a step in which a measurement information management unit sends a measurement command signal using a first communication method multiple times at different times using different radio frequency channels, and a step in which the measurement information management unit receives measurement result signals wirelessly transmitted at mutually different times using a second communication method that is a radio frequency band different from the first communication method, the measurement results measured by the multiple measuring devices that received the measurement command signal.

[0018] In yet another aspect, the measurement system is a measurement information management system comprising a plurality of measuring devices and a measurement information management unit that transmits measurement command signals, receives measurement result signals transmitted from each of the plurality of measuring devices, and manages the plurality of measurement result signals, wherein the measurement information management unit comprises a first wireless transceiver that transmits the measurement command signal using a first communication method and receives the measurement result signal, and the plurality of measuring devices each comprises a second wireless transceiver that receives the measurement command signal and transmits the measurement result signal, the first wireless transceiver transmits the measurement command signal multiple times at different timings using different radio frequency channels, and the second wireless transceiver transmits the measurement result signal at mutually different timings using a second communication method that is a radio frequency band different from the first communication method.

[0019] In a measurement system including multiple measuring devices, measurement information can be acquired efficiently.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a measurement system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a measurement information management device included in the measurement system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a measurement device included in the measurement system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of control performed by the measurement system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of control performed by the measurement system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a time chart showing an example of signal transmission and reception in a measurement performed by the measurement system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a time chart showing another example of signal transmission and reception in a measurement performed by the measurement system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a time chart showing yet another example of signal transmission and reception in a measurement performed by the measurement system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a time chart showing an example of signal transmission and reception in a measurement performed by the measurement system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a time chart showing another example of signal transmission and reception in a measurement performed by the measurement system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a time chart showing yet another example of signal transmission and reception in a measurement performed by the measurement system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a measurement system according to a modified example. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a measurement information collection unit included in the measurement system of the modified example. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information transfer unit included in the measurement system of the modified example.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] (First embodiment) The general configuration of a measurement system 100 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic general configuration of the measurement system 100 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a measurement information management device 10 included in the measurement system 100 of the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a measuring instrument 30 included in the measurement system 100 of the first embodiment.

[0023] [Measurement System] The measurement system 100 includes a measurement information management device 10 and multiple measuring devices 30. The measuring devices 30 may include any number of devices, two or more. As described below, the multiple measuring devices 30 are assigned numbers as an example of identifier assignment. In the following description, the numbers assigned to each measuring device will be indicated by #. For example, a measuring device 30 numbered 1 may be represented as #1, and a measuring device 30 numbered n may be represented as #n. The measurement information management device 10 and the multiple measuring devices 30 can exchange signals wirelessly. Note that, although numbers are assigned in this embodiment, symbols other than numbers may be used as long as they are identifiers that can identify the multiple measuring devices 30.

[0024] The measurement system 100 can perform multi-point measurements by including multiple measuring instruments 30. The measuring instruments 30 are, for example, indicators (dial gauges). By including multiple indicators and obtaining measurement values ​​at multiple points, it is possible to grasp, for example, the shape of the object to be measured.

[0025] <Measurement Information Management Device> As shown in FIG. 2, the measurement information management device 10 includes a first CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a first RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a storage unit 13, a first wireless transceiver unit 14, a display unit 15, and an operation unit 16. The first CPU 11 is a central processing unit. The CPU 11 functions as a measurement information management unit. The CPU 11 includes one or more cores. The RAM 12 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores programs executed by the CPU 11, data processed by the CPU 11, etc. The storage unit 13 is a storage device. The storage unit 13 includes a program storage unit 13a and a recording unit 13b that records measurement results. The program stored in the program storage unit 13a is a system control program that controls the entire measurement system 100. The storage unit 13 may include, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a solid-state drive (SSD) such as a flash memory, a hard disk driven by a hard disk drive (HDD), etc. The storage unit 13 appropriately uses these pieces of hardware depending on the functions of the program storage unit 13a and the recording unit 13b.

[0026] The first wireless transceiver 14 transmits and receives signals to and from a second wireless transceiver 32c (see FIG. 3) provided in each measuring device 30, which will be described later. The communication method of the first wireless transceiver 14 will be described in detail later.

[0027] The display unit 15 is a liquid crystal display, an electroluminescence panel, or the like, and can display measurement results. The operation unit 16 can be used to set measurement conditions when performing measurements using the measurement system 100, and to input instructions when starting measurements. The operator can operate the operation unit 16 while referring to the information displayed on the display unit 15.

[0028] In this embodiment, the operation of each unit included in the measurement information management device 10 is realized by executing a program, but hardware such as a dedicated circuit may also be used.

[0029] <Measuring Instrument> Next, the measuring instrument 30 will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the measuring instrument 30 includes a measuring tool 31 and a measuring tool control unit 32. The measuring tool 31 is, for example, an indicator, but may also be another measuring tool such as a caliper or a micrometer. The measuring tool control unit 32 includes a second CPU 32a, a program storage unit 32b, and a second wireless transceiver unit 32c.

[0030] The second CPU 32a is a central processing unit. A measuring tool program is stored in the program storage unit 32b. The measuring tool program, in conjunction with a system control program stored in the program storage unit 13a of the measurement information management device 10, causes the measuring tool 31 to start measurement and causes the second wireless transceiver 32c to transmit measurement results.

[0031] <Wireless Method> The first wireless transceiver 14 transmits a measurement command signal to the second wireless transceiver 32c included in each of the multiple measuring devices 30 (#1 to #n). The first wireless transceiver 14 also receives the measurement result signals transmitted from the second wireless transceiver 32c. The second wireless transceiver 32c transmits the measurement result signals to the first wireless transceiver 14. The second wireless transceiver 32c also receives the measurement command signals transmitted by the first wireless transceiver 14. Here, the measurement command signals transmitted by the first wireless transceiver 14 are transmitted using a first communication method. On the other hand, the measurement result signals transmitted by the second wireless transceiver 32c are transmitted using a second communication method. The first communication method is a wireless method with a faster communication speed than the wireless method used for the second communication method.

[0032] <<First Wireless Method>> The first wireless method is a broadcast communication method that allows simultaneous transmission. The measurement system 100 of this embodiment is required to receive measurement result signals from multiple measuring devices 30 with as little timing deviation as possible. For this reason, the first wireless transceiver 14 needs to simultaneously transmit measurement command signals to multiple measuring devices 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, a broadcast communication method is adopted as the first wireless method.

[0033] It is desirable that the communication speed of the measurement command signal be as fast as possible. For this reason, the first wireless method is a wireless method with a faster communication speed than the second communication method. However, the faster the communication speed, the more susceptible it tends to be to external disturbances. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first wireless transceiver 14 performs simultaneous transmission multiple times at different times using different wireless frequency bands, i.e., different wireless channels. All of the multiple simultaneous transmissions are performed using the first wireless method, i.e., the broadcast communication method. Using different wireless frequency bands makes it possible to deal with external disturbances in the environment in which the measurement system 100 is used. In other words, by performing simultaneous transmission multiple times using different wireless frequency bands, it is possible to transmit the measurement command signal to each second wireless transceiver 32c while avoiding the effects of external disturbances.

[0034] By using a wireless system with a high communication speed, multiple retransmissions can be completed in a short time.

[0035] The wireless protocol used in the first wireless method can be a short-range wireless communication technology, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy. Simultaneous transmission can be achieved by broadcasting advertisements. The communication speed of Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy is essentially approximately 50 kbps. Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy uses the 2.4 GHz band as its communication frequency and can be used without a license in Japan with an output of 10 mW or less. While Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy can achieve a range of 50 m or less, its practical range is approximately 5 m. Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy is characterized by a short delay time of less than 10 msec required for device search and communication. The radio frequency band and communication speed depend on the wireless method.

[0036] <<Second Wireless Method>> The second wireless method is a unicast communication method that enables highly reliable communication. The signal transmitted by the second wireless transceiver 32c is a measurement result signal. In other words, since the measurement itself in the measuring device 30 has already been completed, it is important that the signal be transmitted with high reliability. The slower the communication speed of wireless communication, the more resistant it is to disturbances and the more reliable it is. Therefore, the second wireless method is a wireless method with a slower communication speed than the first communication method. This makes it possible to deal with disturbances in the environment in which the measurement system 100 is used.

[0037] Since the radio frequency band used by the first radio transceiver 14 and the radio frequency band used by the second radio transceiver 32c are different, interference between the measurement command signal and the measurement result signal is avoided.

[0038] Furthermore, it is advantageous for the second wireless method to have an arrival confirmation function or a retransmission function. By using the retransmission function, the timing at which the multiple second wireless transceivers 32c transmit measurement result signals can be shifted. The timing at which the multiple second wireless transceivers 32c transmit measurement result signals is assigned to different retransmission timings. This allows the measurement result signals to be transmitted at different timings, thereby avoiding interference between the measurement result signals.

[0039] The wireless protocol used in the second wireless system may be, for example, Zigbee (registered trademark). Zigbee (registered trademark) allows for setting wireless channels, so it can be set to a channel other than the channel used in the first wireless system. Note that the communication speed in Zigbee (registered trademark) is essentially about 10 to 20 kbps.

[0040] [Measurement Control] Next, an example of control of each part during measurement using the measurement system 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8. FIGS. 4 and 5 are each a part of a flowchart showing an example of control performed by the measurement system 100 of the first embodiment. FIGS. 4 and 5 are two diagrams in which one flowchart has been divided for ease of drawing. The symbol (A) in FIG. 4 connects to the symbol (A) in FIG. 5. The symbol (B) in FIG. 5 connects to the symbol (B) in FIG. 4. FIGS. 6 to 8 are time charts showing an example of signal transmission and reception during measurement performed by the measurement system of the first embodiment. FIGS. 6 to 8 show examples in which the measurement command signal is received in different states. The example shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 includes five measuring instruments 30, #1 to #5.

[0041] First, an outline of the measurement control will be described. The measurement control includes steps S1 to S4 related to the transmission of a measurement command signal shown in Fig. 4, and steps S11 to S22 related to the transmission of a measurement result signal shown in Fig. 5.

[0042] Step S1 is a step of initially transmitting a measurement command signal. Steps S2 to S4 are steps of retransmitting the measurement command signal. The number of retransmissions can be set arbitrarily. However, the number of retransmissions is set taking into consideration the time resolution that allows simultaneous measurements to be considered in the measurement system 100. In FIG. 4, the number of retransmissions is set to m. In the example shown in FIG. 6, etc., the number of retransmissions is set to five.

[0043] The intervals for transmitting the measurement command signal can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, the intervals between the initial transmission and the first retransmission, the interval between the first retransmission and the second retransmission, the interval between the third retransmission and the fourth retransmission, and the interval between the fourth retransmission and the fifth retransmission are the same. The interval between the second retransmission and the third retransmission is longer than the other transmission intervals. This is to ensure time for receiving the measurement result signal. Furthermore, by making the interval between the second retransmission and the third retransmission longer than the other intervals, power consumption can be reduced. Note that setting the interval longer than the other intervals is not limited to the interval between the second retransmission and the third retransmission, and can be selected as appropriate. In other words, the transmission interval can be set as appropriate.

[0044] The radio frequency used in the initial transmission is different from the radio frequency used in the first retransmission. Furthermore, the radio frequency used in the second retransmission is also different from the radio frequency used in the initial transmission and the radio frequency used in the first retransmission. This is done to take into account disturbances in the environment in which the measurement system 100 is used. If radio waves that cause disturbances are present in the environment in which the measurement system 100 is used and the radio waves interfere with the measurement command signal, the measurement command signal may not maintain its normal form and may be discarded as an error packet with an invalid format. It is also possible that the lowest-level radio control mechanism may determine that there is no available radio space, preventing transmission from starting within the specified time and resulting in a timeout and discarding the signal. Among the different radio frequencies, there is a high possibility that there will be a frequency that does not interfere with the radio waves that cause disturbances. This allows the measurement command signal to be transmitted properly.

[0045] Each measuring device 30 starts measurement and obtains measurement results when the second wireless transceiver 32c receives a measurement command signal. The measurement result signal for transmitting the measurement results is sequentially transmitted by repeating transmission using the unicast communication method. Referring to FIG. 6 , the first measurement result signal is transmitted at time T0. Time T0 is set as the timing at which measurement can be performed and the measurement result signal can be transmitted after receiving the initially transmitted measurement command signal. The first retransmission by repeated transmission is performed when a delay time D2 has elapsed since time T0. Similarly, the second retransmission is performed when a delay time D3 has elapsed since time T0. Similarly, the third retransmission is performed when a delay time D4 has elapsed since time T0, and the fourth retransmission is performed when a delay time D5 has elapsed since time T0.

[0046] 6 shows an example in which all five measuring devices 30 successfully receive the measurement command signal after the first transmission. Therefore, at time T0, all measuring devices 30 are ready to transmit measurement result signals. However, if all measurement result signals are transmitted simultaneously, there is a possibility that the measurement result signals will interfere with each other. Therefore, in this embodiment, measurement result signals are transmitted repeatedly at different transmission times.

[0047] The delay time Di is (reception order - 1) x maximum communication time. When there are measuring devices 30 that successfully receive simultaneously, as in the example shown in Figure 6, the reception order can be the numbering order described later. The maximum communication time is a predetermined time set in the unicast communication method. In other words, it is determined by the specifications of the adopted unicast communication method. The maximum communication time can be set appropriately depending on the environment in which the measurement system 100 is used. For example, if the measurement system 100 is used in an environment with a poor communication environment, the maximum communication time can be set longer. Furthermore, the maximum communication time can be set taking into account the interval at which measurement command signals are transmitted.

[0048] In addition, the unicast communication method can also perform multiple retransmissions within one maximum communication time. In the examples shown in Figures 6 to 8, one transmission is performed within one maximum communication time, but it is also possible to perform multiple retransmissions within one maximum communication time. This mode will be described later as a second embodiment.

[0049] Next, measurement control will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

[0050] The operator operates the operation unit 16 (see FIG. 2) to start measurement using the measurement system 100. The measurement information management device 10 included in the measurement system 100 transmits an initial measurement command signal in step S1. The measurement command signals are simultaneously transmitted by the first wireless transceiver 14 using a broadcast communication method. At this time, the measurement information management device 10 performs a connection process with each measuring device 30. Each measuring device 30 is also assigned a number. In this embodiment, the five measuring devices 30 are numbered #1 to #5.

[0051] When measurement by the measurement system 100 is started, the measurement information management device 10 executes the process of step S11 in parallel with step S1. In step S11, the measuring devices 30 that successfully received the initial measurement command signal transmitted in step S1 each execute measurement. In the example shown in Fig. 6, it is assumed that all measuring devices 30 successfully receive the initial measurement command signal, so measuring devices 30 #1 to #5 execute measurement simultaneously.

[0052] Then, in step S12, the measuring device 30 that received the signals transmits the measurement result signals in ascending order of the assigned numbers. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the measurement result signals are transmitted in the order of #1 to #5. That is, the measurement result signal #1 is transmitted at time T0. The measurement result signal #2 is transmitted after delay time D2 has elapsed. The measurement result signal #3 is transmitted after delay time D3 has elapsed. The measurement result signal #4 is transmitted after delay time D4 has elapsed. The measurement result signal #5 is transmitted after delay time D5 has elapsed.

[0053] In step S13, the measurement information management device 10 receives the measurement command signal from all of the measuring devices 30 and determines whether the measurements have been completed. If the measurement information management device 10 makes a positive determination (Yes determination) in step S13, it ends the processing. If the measurement information management device 10 makes a negative determination (No determination) in step S13, it proceeds to step S14.

[0054] The measurement information management device 10 performs the process of step S2 following step S1. The measurement information management device 10 performs the first retransmission of the measurement command signal in step S2. Then, the measurement information management device 10 performs the second retransmission in step S3. Finally, the measurement information management device 10 performs the mth retransmission (step S4 = mth retransmission). In this embodiment, retransmissions up to the fifth retransmission are performed sequentially (step S4 = 5th retransmission). After completing the process up to step S4, the measurement information management device 10 temporarily stops retransmission of the measurement command signal.

[0055] On the other hand, in step S14, the measuring instrument 30 that was able to receive the measurement command signal at the first retransmission performs measurement. The example shown in Fig. 7 shows a case where the #1 measuring instrument 30 was unable to receive the measurement command signal at the first transmission of the measurement command signal. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the #2 measuring instrument 30 transmits a measurement result signal at time T0 as the process of step S12. Therefore, if the #1 measuring instrument 30 is able to receive the measurement command signal at the first retransmission, the #1 measuring instrument transmits a measurement result signal after the delay time D2 has elapsed as the process of step S15.

[0056] 7, it is also possible that the first measurement command signal is successfully received by measuring instruments 30 #3 and #4. Even in such a case, if the first retransmission of the measurement command signal occurs before the delay time D2 has elapsed and measuring instrument 30 #1 is ready to transmit a measurement result signal, measuring instrument 30 #1 will transmit the signal in preference to measuring instrument 30 #3.

[0057] That is, among the measuring devices 30 that can transmit the measurement result signals in time, transmission is performed in ascending order of assigned numbers. Note that in the example shown in Figure 7, the processing after delay time D3 is the same as in the example shown in Figure 6.

[0058] In step S16, which follows step S15, the measurement information management device 10 determines whether all measuring devices 30 have received the measurement command signal and completed the measurement, similar to the process in step S13. If the measurement information management device 10 makes a positive determination in step S16, it ends the process. If the measurement information management device 10 makes a negative determination in step S16, it proceeds to step S17.

[0059] In step S17, the measuring instruments 30 that receive the measurement command signal on the second retransmission perform measurement. The example shown in FIG. 8 illustrates a case where measuring instruments 30 #1, #2, #4, and #5 fail to receive the measurement command signal on the first transmission of the measurement command signal. In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 8, only measuring instrument 30 #3 successfully receives the measurement command signal on the first transmission. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 8, measuring instrument 30 #3 transmits a measurement result signal at time T0 as the process of step S12. If measuring instruments 30 other than #3 are able to receive the measurement command signal on the second retransmission, the measurement result signal of measuring instrument 30 #1 is transmitted after delay time D2 has elapsed as the process of step S18. Then, measurement result signals of measuring instruments 30 #2, #4, and #5 are transmitted sequentially after delay time D3.

[0060] In step S19, which follows step S18, the measurement information management device 10 determines whether all measuring devices 30 have received the measurement command signal and completed the measurement, similar to the process in step S13. If the measurement information management device 10 makes a positive determination in step S19, it ends the process. If the measurement information management device 10 makes a negative determination in step S19, it proceeds to step S20.

[0061] Steps S20, S21, and S22 indicate that the mth retransmission is processed in the same manner as the previous retransmissions. In the examples shown in Figures 6 to 8, the number of retransmissions is 5, so the process is repeated until m=5.

[0062] If the measurement information management device 10 makes a negative determination in step S22, it repeats the process from step S2 again. This takes into consideration the possibility that, depending on the environment in which the measurement system 100 is used, measurements by all of the measuring devices 30 may not be completed even after a series of retransmission processes are performed. In such a case, the processes from step S2 to step S4 and the processes from step S11 to step S22 are repeated again. Note that, for the second or subsequent processes, the processes from step S11 to step S13 may be skipped and the processes from step S14 onward may be performed.

[0063] In the measurement system 100 of this embodiment, the first wireless transceiver 14 transmits the measurement command signal multiple times at different times using different wireless frequency bands, thereby enabling the measurement command signal to be transmitted without being affected by disturbances in the environment in which the measurement system 100 is used.

[0064] Furthermore, the measurement system 100 transmits the measurement command signal using the first communication method and transmits the measurement result signal using the second communication method, thereby making it possible to avoid interference between the measurement command signal and the measurement result signal.

[0065] Furthermore, the measurement system 100 uses a wireless method that is resistant to external disturbances as the second communication method, which makes the transmission of the measurement result signal less susceptible to external disturbances.

[0066] Furthermore, the measurement system 100 transmits the measurement result signals at different timings, thereby making it possible to avoid interference between the measurement result signals.

[0067] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 11. In the first embodiment, in the unicast communication method, one transmission was performed within one maximum communication time. In contrast, in the second embodiment, multiple retransmissions are performed within one maximum communication time. In other words, this is an aspect in which multiple retransmissions are performed within a predetermined time. With reference to Fig. 9, measurement result signals for #1 to #3 are transmitted during the period up to the delay time D2. In other words, multiple retransmissions are performed within one maximum communication time. Multiple retransmissions are also performed between the time when delay time D2 has elapsed and the time when delay time D3 has elapsed. Furthermore, multiple retransmissions are also performed between the time when delay time D3 has elapsed and the time when delay time D4 has elapsed.

[0068] The hardware configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] In the second embodiment, twelve measuring devices 30, numbered #1 to #12, are prepared. These measuring devices 30 are divided into four groups, Group 1 to Group 4, so that each group contains three measuring devices 30. The reason for the number of measuring devices 30 belonging to each group being three is that the number of retransmissions permitted within the maximum communication time is taken into consideration. For example, if the number of retransmissions permitted within the maximum communication time is four, the number of measuring devices 30 belonging to each group is set to four or less. In this way, measurement result signals can be transmitted efficiently by having the second wireless transceiver units 32c, the number of which is equal to or less than the number of retransmissions permitted within a predetermined time, transmit the measurement result signals within the predetermined time. In this embodiment, the number of retransmissions permitted within the maximum communication time is set to four, and three measuring devices 30 belong to each group so that the number of measuring devices 30 is four or less.

[0070] The example shown in Figure 9 is one in which all measuring instruments 30 successfully receive the first measurement command signal. Therefore, at time T0, all measuring instruments 30 have completed their measurements. Then, measuring instruments 30 #1 to #3 belonging to Group 1 transmit their measurement result signals sequentially from time T0. Also, measuring instruments 30 #4 to #6 belonging to Group 2 transmit their measurement result signals sequentially after delay time D2 has elapsed. Furthermore, measuring instruments 30 #7 to #9 belonging to Group 3 transmit their measurement result signals sequentially after delay time D3 has elapsed. Then, measuring instruments 30 #10 to #12 belonging to Group 4 transmit their measurement result signals sequentially after delay time D4 has elapsed.

[0071] In this way, by performing multiple retransmissions within the maximum communication time, it is possible to transmit a large number of measurement result signals.

[0072] The example shown in Figure 10 is a case where measuring instruments 30 #1 to #3 were unable to receive the first measurement command signal. Measuring instrument 30 #2 successfully received the signal on the first retransmission, and measuring instrument 30 #1 successfully received the signal on the second retransmission. Measuring instrument 30 #3 successfully received the signal on the fourth retransmission. Measuring instruments 30 #4 to #12 successfully received the signal on the first transmission of the measurement command signal.

[0073] In this case, measuring instruments 30 #2 and #1, which have completed measurements between time T0 and delay time D2, transmit measurement result signals between time T0 and delay time D2. At this time, measuring instrument 30 #2 receives the measurement command signal earlier than measuring instrument 30 #1, so measuring instrument 30 #2 also transmits the measurement result signal first.

[0074] The measuring instrument 30 #3 receives the measurement command signal on the fourth retransmission. However, the measurement by the measuring instrument 30 #3 is not completed in time for delay time D2. Therefore, the measurement result signal of the measuring instrument 30 #3 is transmitted during the period from delay time D2 to delay time D3, along with the measuring instruments 30 #4 to #6 included in Group 2. However, the measuring instruments 30 #4 to #6 complete reception before the measuring instrument 30 #3. Therefore, the measurement result signal of the measuring instrument 30 #3 is transmitted in a retransmission after the measurement result signal of the measuring instrument 30 #6 is transmitted. Note that in this embodiment, four retransmissions are possible within the maximum communication time, so the transmission by the measuring instrument 30 #3 can be included in the period from delay time D2 to delay time D3.

[0075] The example shown in Figure 11 is a case where measuring instruments 30 #1 and #3 were unable to receive the initial measurement command signal. Assume that measuring instrument 30 #1 successfully received the signal on the third retransmission, and measuring instrument 30 #3 successfully received the signal on the fourth retransmission. Assume also that measuring instruments 30 #2 and #4 to #12 successfully received the measurement command signal on the first transmission.

[0076] In this case, measuring instrument 30 #2, which completed reception upon transmission of the first measurement command signal, transmits a measurement result signal at time T0. Next, measuring instrument 30 #1, which successfully received the measurement result signal upon the third retransmission, transmits the measurement result signal together with measuring instruments 30 #4 to #6 included in Group 2 during the period from delay time D2 to delay time D3. However, measuring instruments 30 #4 to #6 completed reception before measuring instrument 30 #1. Therefore, the measurement result signal of measuring instrument 30 #1 is transmitted in a retransmission after the measurement result signal of measuring instrument 30 #6 is transmitted.

[0077] The measurement result signal of measuring instrument 30 #3, which successfully received the signal on the fourth retransmission, is transmitted during the period from delay time D3 to delay time D4, along with measuring instruments 30 #7 to #9 in Group 3. However, measuring instruments 30 #7 to #9 complete reception before measuring instrument 30 #3. Therefore, the measurement result signal of measuring instrument 30 #3 is transmitted in a retransmission after the measurement result signal of measuring instrument 30 #9 is transmitted. Note that measuring instrument 30 #3 also completes its measurement by delay time D3, just like measuring instrument 30 #1. However, measuring instrument 30 #1 has already been included in the period from delay time D2 to delay time D3, meaning that four measuring instruments 30 are assigned. Therefore, measuring instrument 30 #3 is skipped until the next opportunity.

[0078] These are merely examples, and there are countless possible patterns for receiving the measurement command signal, but by transmitting the measurement result signals sequentially in this manner, the measurement can be completed efficiently.

[0079] 12 to 14, a measurement system 200 according to a modified example will be described. The measurement information management unit 50 included in the measurement system 200 according to the modified example includes a measurement information collection unit 60, an information transfer unit 70, and a communication line 80 connecting these. The communication line 80 may be a wireless communication line or a wired communication line.

[0080] 13 includes a CPU 11, a RAM 12, a storage unit 13, a display unit 15, and an operation unit 16, similar to the measurement information management device 10 of the first embodiment. Also, a second communication unit 64 is provided instead of the first wireless transmission / reception unit 14.

[0081] 14 includes a CPU 71, a program storage unit 72, a RAM 73, a first wireless transmission / reception unit 74, and a first communication unit 75. The first wireless transmission / reception unit 74 corresponds to the first wireless transmission / reception unit 14 in the first embodiment. The first communication unit 75 communicates with the second communication unit 64 via a communication line 80.

[0082] The measurement system 200 of the second embodiment can improve the communication speed of the measurement system 200 by separately providing an information transfer unit 70. SSDs and HDDs used as the memory unit 13 are generally large-capacity, low-speed devices. Therefore, it is expected that the CPU 11 will be exclusively used when writing data to the memory unit 13. Therefore, in the measurement information management device 10 shown in FIG. 2, the operation of the first wireless transceiver unit 14 may be affected while the CPU 11 is exclusively used. The operation of the first wireless transceiver unit 14 requires real-time performance. Therefore, in the measurement system 200 of the second embodiment, the measurement information management unit 50 is divided into a measurement information collection unit 60 equipped with the memory unit 13 and an information transfer unit 70 without a memory unit. The CPU 71 equipped in the information transfer unit 70 does not communicate with the memory unit, which is a low-speed device. This improves the processing speed of the first wireless transceiver unit 74 and the first communication unit 75, ensuring real-time wireless transmission and reception. As a result, the processing speed of the measurement system 200 as a whole is improved.

[0083] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

[0084] 10, 50 Measurement information management unit 11 CPU 12 RAM 13 Storage device 13a Program storage unit 13b Recording unit 14, 74 First wireless transmission / reception unit 15 Display unit 16 Operation unit 30 Measuring instrument 31 Measuring tool 32 Measuring tool control unit 32a CPU 32b Program storage unit 32c Second wireless transmission / reception unit 50 Measurement information management unit 60 Measurement information collection unit 70 Information transfer unit 100, 200 Measurement system

Claims

1. A measurement information management device comprising a measurement information management unit that transmits a measurement command signal, receives measurement result signals transmitted from a plurality of measuring devices, and manages the plurality of measurement result signals, wherein the measurement information management unit transmits the measurement command signal by a first communication method and comprises a first wireless transceiver unit that receives the measurement result signal, wherein the first wireless transceiver unit transmits the measurement command signal a plurality of times at different timings using different wireless frequency channels, and wherein second wireless transceivers provided in each of the plurality of measuring devices receive the measurement result signals transmitted at different timings from each other by a second communication method that is a different wireless frequency band from the first communication method.

2. The measurement information management device according to claim 1, wherein the first communication method is a wireless method having a faster communication speed than a wireless method used for the second communication method.

3. The measurement information management device according to claim 1, wherein the first communication method is a broadcast communication method, and the second communication method is a unicast communication method.

4. The measurement information management device according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless transceiver sets the time interval of the measurement command signal to different time intervals when the measurement command signal is executed multiple times.

5. The measurement information management device of claim 1, wherein the measurement information management unit assigns identifiers to the multiple measuring devices, and the first wireless transceiver unit receives the measurement result signals transmitted sequentially based on the identifiers by the second wireless transceiver unit provided in the measuring device that successfully receives the measurement command signal.

6. The measurement information management device according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless transceiver receives the measurement result signal that has been retransmitted a plurality of times within a predetermined time period by the second communication method.

7. The measurement information management device according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined time is changeable.

8. The measurement information management device according to claim 6, wherein the first wireless transceiver receives the measurement result signals a number equal to or less than the number of times the second wireless transceiver can retransmit within the specified time period.

9. A measurement program that causes a computer to execute the following process: transmitting a measurement command signal by a first communication method multiple times at different timings using different radio frequency channels; and receiving measurement result signals wirelessly transmitted by a second communication method, which is a radio frequency band different from that of the first communication method, at different timings from each other to obtain measurement results measured by a plurality of measuring instruments.

10. A measurement method comprising: a step in which a measurement information management unit sends a measurement command signal by a first communication method multiple times at different timings using different radio frequency channels; and a step in which the measurement information management unit receives measurement result signals wirelessly transmitted by a second communication method, which is a radio frequency band different from that of the first communication method, at different timings from each other to obtain measurement results measured by multiple measuring devices that received the measurement command signal.

11. A measurement information management system comprising a plurality of measuring devices and a measurement information management unit that transmits measurement command signals, receives measurement result signals respectively transmitted from the plurality of measuring devices, and manages the plurality of measurement result signals, wherein the measurement information management unit comprises a first wireless transceiver unit that transmits the measurement command signal by a first communication method and receives the measurement result signal, and the plurality of measuring devices each comprise a second wireless transceiver unit that receives the measurement command signal and transmits the measurement result signal, the first wireless transceiver unit transmits the measurement command signal a plurality of times at different timings using different wireless frequency channels, and the second wireless transceiver unit transmits the measurement result signal at mutually different timings by a second communication method that is a radio frequency band different from the first communication method.

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