Repeater, relay system, communication system, and disaster prevention system

Abstract

The present disclosure addresses the problem of improving the ease of sensor replacement work in a disaster prevention system. A repeater (3) relays communication between a plurality of sensors and a receiver. When a setting signal for transitioning to a replacement mode is received from the receiver, a processing unit (34) transitions to the replacement mode. In the replacement mode, the processing unit (34) transmits a deletion signal to the plurality of sensors, which have been registered in a storage unit (33). When a deletion response is received from a first sensor among the plurality of sensors, the processing unit (34) executes registration-deletion processing for the first sensor. The processing unit (34) transmits a registration signal to an unregistered second sensor. When a registration response, which is a response to the registration signal, is received from the second sensor, the processing unit (34) executes registration processing for the second sensor.

Description

Repeater, Relay System, Communication System and Disaster Prevention System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a repeater, a relay system, a communication system, and a disaster prevention system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a repeater that relays wireless communication between a receiver and a sensor, a relay system including a receiver and a repeater, a communication system including a sensor and a repeater, and a disaster prevention system including a receiver, a sensor, and a repeater.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a wireless disaster prevention system. In the wireless disaster prevention system of Patent Document 1, an upstream signal transmitted from a wireless sensor is relay-transmitted by a radio wave repeater and received by a wireless reception repeater. Child node IDs of other radio wave repeaters and wireless sensors corresponding to a predetermined network tree structure are registered in the radio wave transmitter. The radio wave repeater performs relay transmission when the transmission source ID of the received upstream wireless signal matches the registered child node.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-41545

[0004] In the wireless disaster prevention system (disaster prevention system) having the above configuration, when replacing a wireless sensor (sensor), it is necessary to separately perform the work of deleting the registration of the sensor to be replaced and the work of registering the replacement sensor. For this reason, the replacement work of the sensor is complicated for workers.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a repeater, a relay system, a communication system, and a disaster prevention system that can improve the workability of sensor replacement work.

[0006] A repeater according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a repeater that relays communication between a plurality of sensors and a receiver. The repeater includes a processing unit that enters exchange mode when it receives a setting signal for entering exchange mode from the receiver. In exchange mode, the processing unit transmits a delete signal to a plurality of sensors registered in the storage unit. When the processing unit receives a delete response from a first sensor among the plurality of sensors, which is a response to the delete signal, it performs a deletion process for the registration of the first sensor and transmits a registration signal to an unregistered second sensor. When the processing unit receives a registration response from the second sensor, which is a response to the registration signal, it performs a registration process for the second sensor.

[0007] A relay system in another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a receiver and a relay unit that relays communication between the receiver and a plurality of sensors. The relay unit includes a processing unit that switches to exchange mode when it receives a setting signal for switching to exchange mode from the receiver. In exchange mode, the processing unit transmits a delete signal to a plurality of sensors registered in the storage unit. When the processing unit receives a delete response, which is a response to the delete signal, from a first sensor among the plurality of sensors, it performs a deletion process for the registration of the first sensor and transmits a registration signal to an unregistered second sensor. When the processing unit receives a registration response, which is a response to the registration signal, from the second sensor, it performs a registration process for the second sensor.

[0008] A communication system in yet another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of sensors and a relay that relays communication between the plurality of sensors and a receiver. The relay includes a processing unit that switches to exchange mode when it receives a setting signal for switching to exchange mode from the receiver. In exchange mode, the processing unit transmits a delete signal to a plurality of sensors registered in the storage unit. When the processing unit receives a delete response from a first sensor among the plurality of sensors, which is a response to the delete signal, it performs a deletion process for the registration of the first sensor and transmits a registration signal to an unregistered second sensor. When the processing unit receives a registration response from the second sensor, which is a response to the registration signal, it performs a registration process for the second sensor.

[0009] A disaster prevention system in another aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of sensors, a receiver, and a relay that relays communication between the plurality of sensors and the receiver. The relay includes a processing unit that switches to exchange mode when it receives a setting signal for switching to exchange mode from the receiver. In exchange mode, the processing unit transmits a delete signal to the plurality of sensors registered in the storage unit. When the processing unit receives a delete response from a first sensor among the plurality of sensors, which is a response to the delete signal, it performs a deletion process for the registration of the first sensor and transmits a registration signal to an unregistered second sensor. When the processing unit receives a registration response from the second sensor, which is a response to the registration signal, it performs a registration process for the second sensor.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a disaster prevention system equipped with a repeater according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a detector equipped in the same disaster prevention system. Figure 3 is a block diagram of a receiver equipped in the same disaster prevention system. Figure 4 is a block diagram of a repeater equipped in the same disaster prevention system. Figure 5 is a first sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the replacement mode in the replacement of the same detector. Figure 6 is a second sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the replacement mode in the replacement of the same detector. Figure 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the deletion mode in the replacement of the same detector. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the registration mode in the replacement of the same detector.

[0011] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, elements common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of common elements may be omitted. The embodiments described below are only one of many embodiments of this disclosure. The embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. The figures described in this disclosure are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in each figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0012] (Embodiment) (1) As shown in the schematic diagram 1, the repeater 3 of this embodiment is provided in the disaster prevention system 100. The disaster prevention system 100 is a system for dealing with abnormalities (disasters, etc.) in a facility 90 such as an office building. In this disclosure, "disaster prevention" includes, for example, preventing the spread of damage caused by disasters such as fires, preventing disasters such as fires, or recovery from disasters. In this disclosure, "disaster" may include, for example, fires, gas leaks, earthquakes, floods, etc.

[0013] The disaster prevention system 100 of this embodiment is configured as an automatic fire alarm system installed in a facility 90. The automatic fire alarm system, for example, notifies users of the facility 90 of the occurrence of a fire when it detects the occurrence of a fire. The facility 90 may be an office building, theater, cinema, public hall, amusement park, multi-purpose complex, restaurant, department store, school, hotel, inn, hospital, nursing home, kindergarten, library, museum, art gallery, underground shopping mall, train station, airport, or apartment building, etc.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the disaster prevention system 100 includes a repeater 3, a receiver (control panel) 1, and a plurality of sensors 2.

[0015] Each of the multiple detectors 2 is installed in the facility 90. The multiple detectors 2 are installed in different locations within the facility 90.

[0016] Each of the multiple detectors 2 is equipped with a sensor 20 (see Figure 2) that detects a specific physical quantity related to an anomaly in the facility 90. The specific physical quantity detected by the sensor 20 is, for example, a physical quantity related to a fire as an anomaly in the facility 90. In other words, each of the multiple detectors 2 is a fire detector.

[0017] Each of the multiple detectors 2 detects the occurrence of a fire based on a physical quantity detected by the sensor 20. For example, if the magnitude of the detected physical quantity or the amount of change therein (amount of change per unit time) exceeds a predetermined threshold, each of the multiple detectors 2 detects the occurrence of a fire and transmits a fire signal (a signal notifying the occurrence of a fire) to the receiver 1.

[0018] Each of the multiple detectors 2 communicates with the receiver 1. Here, each of the multiple detectors 2 communicates with the receiver 1 via a repeater 3. That is, the repeater 3 relays the communication between the receiver 1 and the multiple detectors 2. Each of the multiple detectors 2 transmits a fire signal to the receiver 1 through communication.

[0019] As shown in Figure 4, the repeater 3 comprises a first communication unit 31, a second communication unit 32, and a processing unit 34.

[0020] The first communication unit 31 communicates with multiple sensors 2 that are registered in the memory unit 33.

[0021] The second communication unit 32 communicates with the receiver 1.

[0022] When the second communication unit 32 receives a setting signal for switching to switching mode from the receiver 1, the processing unit 34 switches to switching mode for the multiple sensors 2. In switching mode, the processing unit 34 sends a deletion signal from the first communication unit 31 to the multiple sensors 2 registered in the storage unit 33. When the processing unit 34 receives a deletion response from the first sensor 2A, which is a response to the deletion signal, it executes the deletion process for the registration of the first sensor 2A. The processing unit 34 sends a registration signal from the first communication unit 31 to the unregistered second sensor 2B. When the processing unit 34 receives a registration response from the second sensor 2B, which is a response to the registration signal, it executes the registration process for the second sensor 2B.

[0023] In this disclosure, "first sensor 2A" refers to one of the multiple sensors 2 registered in the memory unit 33. In this disclosure, "second sensor 2B" refers to one sensor 2 that is not registered in the memory unit 33.

[0024] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, "replacement of detector 2" means deleting the registered first detector 2A and registering the unregistered second detector 2B in the disaster prevention system 100.

[0025] In this embodiment, the repeater 3 performs the following in exchange mode: deleting the registered first sensor 2A and registering the unregistered second sensor 2B (see Figures 5 and 6). Therefore, as will be described in detail later, compared to the case where the deletion of the first sensor 2A in deletion mode and the registration of the second sensor 2B in registration mode are performed separately (see Figures 7 and 8), the operator does not need to move to the receiver 1 and switch the repeater 3 from deletion mode to registration mode using receiver operation. This improves the work efficiency of replacing the sensors 2.

[0026] (2) Details The details of the disaster prevention system 100 equipped with the repeater 3 of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0027] (2.1) As shown in the overall configuration diagram 1, the disaster prevention system 100 includes a receiver 1, a detector 2, and a repeater 3.

[0028] Receiver 1 and repeater 3 are connected by a two-wire transmission line L1. Receiver 1 and repeater 3 communicate via wired communication through transmission line L1. Repeater 3 and sensor 2 communicate wirelessly via radio waves.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the disaster prevention system 100 of this embodiment is equipped with multiple repeaters 3 (three in the example of Figure 1). Furthermore, multiple sensors 2 (three in the example of Figure 1) are wirelessly connected to each of the multiple repeaters 3. In other words, the disaster prevention system 100 of this embodiment comprises a receiver 1, multiple repeaters 3, and multiple sensors 2.

[0030] The multiple repeaters 3 are, for example, arranged on different floors of the facility 90. In the example in Figure 1, one of the multiple repeaters 3 (the first repeater) and multiple (3) sensors 2 that communicate wirelessly with the first repeater 3 are located in area A1 on the first floor (ground floor) of the facility 90. Also in the example in Figure 1, another of the multiple repeaters 3 (the second repeater) and multiple (3) sensors 2 that communicate wirelessly with the second repeater 3 are located in area A2 on the second floor of the facility 90. Furthermore, in the example in Figure 1, yet another of the multiple repeaters 3 (the third repeater) and multiple (3) sensors 2 that communicate wirelessly with the third repeater 3 are located in area A3 on the third floor of the facility 90.

[0031] Furthermore, each of the multiple repeaters 3 communicates wirelessly with the sensors 2 using different channels. Therefore, each sensor 2 communicates wirelessly only with the corresponding repeater 3 among the multiple repeaters 3.

[0032] In the following, among the receiver 1, multiple repeaters 3, and multiple sensors 2 included in the disaster prevention system 100, one repeater 3 and the multiple sensors 2 that communicate wirelessly with this repeater 3 will be referred to as the "communication system 10," and the explanation will focus on one communication system 10. In other words, the communication system 10 comprises multiple sensors 2 and a repeater 3 that relays communication between the multiple sensors 2 and the receiver 1. In the example in Figure 1, the disaster prevention system 100 includes three communication systems 10.

[0033] In the following, among the receiver 1, multiple repeaters 3, and multiple sensors 2 included in the disaster prevention system 100, the receiver 1 and one repeater 3 that communicates with the receiver 1 via wired connection will be referred to as the "relay system 200," and the explanation will focus on one relay system 200. In other words, the relay system 200 comprises the receiver 1 and the repeaters 3 that relay communication between the receiver 1 and the multiple sensors 2. In the example in Figure 1, the disaster prevention system 100 includes three relay systems 200.

[0034] When relaying communication between the sensor 2 and the receiver 1, the repeater 3 switches the communication method of the relayed communication from wireless to wired. For example, when the repeater 3 receives information transmitted wirelessly from the sensor 2, it switches the communication method from wireless to wired and transmits the received information to the receiver 1 via wired connection.

[0035] The receiver 1 receives detection results from multiple sensors 2 via the repeater 3, and controls the receiver 1 to issue a disaster alarm or to cause the multiple sensors 2 to issue a disaster alarm based on the received detection results. The receiver 1 may be installed in the caretaker's room of facility 90, or it may be installed in a disaster prevention center located elsewhere from facility 90.

[0036] In the disaster prevention system 100 configured in this way, the multiple sensors 2 provided in the disaster prevention system 100 are registered with the corresponding relay 3 by an operator before the disaster prevention system 100 is put into operation. Furthermore, even during the operation of the disaster prevention system 100, the sensors 2 can be replaced by an operator by adding or deleting registrations to the relay 3. The following description will explain the sensors 2, relay 3 and receiver 1 in more detail from this perspective.

[0037] (2.2) As shown in the sensor configuration diagram 2, the sensor 2 comprises a sensor 20, a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, an operation unit 23, a processing unit 24, and a notification unit 25.

[0038] Sensor 20 detects specific physical quantities related to an abnormality (fire) in the facility 90. Sensor 20 is, for example, a heat sensor, smoke sensor, infrared sensor, ultraviolet sensor, etc., and the specific physical quantities detected by sensor 20 are heat (temperature), smoke (particulate matter) concentration, ultraviolet intensity, infrared intensity, etc. That is, detector 2 may be a so-called heat detector in which sensor 20 is equipped with a heat sensor and detects heat (temperature rise) due to a fire. Detector 2 may also be a so-called smoke detector in which sensor 20 is equipped with a smoke sensor and detects smoke or minute combustion products due to a fire. Detector 2 may also be a so-called flame detector in which sensor 20 is equipped with an infrared sensor or ultraviolet sensor and detects flames due to a fire. Detector 2 may also be a so-called combined detector equipped with two or more types of sensors 20, such as a heat sensor and a smoke sensor, each detecting a physical quantity. Detector 2 may further include sensors 20 for detecting abnormalities in the facility other than fire, such as gas leaks, earthquakes, and flooding.

[0039] The communication unit 21 communicates with the repeater 3, for example, using a wireless method. The communication unit 21 also communicates with the receiver 1 via the corresponding repeater 3.

[0040] The memory unit 22 stores various information necessary for processing by the sensor 2. The memory unit 22 is, for example, a read / write and non-volatile storage device (e.g., flash memory). The "various information" mentioned above includes, for example, the identification information of the sensor 2 itself. The identification information of the sensor 2 is, for example, information specific to the sensor 2, such as a MAC (Media Access Control) address.

[0041] The control unit 23 consists of a touch panel or physical switches, and accepts input for operations on the sensor 2 (for example, registration and deletion operations). The "registration operation" refers to the operation by which the operator registers the sensor 2 with the corresponding relay unit 3. The "deletion operation" refers to the operation by which the operator deletes (cancels) the registration of the sensor 2 that is registered with the relay unit 3.

[0042] The processing unit 24 includes, for example, a computer system having a processor and a memory. The computer system functions as the processing unit 24 when the processor executes a program stored in the memory. The program executed by the processor is prerecorded in the memory of the computer system herein, but may be provided by being recorded in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided through a telecommunication line such as the Internet.

[0043] The processing unit 24 controls components of the sensor 2 other than the processing unit 24 (e.g., the sensor 20, the communication unit 21, the storage unit 22, the operation unit 23, and the notification unit 25).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the processing unit 24 includes a judgment processing unit 241, a communication processing unit 242, a request processing unit 243, a response processing unit 244, a setting processing unit 245, and a notification processing unit 246. The judgment processing unit 241, the communication processing unit 242, the request processing unit 243, the response processing unit 244, the setting processing unit 245, and the notification processing unit 246 are functions implemented by the processing unit 24.

[0045] The judgment processing unit 241 judges whether an abnormality (fire) has occurred based on a physical quantity detected by the sensor 20 (or a change amount thereof). The judgment processing unit 241 compares the detected physical quantity with a threshold, and judges that an abnormality (fire) has occurred when the physical quantity exceeds the threshold.

[0046] When the judgment processing unit 241 judges that an abnormality (fire) has occurred, the communication processing unit 242 causes the communication unit 21 to wirelessly transmit a fire signal (a signal notifying the occurrence of a fire). The fire signal includes identification information of the sensor 2.

[0047] The request processing unit 243 performs processing for requesting the repeater 3 to register the sensor 2 or delete the registration of the sensor 2. When the request processing unit 243 receives a registration signal from the repeater 3 and a registration operation is input to the operation unit 23, the request processing unit 243 associates the registration request with the identification information stored in the storage unit 22 and transmits the registration request from the communication unit 21 to the repeater 3. The "registration request" is a control signal that requests registration of the sensor 2 with the corresponding repeater 3.

[0048] Further, when the request processing unit 243 receives a deletion signal from the repeater 3 and a deletion operation is input to the operation unit 23, the request processing unit 243 associates the deletion request with the identification information stored in the storage unit 22 and transmits the deletion request from the communication unit 21 to the repeater 3. The above "deletion request" is a control signal that requests deletion (cancellation) of the registration of a desired sensor 2 registered in the repeater 3.

[0049] The response processing unit 244 performs processing for this sensor 2 to respond to a command for registration of the repeater 3 or a command for deletion of registration of the repeater 3. When the response processing unit 244 receives a registration command from the repeater 3, it performs processing for registering the repeater 3 in the sensor 2. That is, the response processing unit 244 stores the identification information of the repeater 3 in the storage unit 22. When the registration processing of the sensor 2 is completed, the response processing unit 244 transmits a registration response to the repeater 3.

[0050] Further, when the response processing unit 244 receives a deletion command from the repeater 3, it performs processing for deleting the repeater 3 from the registration of the sensor 2. That is, the response processing unit 244 deletes the identification information of the repeater 3 stored in the storage unit 22. When the deletion processing of the sensor 2 is completed, the response processing unit 244 transmits a deletion response to the repeater 3.

[0051] When the setting processing unit 245 receives a basic information setting command from the repeater 3, it performs processing for setting basic information in the sensor 2. When the basic information setting processing for the sensor 2 is completed, the setting processing unit 245 transmits a setting response to the repeater 3.

[0052] When the repeater 3 receives a registration request from the sensor 2, as will be described later, the repeater 3 registers the sensor 2 that has transmitted the registration request in the repeater 3, and transmits a basic information setting command to the registered sensor 2. Further, when the repeater 3 receives a deletion request from the sensor 2, it cancels the registration of the sensor 2 that has transmitted the deletion request in the repeater 3.

[0053] When the notification processing unit 246 receives a control signal from the receiver 1 via the communication unit 21 instructing it to notify the occurrence of a disaster, it outputs a sound (voice or electronic sound such as an alarm) from the notification unit 25 to notify the occurrence of a disaster. In this embodiment, when the registration or deletion process of the repeater 3 is completed, the notification processing unit 246 outputs a sound (voice or electronic sound) from the notification unit 25 to notify the completion of the registration or deletion of the repeater 3.

[0054] The notification unit 25 includes, for example, a speaker. The notification unit 25 outputs a sound (voice or electronic sound such as an alarm) to notify of the occurrence of a disaster in accordance with the control of the notification processing unit 246. In this embodiment, the notification unit 25 outputs a sound (voice or electronic sound) to notify of the completion of registration or deletion of registration of the repeater 3.

[0055] (2.3) As shown in the repeater configuration diagram 4, the repeater 3 comprises a first communication unit 31, a second communication unit 32, a storage unit 33, and a processing unit 34.

[0056] The first communication unit 31 communicates with the corresponding sensor 2, for example, using a wireless method (for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Wi-Fi®).

[0057] The second communication unit 32 communicates with the receiver 1, for example, using a wired method (e.g., LAN or WAN (Wide Area Network)).

[0058] The memory unit 33 is, for example, a read / write and non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory). The memory unit 33 stores various information necessary for processing at the repeater 3. The "various information" mentioned above includes the identification information of the repeater 3, the identification information of each sensor 2 received from each sensor 2 via the first communication unit 31, and the communication address assigned to each sensor 2. In other words, the memory unit 33 stores the identification information of each of the multiple sensors 2 in association with their communication addresses. The identification information of the repeater 3 is, for example, information unique to the repeater 3, such as a MAC address. The communication address is a registration number used by the receiver 1 or the repeater 3 to manage the sensors 2.

[0059] The processing unit 34 includes, for example, a computer system having a processor and memory. The computer system functions as the processing unit 34 by the processor executing a program stored in memory. The program executed by the processor is, in this case, pre-recorded in the computer system's memory, but it may also be provided by being recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, or by being provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet.

[0060] The processing unit 34 controls the other components of the repeater 3 (for example, the first communication unit 31, the second communication unit 32, and the storage unit 33).

[0061] As shown in Figure 4, the processing unit 34 includes a switching processing unit 341, a normal processing unit 342, a registration processing unit 343, a deletion processing unit 344, an address acquisition unit 345, an allocation processing unit 346, and an exchange processing unit 347. The switching processing unit 341, the normal processing unit 342, the registration processing unit 343, the deletion processing unit 344, the address acquisition unit 345, the allocation processing unit 346, and the exchange processing unit 347 are functions implemented by the processing unit 34.

[0062] The switching processing unit 341 performs a switching process to switch the operating mode of the processing unit 34. The switching processing unit 341 switches the operating mode of the processing unit 34 according to the setting signal for switching the operating mode (hereinafter simply referred to as the "mode setting signal") received from the receiver 1. The processing unit 34 operates in one of the following operating modes: operation mode, registration mode, deletion mode, and exchange mode. The switching processing unit 341 switches the operating mode of the processing unit 34 between "operation mode" and "deletion mode". The switching processing unit 341 switches the operating mode of the processing unit 34 between "operation mode" and "deletion mode". The switching processing unit 341 switches the operating mode of the processing unit 34 between "operation mode" and "exchange mode".

[0063] "Registration mode" is the operating mode for registering the sensor 2 with the repeater 3. When the repeater 3 switches to registration mode, the operator can register the sensor 2 with the repeater 3.

[0064] "Delete mode" is the operating mode for deleting the registration of sensor 2. When the operating mode of the repeater 3 switches to delete mode, the operator can delete the registration of sensor 2.

[0065] "Replacement mode" is the operating mode for replacing sensor 2. In other words, replacement mode is the mode for deleting the registration of the registered first sensor 2A and registering the unregistered second sensor 2B. When the operating mode of the repeater 3 switches to replacement mode, the operator can replace sensor 2.

[0066] In "Registration Mode," "Deletion Mode," and "Exchange Mode," a pre-configured common channel is used for communication.

[0067] Normally, the processing unit 342 is a function that operates in the "operation mode" of the processing unit 34. The "operation mode" is a mode for disaster prevention by communicating wirelessly with the registered detectors 2 and forwarding the fire signal transmitted from the detectors 2 to the receiver 1 when an abnormality (disaster) occurs in the facility 90. In "operation mode," communication is carried out using a different channel than the one used in "registration mode," "deletion mode," and "exchange mode."

[0068] The registration processing unit 343 is a function that operates in the "registration mode" of the processing unit 34. In "registration mode," the registration processing unit 343 performs registration processing (hereinafter simply referred to as "registration processing") to register the sensors 2 with the repeater 3. More specifically, the registration processing unit 343 broadcasts a registration signal to all sensors 2. The registration signal is a control signal that allows unregistered sensors 2 to accept registration with the repeater 3.

[0069] When the registration processing unit 343 receives a registration request from the sensor 2, it sends a registration command from the communication unit 21 to the sensor 2 that sent the registration request. Then, when the registration processing unit 343 receives a registration response from the sensor 2, it registers this sensor 2 with the relay unit 3. In other words, the registration processing unit 343 stores the identification information of the sensor 2 that sent the registration response in the storage unit 22, in response to the registration response from the sensor 2 received via the first communication unit 31.

[0070] The deletion processing unit 344 is a function that operates in the "deletion mode" of the processing unit 34. In "deletion mode," the deletion processing unit 344 performs a deletion process (hereinafter simply referred to as "deletion process") to delete the registration of the sensor 2. More specifically, the deletion processing unit 344 broadcasts a deletion signal to all sensor 2. The registration signal is a control signal that allows registered sensor 2 to accept the deletion of their registration.

[0071] When the deletion processing unit 344 receives a deletion request from the sensor 2, it sends a deletion command from the communication unit 21 to the sensor 2 that sent the deletion request. Then, when the deletion processing unit 344 receives a deletion response from the sensor 2, it deletes the registration of this sensor 2 from the relay unit 3. In other words, in response to the deletion response from the sensor 2 received via the first communication unit 31, the deletion processing unit 344 deletes the identification information of the sensor 2 that sent the deletion response from the storage unit 22.

[0072] The address acquisition unit 345 primarily operates in the "registration mode" of the processing unit 34. The address acquisition unit 345 receives communication addresses from the receiver 1 to be assigned to each sensor 2 registered in the repeater 3. For example, when the number of registered sensors 2 reaches the upper limit, or when the registration mode of the repeater 3 is switched from enabled to disabled via the operation unit (not shown) of the repeater 3, the address acquisition unit 345 transmits the registration information of the sensors 2 (the identification information of each sensor 2 registered in the repeater 3) from the second communication unit 32 to the receiver 1. As a result, when the receiver 1 receives the registration information from the repeater 3, it issues communication addresses equal to the number of sensor 2 identification information included in the registration information, and transmits the issued communication addresses to the repeater 3 that sent the registration information.

[0073] The functions of the allocation processing unit 346 mainly operate in the "registration mode" of the processing unit 34. Some functions of the allocation processing unit 346 operate in the "exchange mode" of the processing unit 34. In "registration mode," when the address acquisition unit 345 receives the communication address from the receiver 1, the allocation processing unit 346 allocates the received communication address to all sensors 2 registered in the repeater 3. The allocation processing unit 346 then stores the result of this allocation process (the correspondence between the identification information of each sensor 2 and the communication address) in the storage unit 33. The allocation processing unit 346 also transmits the result of the above allocation process from the second communication unit 32 to the receiver 1.

[0074] Furthermore, in "registration mode," the allocation processing unit 346 transmits a command (hereinafter simply referred to as "basic information setting command") to each detector 2 from the first communication unit 31 to set basic information. "Basic information" is the basic setting information necessary for the operation of the detector 2 in "operation mode." "Basic information" may include information such as the communication address assigned to the detector 2, channel information used for wireless communication between the detector 2 and the repeater 3 (operation mode), the fire detection mode of the detector 2 (e.g., heat detection, smoke detection, or combined detection), and the alarm language of the detector 2 (e.g., Japanese or English). In "exchange mode," the allocation processing unit 346 also transmits a basic information setting command to each detector 2 from the first communication unit 31, similar to the "registration mode."

[0075] The exchange processing unit 347 is a function that operates in the "exchange mode" of the processing unit 34. The exchange processing unit 347 performs the deletion process for the registered first sensor 2A and the registration process for the unregistered second sensor 2B. More specifically, the exchange processing unit 347 broadcasts a deletion signal to all sensors 2. When the exchange processing unit 347 receives a deletion request from the first sensor 2A, it sends a deletion command from the communication unit 21 to the sensor 2 that sent the deletion request. Then, when the exchange processing unit 347 receives a deletion response from the first sensor 2A, it deletes the registration of this first sensor 2A. That is, in response to the deletion response from the first sensor 2A received via the first communication unit 31, the exchange processing unit 347 deletes the identification information of the first sensor 2A that sent the deletion response from the storage unit 22.

[0076] The exchange processing unit 347 broadcasts a registration signal to all sensors 2 instead of a deletion signal. When the exchange processing unit 347 receives a registration request from the second sensor 2B, it sends a registration command from the communication unit 21 to the second sensor 2B that sent the registration request. Then, when the exchange processing unit 347 receives a registration response from the second sensor 2B, it registers this second sensor 2B with the repeater 3. That is, the exchange processing unit 347 stores the identification information of the second sensor 2B that sent the registration response in the storage unit 22, in accordance with the registration response from the second sensor 2B received via the first communication unit 31.

[0077] (2.4) As shown in the receiver configuration diagram 3, the receiver 1 includes a communication unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, an audio input unit 14, a notification unit 15, a processing unit 16, and a storage unit 17.

[0078] The communication unit 11 is equipped with a communication interface for wired communication connected to the transmission line L1. The communication unit 11 is connected to a plurality of repeaters 3 via the transmission line L1. The receiver 1 may be equipped with a communication interface for wired or wireless communication connected to an external server or the like.

[0079] The display unit 12 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel display, indicator lights, a 7-segment display, etc. The display unit 12 can display various types of information. For example, the display unit 12 can display the location within the facility 90 where the detector 2 that transmitted the fire signal to the receiver 1 is installed, information related to the fire signal, etc.

[0080] The control unit 13 consists of a touch panel or physical switches, and accepts input for operations on the receiver 1 (for example, mode switching operations). The "mode switching operation" refers to an operation performed by the user of the disaster prevention system 100 (the administrator of the facility 90) to switch the operating mode of the repeater 3.

[0081] The audio input unit 14 receives sound input from the surrounding environment. The audio input unit 14 is equipped with, for example, a microphone and receives voice input from the user of the disaster prevention system 100 (the manager of the facility 90). The voice input to the audio input unit 14 is output, for example, from the speakers of the emergency broadcasting system installed in various locations in the facility 90.

[0082] The notification unit 15 includes at least one notification means, such as a speaker, a light-emitting unit such as an LED, and a display unit such as a liquid crystal display. The notification unit 15 notifies various types of information by at least one of the following: sound from the speaker (e.g., voice or electronic sound), light emission from the light-emitting unit, and display from the display unit.

[0083] The processing unit 16 controls the operation of the receiver 1. The processing unit 16 controls the operation of the communication unit 11, the display unit 12, the operation unit 13, the voice input unit 14, and the notification unit 15. The processing unit 16 can be implemented, for example, by a computer system including one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories. The processing unit 16 functions by one or more processors executing one or more programs stored in one or more memories. In this case, the programs are pre-recorded in the memory of the processing unit 16, but they may also be provided via telecommunication lines such as the Internet, or recorded on non-temporary recording media such as memory cards.

[0084] The processing unit 16 includes an address issuing unit 161, a notification control unit 162, and a mode signal generation unit 163.

[0085] When the address issuing unit 161 receives the registration information from each repeater 3 via the communication unit 11, it issues communication addresses for the sensors 2 equal to the number of sensor identification information entries included in the received registration information, and also issues a communication address for the repeater 3 that sent the registration information. The address issuing unit 161 then transmits each issued communication address to the repeater 3 that sent the registration information.

[0086] Furthermore, when the address issuing unit 161 receives the result of the allocation process from the repeater 3 in response to the transmission of the above communication address, it stores the received result in the storage unit 17.

[0087] When the notification control unit 162 receives the detection results from each sensor 2 transmitted from each relay unit 3 via the communication unit 11, it selects a sensor 2 from among the multiple sensors 2 registered in each relay unit 3 that should issue an alarm indicating that a disaster has occurred, based on the received detection results. The notification control unit 162 then controls the selected sensor 2 via the relay unit 3 from the communication unit 11, causing the alarm to be issued from the notification unit 25 of the selected sensor 2.

[0088] The mode signal generation unit 163 generates a mode setting signal to switch the operating mode of the repeater 3 in response to the mode switching operation input received by the operation unit 13, and transmits the mode setting signal to the repeater 3 via the communication unit 11.

[0089] The memory unit 17 is, for example, a read / write and non-volatile storage device (e.g., flash memory). The memory unit 17 stores various information necessary for processing at the receiver 1. The "various information" mentioned above includes the correspondence between the identification information of each sensor 2 registered in each repeater 3 and its communication address.

[0090] (3) Operation of the disaster prevention system The following describes how to replace the detector 2 in the disaster prevention system 100.

[0091] (3.1) Replacement Mode First, with reference to Figures 5 and 6, we will explain the case in which the disaster prevention system 100, which is operating in operation mode, switches the repeater 3 to replacement mode and replaces the first detector 2A.

[0092] The worker moves to the installation location of receiver 1 and operates the control unit 13 of receiver 1 (mode switching operation). The control unit 13 accepts input for a mode switching operation of repeater 3 from "operation mode" to "exchange mode" (step S1).

[0093] The mode signal generation unit 163 of the receiver 1 generates a mode setting signal to switch the operating mode of the repeater 3 from "operation mode" to "exchange mode" in response to the mode switching operation input received by the operation unit 13, and transmits the mode setting signal to the repeater 3 via the communication unit 11 (step S2).

[0094] In the repeater 3, the switching processing unit 341 switches the operating mode of the processing unit 34 from "operation mode" to "exchange mode" according to the mode setting signal received from the receiver 1 (step S3).

[0095] In the relay unit 3, the exchange processing unit 347, in "exchange mode," transmits a deletion signal to one or more registered sensors 2 in association with the identification information stored in the memory unit 33 (step S4). In this embodiment, in "exchange mode," the exchange processing unit 347 broadcasts the deletion signal to all sensors 2, including the first sensor 2A that is to be replaced. Furthermore, as will be described later, the exchange processing unit 347 continues to transmit the deletion signal to one or more registered sensors 2 until it receives a deletion response from the first sensor 2A. This makes it easier for the operator to perform the deletion operation on the first sensor 2A using sensor operation.

[0096] The worker moves to the installation location of the first detector 2A to be replaced and operates the control unit 23 of the first detector 2A (deletion operation). The control unit 23 receives input for the deletion operation for the detector 2 (step S5).

[0097] In the first sensor 2A, when a delete operation is input to the operation unit 23, the request processing unit 243 associates the delete request with the identification information stored in the storage unit 22 and transmits it to the repeater 3 from the communication unit 21 (step S6).

[0098] In the relay unit 3, when the exchange processing unit 347 receives a deletion request from the first sensor 2A, it sends a deletion command from the communication unit 21 to the first sensor 2A, which is the source of the deletion request (step S7).

[0099] In the first sensor 2A, the response processing unit 244, upon receiving a delete command from the repeater 3, performs a process to delete the repeater 3 from the registration of sensor 2 (step S8). That is, the response processing unit 244 deletes the identification information of the repeater 3 stored in the storage unit 22. At this time, in this embodiment, when the deletion process for the repeater 3 is completed, the notification processing unit 246 outputs a sound from the notification unit 25 to notify that the deletion of the repeater 3 from registration is complete. The notification unit 25 outputs a voice message, for example, "Data has been deleted," from a speaker.

[0100] In the first sensor 2A, the response processing unit 244 performs the deletion process for the repeater 3 and then sends a deletion response to the repeater 3 (step S9).

[0101] In the relay unit 3, the exchange processing unit 347 deletes the registration of the first sensor 2A when it receives a deletion response from the first sensor 2A (step S10). That is, in response to the deletion response from the first sensor 2A received via the first communication unit 31, the exchange processing unit 347 deletes the identification information of the first sensor 2A that sent the deletion response from the storage unit 22.

[0102] Furthermore, the exchange processing unit 347, in association with the identification information stored in the memory unit 33, transmits a registration signal to the unregistered second sensor 2B instead of a deletion signal (step S11). In this embodiment, in "exchange mode," the exchange processing unit 347 broadcasts the registration signal to all sensors 2, including the unregistered second sensor 2B. That is, in "exchange mode," after the deletion process for the first sensor 2A is completed, the exchange processing unit 347 automatically starts broadcasting the registration signal without any intervention from the operator. Also, as will be described later, after receiving a deletion response from the first sensor 2A, the exchange processing unit 347 continues to transmit the registration signal to the unregistered second sensor 2B until it receives a registration response from the unregistered second sensor 2B. This makes it easier for the operator to perform the registration operation on the second sensor 2B using sensor operation.

[0103] The worker takes the unregistered replacement second sensor 2B to the installation location and operates the control unit 23 of the second sensor 2B (registration operation). The control unit 23 accepts the input for the registration operation (step S12).

[0104] In the second sensor 2B, when a registration operation is input to the operation unit 23, the request processing unit 243 associates the registration request with the identification information stored in the storage unit 22 and transmits it to the repeater 3 from the communication unit 21 (step S13).

[0105] In the repeater 3, when the registration processing unit 343 receives a registration request from the second sensor 2B, it transmits a registration command from the communication unit 21 to the second sensor 2B (step S14).

[0106] In the second sensor 2B, the response processing unit 244 performs a process to register the repeater 3 with the second sensor 2B when it receives a registration command from the repeater 3 (step S15). That is, the response processing unit 244 stores the identification information of the repeater 3 in the storage unit 22. At this time, in this embodiment, when the registration process for the repeater 3 is completed, the notification processing unit 246 outputs a sound from the notification unit 25 to notify that the registration of the repeater 3 is complete. The notification unit 25 outputs a voice message, for example, "Registration complete," from a speaker.

[0107] In the second sensor 2B, the response processing unit 244 performs the registration process for the repeater 3 and then sends a registration response to the repeater 3 (step S16).

[0108] In the repeater 3, the exchange processing unit 347 registers the second sensor 2B when it receives a registration response from the second sensor 2B (step S17). That is, the exchange processing unit 347 stores the identification information of the second sensor 2B in the storage unit 33 in response to the registration response from the second sensor 2B received via the first communication unit 31. More specifically, when the exchange processing unit 347 receives a registration response from the second sensor 2B, it assigns the same number as the communication address of the first sensor 2A whose registration has been deleted to the communication address of the second sensor 2B, and stores the identification information of the second sensor 2B in the storage unit 33 in association with the assigned communication address.

[0109] In the repeater 3, the allocation processing unit 346 transmits a basic information setting command to the second detector 2B from the first communication unit 31 (step S18). The basic information setting command includes basic setting information necessary for the operation of the detector 2 in "operation mode". Specifically, it may include information such as the communication address of the second detector 2B, channel information used in operation mode, the fire detection mode of the second detector 2B (e.g., heat detection, smoke detection, or combined detection), and the alarm language of the second detector 2B (e.g., Japanese or English).

[0110] In the second sensor 2B, when the setting processing unit 245 receives a basic information setting command from the repeater 3, it performs processing to set the basic information (step S19).

[0111] When the setting processing unit 245 completes the basic information setting process for the second sensor 2B, it sends a setting response to the repeater 3 (step S20).

[0112] In the relay unit 3, the exchange processing unit 347 performs the registration process for the second sensor 2B, and after receiving a setting response from the second sensor 2B indicating that the basic information setting process has been completed, it sends a deletion signal to the sensors 2, including the second sensor 2B, that are registered in the storage unit 33 (step S21).

[0113] If the worker continues to replace the second detector 2, they return to step S5 above. If the worker has finished replacing detector 2 and wants to operate the disaster prevention system 100, they move to the location where the receiver 1 is installed and operate the control unit 13 of the receiver 1 (mode switching operation). The control unit 13 accepts input for a mode switching operation of the repeater 3 from "replacement mode" to "operation mode" (step S22).

[0114] The mode signal generation unit 163 of the receiver 1 generates a mode setting signal to switch the operating mode of the repeater 3 from "exchange mode" to "operation mode" in response to the input of a mode switching operation received by the operation unit 13, and transmits the mode setting signal to the repeater 3 via the communication unit 11 (step S23).

[0115] In the repeater 3, the exchange processing unit 347, in "exchange mode," stops transmitting a delete signal when it receives a setting signal from the receiver 1 for transitioning to "operation mode." This allows it to transition from "exchange mode" to "operation mode." Then, the switching processing unit 341 switches the operating mode of the processing unit 34 from "exchange mode" to "operation mode" according to the mode setting signal received from the receiver 1. As a result, in "operation mode," the normal processing unit 342 communicates wirelessly with the registered detector 2 and, when an abnormality (disaster) occurs in the facility 90, forwards the fire signal transmitted from the detector 2 to the receiver 1 to help with disaster prevention.

[0116] (3.2) Deletion & Registration Mode As described above, the disaster prevention system 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a "deletion mode" and a "registration mode" in addition to the "replacement mode". In particular, the "registration mode" is a mode that is normally used when introducing the disaster prevention system 100 to the facility 90 and is not intended to be used when replacing the detector 2. However, in the disaster prevention system 100 of this embodiment, the first detector 2A can be replaced by using the "deletion mode" and the "registration mode" in combination.

[0117] However, when replacing the first detector 2A in the disaster prevention system 100 using both "deletion mode" and "registration mode," it is not possible to directly switch from "deletion mode" to "registration mode." Therefore, as will be explained in detail later, the operator must switch the operation mode of the receiver 1 from "deletion mode" to "operation mode," and then switch from "operation mode" to "registration mode."

[0118] The following describes the case in which the first detector 2A is replaced in the disaster prevention system 100 operating in operational mode by using both the "delete mode" and "register mode" of the repeater 3, with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

[0119] The worker moves to the installation location of receiver 1 and operates the control unit 13 of receiver 1 (mode switching operation). The control unit 13 accepts input for a mode switching operation of repeater 3 from "operation mode" to "deletion mode" (step S101).

[0120] The mode signal generation unit 163 of the receiver 1 generates a mode setting signal to switch the operating mode of the repeater 3 from "operation mode" to "deletion mode" in response to the input of a mode switching operation received by the operation unit 13, and transmits the mode setting signal to the repeater 3 via the communication unit 11 (step S102).

[0121] In the repeater 3, the switching processing unit 341 switches the operating mode of the processing unit 34 from "operation mode" to "deletion mode" according to the mode setting signal received from the receiver 1 (step S103).

[0122] In the repeater 3, the deletion processing unit 344, in "deletion mode," associates the identification information stored in the storage unit 33 with the registered sensors 2 and transmits a deletion signal to them (step S104). In this embodiment, in "deletion mode," the deletion processing unit 344 broadcasts the deletion signal to all sensors 2, including the first sensor 2A that is to be replaced.

[0123] The worker moves to the installation location of the first detector 2A to be replaced and operates the control unit 23 of the first detector 2A (deletion operation). The control unit 23 receives input for the deletion operation for the detector 2 (step S105).

[0124] In the first sensor 2A, when a delete operation is input to the operation unit 23, the request processing unit 243 associates the delete request with the identification information stored in the storage unit 22 and transmits it to the repeater 3 from the communication unit 21 (step S106).

[0125] In the relay unit 3, when the deletion processing unit 344 receives a deletion request from the first sensor 2A, it sends a deletion command from the communication unit 21 to the first sensor 2A, which was the source of the deletion request (step S107).

[0126] In the first sensor 2A, the response processing unit 244, upon receiving a delete command from the repeater 3, performs a process to delete the repeater 3 from the registration of sensor 2 (step S108). That is, the response processing unit 244 deletes the identification information of the repeater 3 stored in the storage unit 22. At this time, in this embodiment, when the deletion process for the repeater 3 is completed, the notification processing unit 246 outputs a sound from the notification unit 25 to notify that the deletion of the repeater 3 from registration is complete. The notification unit 25 outputs a voice message, for example, "Data has been deleted" from a speaker.

[0127] In the first sensor 2A, the response processing unit 244 performs the deletion process for the repeater 3 and then sends a deletion response to the repeater 3 (step S109).

[0128] In the relay unit 3, the deletion processing unit 344 deletes the registration of the first sensor 2A when it receives a deletion response from the first sensor 2A (step S110). That is, in response to the deletion response from the first sensor 2A received via the first communication unit 31, the deletion processing unit 344 deletes the identification information of the first sensor 2A that sent the deletion response from the storage unit 22.

[0129] Even after the deletion process for the first sensor 2A is performed in step S110, the deletion processing unit 344 continues to broadcast a deletion signal to all sensors 2 (step S111).

[0130] As mentioned above, when replacing the first sensor 2A using both "delete mode" and "register mode," it is not possible to directly switch from "delete mode" to "register mode."

[0131] First, the worker moves to the installation location of receiver 1 and operates the control unit 13 of receiver 1 (mode switching operation). The control unit 13 accepts input for a mode switching operation of repeater 3 from "delete mode" to "operation mode" (step S112).

[0132] The mode signal generation unit 163 of the receiver 1 generates a mode setting signal to switch the operating mode of the repeater 3 from "delete mode" to "operation mode" in response to the input of a mode switching operation received by the operation unit 13, and transmits the mode setting signal to the repeater 3 via the communication unit 11 (step S113).

[0133] Next, following the mode switching operation in step S112, the operator further operates the control unit 13 of the receiver 1 (mode switching operation). The control unit 13 accepts input for a mode switching operation of the repeater 3 from "operation mode" to "registration mode" (step S114).

[0134] The mode signal generation unit 163 of the receiver 1 generates a mode setting signal to switch the operating mode of the repeater 3 from "operation mode" to "registration mode" in response to the input of a mode switching operation received by the operation unit 13, and transmits the mode setting signal to the repeater 3 via the communication unit 11 (step S115).

[0135] In the repeater 3, in steps S13 and S15, the switching processing unit 341 first switches the operating mode of the processing unit 34 from "delete mode" to "operation mode" in response to the two mode setting signals received from the receiver 1, and then switches from "operation mode" to "registration mode" (step S116).

[0136] The registration processing unit 343 associates the registration signal with the identification information stored in the storage unit 33 and transmits a registration signal to the unregistered second sensor 2B (step S117). In this embodiment, the exchange processing unit 347 transmits the registration signal by broadcast to all sensors 2, including the unregistered second sensor 2B, in "exchange mode".

[0137] The worker takes the unregistered replacement second sensor 2B to the installation location and operates the control unit 23 of the second sensor 2B (registration operation). The control unit 23 accepts the input for the registration operation (step S118).

[0138] In the second sensor 2B, when a registration operation is input to the operation unit 23, the request processing unit 243 associates the registration request with the identification information stored in the storage unit 22 and transmits it to the repeater 3 from the communication unit 21 (step S119).

[0139] In the repeater 3, when the registration processing unit 343 receives a registration request from the second sensor 2B, it transmits a registration command to the second sensor 2B from the communication unit 21 (step S120).

[0140] In the second sensor 2B, the response processing unit 244 performs a process to register the repeater 3 with the second sensor 2B when it receives a registration command from the repeater 3 (step S121). That is, the response processing unit 244 stores the identification information of the repeater 3 in the storage unit 22. At this time, in this embodiment, when the registration process for the repeater 3 is completed, the notification processing unit 246 outputs a sound from the notification unit 25 to notify that the registration of the repeater 3 is complete. The notification unit 25 outputs a voice message, for example, "Registration complete," from a speaker.

[0141] In the second sensor 2B, the response processing unit 244 performs the registration process for the repeater 3 and then sends a registration response to the repeater 3 (step S122).

[0142] In the repeater 3, the registration processing unit 343 registers the second sensor 2B when it receives a registration response from the second sensor 2B (step S123). That is, the registration processing unit 343 stores the identification information of the second sensor 2B in the storage unit 33 in response to the registration response from the second sensor 2B received via the first communication unit 31. More specifically, when the registration processing unit 343 receives a registration response from the second sensor 2B, it assigns the same number as the communication address of the first sensor 2A whose registration has been deleted to the communication address of the second sensor 2B, and stores the identification information of the second sensor 2B in the storage unit 33 in association with the assigned communication address.

[0143] In the repeater 3, the allocation processing unit 346 transmits a basic information setting command from the first communication unit 31 to the second sensor 2B (step S124).

[0144] In the second sensor 2B, when the setting processing unit 245 receives a basic information setting command from the repeater 3, it performs processing to set the basic information (step S125).

[0145] When the setting processing unit 245 completes the basic information setting process for the second sensor 2B, it sends a setting response to the repeater 3 (step S126).

[0146] In the repeater 3, the registration processing unit 343 performs the registration process for the second sensor 2B. After receiving a setting response from the second sensor 2B indicating that the basic information setting process is complete, it broadcasts a registration signal to all sensors 2 because it is in "registration mode" (step S127).

[0147] When the worker has finished replacing the detector 2 and wants to operate the disaster prevention system 100, they move to the location where the receiver 1 is installed and operate the control unit 13 of the receiver 1 (mode switching operation). The control unit 13 accepts input for switching the operating mode of the repeater 3 from "registration mode" to "operation mode" (step S128).

[0148] The mode signal generation unit 163 of the receiver 1 generates a mode setting signal to switch the operating mode of the repeater 3 from "registration mode" to "operation mode" in response to the input of a mode switching operation received by the operation unit 13, and transmits the mode setting signal to the repeater 3 via the communication unit 11 (step S129).

[0149] In the repeater 3, the registration processing unit 343, in "registration mode," stops transmitting the registration signal when it receives a setting signal from the receiver 1 for transitioning to "operation mode." Then, the switching processing unit 341 switches the operating mode of the processing unit 34 from "registration mode" to "operation mode" according to the mode setting signal received from the receiver 1. As a result, in "operation mode," the normal processing unit 342 communicates wirelessly with the registered detector 2 and, when an abnormality (disaster) occurs in the facility 90, forwards the fire signal transmitted from the detector 2 to the receiver 1 to help with disaster prevention.

[0150] As described above, when replacing the first detector 2A in the disaster prevention system 100 by using both the "deletion mode" and "registration mode" of the repeater 3, the worker needs to move to the location where the receiver 1 is installed and perform a mode switching operation on the control panel 13 of the receiver 1 in order to switch the operation mode from "deletion mode" to "registration mode". More specifically, the worker needs to perform a mode switching operation on the control panel 13 of the receiver 1 from "deletion mode" to "operation mode", followed by a mode switching operation from "operation mode" to "registration mode" (see steps S112 and S114 above).

[0151] In contrast, when the first detector 2A is replaced using the "exchange mode" in the disaster prevention system 100, the "exchange mode" performs the following: the deletion of the registered first detector 2A and the registration of the unregistered second detector 2B (see Figures 5 and 6). More specifically, in "exchange mode," after the deletion of the first detector 2A is completed, the broadcast transmission of a registration signal is automatically started instead of a deletion signal (see step S11 above). Therefore, compared to the case where the deletion of the first detector 2A using "deletion mode" and the registration of the second detector 2B using "registration mode" are performed separately, the operator does not need to move to the receiver 1 and perform a mode switching operation on the operation unit 13 of the receiver 1. Thus, according to the disaster prevention system 100 of this embodiment, the "exchange mode" can improve the work efficiency of the detector 2 replacement work.

[0152] (4) Other embodiments Functions similar to the disaster prevention system 100 according to the above embodiment may be realized by a repeater, a communication system, or a relay system.

[0153] A repeater according to one embodiment is a repeater that relays communication between a plurality of sensors and a receiver. The repeater includes a processing unit that switches to exchange mode when it receives a setting signal for switching to exchange mode from the receiver. In exchange mode, the processing unit sends a delete signal to a plurality of sensors registered in the memory unit. When the processing unit receives a delete response, which is a response to the delete signal, from a first sensor among the plurality of sensors, it executes a deletion process for the registration of the first sensor and sends a registration signal to an unregistered second sensor. When the processing unit receives a registration response, which is a response to the registration signal, from the second sensor, it executes a registration process for the second sensor.

[0154] A relay system according to one embodiment includes a receiver and a relay that relays communication between the receiver and a plurality of sensors. The relay includes a processing unit that switches to exchange mode when it receives a setting signal for switching to exchange mode from the receiver. In exchange mode, the processing unit transmits a delete signal to a plurality of sensors registered in the memory unit. When the processing unit receives a delete response, which is a response to the delete signal, from a first sensor among the plurality of sensors, it performs a deletion process for the registration of the first sensor and transmits a registration signal to an unregistered second sensor. When the processing unit receives a registration response, which is a response to the registration signal, from the second sensor, it performs a registration process for the second sensor.

[0155] A communication system according to one embodiment comprises a plurality of sensors and a relay that relays communication between the plurality of sensors and a receiver. The relay includes a processing unit that switches to exchange mode when it receives a setting signal for switching to exchange mode from the receiver. In exchange mode, the processing unit transmits a delete signal to the plurality of sensors registered in the storage unit. When the processing unit receives a delete response, which is a response to the delete signal, from the first sensor among the plurality of sensors, it executes a deletion process for the registration of the first sensor and transmits a registration signal to the unregistered second sensor. When the processing unit receives a registration response, which is a response to the registration signal, from the second sensor, it executes a registration process for the second sensor.

[0156] (5) Modifications The above embodiments are only one of many embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of the present disclosure are achieved. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0157] (5.1) Modification 1 In the above embodiment, in the relay 3, in "exchange mode", the exchange processing unit 347 performs the registration process for the second sensor 2B, and after receiving a setting response from the second sensor 2B indicating that the basic information setting process has been completed, it sends a delete signal to the registered sensor 2 in the storage unit 33 (step S21). As a result, it is possible that an operator may make a mistake in operating the second sensor 2B, and the operation unit 23 of the second sensor 2B may accept input for a delete operation for sensor 2. Therefore, if the exchange processing unit 347 receives a delete request in response to the delete signal from the registered second sensor 2B, it will cancel the delete process for the second sensor 2B. In this way, if an operator accidentally performs a delete operation on a second sensor 2B that has already been replaced, the delete process on the replaced second sensor 2B will be canceled, thereby improving the work efficiency of the sensor replacement work.

[0158] In the above embodiment, in "exchange mode", if the repeater 3 receives a setting signal from the receiver 1 for transitioning to "operation mode" while transmitting a delete signal in step S4, it will stop transmitting the delete signal. However, in step S11, if the repeater 3 receives a setting signal from the receiver 1 for transitioning to "operation mode" while transmitting a registration signal, it may stop transmitting the registration signal.

[0159] In the above embodiment, in "registration mode," a communication address is issued by the receiver 1 after the registration process for the sensor 2 is completed, and each issued communication address is transmitted to the repeater 3 (see Figure 3). Specifically, in the receiver 1, when the address issuing unit 161 receives registration information from the repeater 3, it issues a number of communication addresses for the sensor 2 equal to the number of sensor 2 identification information entries included in the received registration information, and also issues the communication address of the repeater 3 that sent the registration information. The address issuing unit 161 then transmits each issued communication address to the repeater 3.

[0160] In contrast, in "registration mode," communication addresses may be issued separately by the receiver 1 and the repeater 3. For example, as shown in Figure 1, if one repeater 3 and three sensors 2 are arranged in area A1 of the facility 90, in the modified "registration mode," the address issuing unit 161 in the receiver 1 receives input of the number of repeaters 3 and sensors 2 to be used, and the communication addresses of each repeater 3 and sensor 2 via the operation unit 13 or a dedicated terminal (not shown), and issues the communication addresses of the repeaters 3 and sensors 2. The address issuing unit 161 stores the issued communication addresses in the storage unit 17. In this case, the storage unit 17 stores, for example, the communication address "1" of the repeater 3, the communication address "2" of the first sensor 2, the communication address "3" of the second sensor 2, and the communication address "4" of the third sensor 2.

[0161] In the modified "registration mode," the repeater 3 pre-allocates a memory area in its memory unit 33 for its own communication address "1" and for the maximum number of communication addresses that can be set for the detectors 2. For example, if the maximum number of detectors 2 that can be set is 15, the memory unit 33 of the repeater 3 pre-allocates a memory area for its own communication address "1" and for the communication addresses "2" to "17" for the detectors 2. When the registration process for the first detector 2 is executed, the allocation processing unit 346 increments the communication address "1" of the repeater 3 by 1 and assigns "2" to the communication address of the first detector 2. Then, when the registration process for the second detector 2 is executed, the communication address "2" of the first detector 2 is incremented by 1 and the communication address of the second detector 2 is assigned to "3". In this way, the allocation processing unit 346 assigns communication addresses to multiple sensors 2 according to the number of sensors 2, and stores the correspondence between the identification information of each sensor 2 and the communication address in the storage unit 33. In other words, in the modified "registration mode," the address acquisition unit 345 does not exist in the repeater 3, and the allocation processing unit 346 assigns communication addresses according to the number of sensors 2.

[0162] In this modified "registration mode," the receiver 1 and the repeater 3 do not exchange information about their communication addresses, but each is assigned a communication address according to predetermined rules. This allows the receiver 1 and the repeater 3 to share information about their communication addresses. As a result, in the "operation mode," the disaster prevention system 100 in the modified configuration can communicate wirelessly with the repeater 3 and the registered detector 2, and when an abnormality (disaster) occurs at the facility 90, it can forward the fire signal transmitted from the detector 2 to the receiver 1 to provide disaster prevention.

[0163] (Summary) Based on the embodiments described above, the following embodiments are disclosed.

[0164] The repeater (3) of the first embodiment is a repeater that relays communication between a plurality of sensors (2) and a receiver (1). It includes a processing unit (34) that switches to the exchange mode when it receives a setting signal for switching to the exchange mode from the receiver (1). In the exchange mode, the processing unit (34) sends a delete signal to the plurality of sensors (2) that are registered in the storage unit (33). When the processing unit (34) receives a delete response, which is a response to the delete signal, from the first sensor (2A) among the plurality of sensors (2), it executes a deletion process for the registration of the first sensor (2A) and sends a registration signal to the unregistered second sensor (2B). When the processing unit (34) receives a registration response, which is a response to the registration signal, from the second sensor (2B), it executes a registration process for the second sensor (2B).

[0165] In this configuration, the repeater (3) performs the following in exchange mode: deleting the registered (to be replaced) first sensor (2A) and registering the unregistered (to be replaced) second sensor (2B). Therefore, compared to the case where the deletion of the first sensor (2A) in deletion mode and the registration of the second sensor (2B) in registration mode are performed separately, the operator does not need to move to the receiver (1) and switch the repeater (3) from deletion mode to registration mode using receiver operation. This improves the work efficiency of the sensor (2) replacement work.

[0166] In the second embodiment, the repeater (3), in the first embodiment, has a processing unit (34) that, in exchange mode, continues to transmit deletion signals to the multiple sensors (2) until it receives a deletion response from the first sensor (2A).

[0167] According to this embodiment, the worker can more easily delete the registered (to be replaced) first detector (2A) by operating the detector. This further improves the work efficiency of replacing the detector (2).

[0168] In the third embodiment of the repeater (3), in the first or second embodiment, the processing unit (34), in exchange mode, continues to transmit a registration signal to the second sensor (2B) for the period from when it receives a deletion response from the first sensor (2A) until it receives a registration response from the second sensor (2B).

[0169] According to this embodiment, the worker can easily perform the registration work on the unregistered (replacement) second sensor (2B) by operating the sensor. This further improves the work efficiency of the sensor (2) replacement work.

[0170] In the fourth embodiment, the repeater (3) in any one of the first to third embodiments has a processing unit (34) that, in exchange mode, stops transmitting the delete signal and the registration signal when it receives a setting signal for transitioning to operation mode from the receiver (1).

[0171] According to this embodiment, the operator can switch from replacement mode to operation mode by operating the receiver. This further improves the work efficiency of replacing the sensor (2).

[0172] In the fifth embodiment of the repeater (3), in any one of the first to fourth embodiments, the processing unit (34) stores the identification information of each of the registered detectors (2) in a storage unit (33) in association with a communication address. In exchange mode, when the processing unit (34) receives a registration response from the second detector (2B), it assigns the same number as the communication address of the first detector (2A) whose registration has been deleted to the communication address of the second detector (2B), stores the identification information of the second detector (2B) in the storage unit (33) in association with the assigned communication address, and transmits the assigned communication address to the second detector (2B).

[0173] According to this embodiment, the operator can confirm the address number of the second detector (2B) after the registration process has been completed by operating the detector. This improves the work efficiency of replacing the detector (2).

[0174] In the sixth embodiment of the repeater (3), in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the processing unit (34), in exchange mode, after performing the registration process for the second sensor (2B), sends a deletion signal to the sensor (2) already registered in the storage unit (33).

[0175] According to this embodiment, after replacing the first detector (2), the worker can continue to replace the second detector (2) without changing the operating mode by operating the receiver. This improves the work efficiency of replacing the detectors (2).

[0176] In the seventh embodiment, the repeater (3), in the sixth embodiment, has a processing unit (34) that, in exchange mode, when it receives a deletion request for a deletion signal from a registered second sensor (2B), cancels the deletion process of the second sensor (2B).

[0177] According to this embodiment, if, during the replacement of the next detector (2), the worker accidentally deletes the data from the replaced detector (2) by operating the detector, the deletion process for the replaced detector (2) is canceled. This improves the work efficiency of the detector (2) replacement work.

[0178] In the eighth embodiment of the repeater (3), in any one of the first to seventh embodiments, the processing unit (34) in exchange mode broadcasts a deletion signal to all sensors (2), including the first sensor (2A). When it receives a deletion response from the first sensor (2A), which is a response to the deletion signal, it performs the deletion process for the registration of the first sensor (2A) and broadcasts a registration signal to all sensors (2), including the second sensor (2B).

[0179] The relay system (200) of the ninth embodiment includes a receiver (1) and a relay unit (3) that relays communication between the receiver (1) and a plurality of sensors (2). The relay unit (3) includes a processing unit (34) that transitions to the exchange mode when it receives a setting signal for transitioning to the exchange mode from the receiver (1). In the exchange mode, the processing unit (34) sends a deletion signal to the plurality of sensors (2) registered in the storage unit (33), and when it receives a deletion response from the first sensor (2A) of the plurality of sensors (2), which is a response to the deletion signal, it executes a deletion process for the registration of the first sensor (2A) and sends a registration signal to the unregistered second sensor (2B). When the processing unit (34) receives a registration response from the second sensor (2B), which is a response to the registration signal, it executes a registration process for the second sensor (2B).

[0180] According to this embodiment, in a relay system (200) comprising a receiver (1) and a relay (3) that relays communication between the receiver (1) and a plurality of sensors (2), the workability of replacing the sensors (2) can be improved.

[0181] The tenth embodiment of the communication system (10) includes a plurality of sensors (2) and a repeater (3) that relays communication between the plurality of sensors (2) and a receiver (1). The repeater (3) includes a processing unit (34) that transitions to the exchange mode when it receives a setting signal for transitioning to the exchange mode from the receiver (1). In the exchange mode, the processing unit (34) sends a deletion signal to the plurality of sensors (2) registered in the storage unit (33), and when it receives a deletion response from the first sensor (2A) of the plurality of sensors (2), which is a response to the deletion signal, it executes a deletion process for the registration of the first sensor (2A) and sends a registration signal to the unregistered second sensor (2B). When the processing unit (34) receives a registration response from the second sensor (2B), which is a response to the registration signal, it executes a registration process for the second sensor (2B).

[0182] According to this embodiment, in a communication system (10) comprising a plurality of sensors (2) and a relay (3) that relays communication between the plurality of sensors (2) and a receiver (1), the workability of replacing the sensors (2) can be improved.

[0183] The eleventh embodiment of the disaster prevention system (100) includes a plurality of sensors (2), a receiver (1), and a repeater (3) that relays communication between the plurality of sensors (2) and the receiver (1). The repeater (3) includes a processing unit (34) that switches to exchange mode when it receives a setting signal for switching to exchange mode from the receiver (1). In the exchange mode, the processing unit (34) sends a deletion signal to the plurality of sensors (2) registered in the storage unit (33), and when it receives a deletion response from the first sensor (2A) of the plurality of sensors (2), which is a response to the deletion signal, it executes a deletion process for the registration of the first sensor (2A) and sends a registration signal to the unregistered second sensor (2B). When the processing unit (34) receives a registration response from the second sensor (2B), which is a response to the registration signal, it executes a registration process for the second sensor.

[0184] According to this embodiment, in a disaster prevention system (100) comprising a receiver (1), a repeater (3), and a plurality of sensors (2), the workability of replacing the sensors (2) can be improved.

[0185] The configurations relating to the second to eighth aspects are not essential to the repeater (3) and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0186] 1 Receiver 2 Detectors 2A First Detector (to be replaced) 2B Second Detector (for replacement) 3 Repeater 31 First Communication Unit 32 Second Communication Unit 33 Memory Unit 34 Processing Unit 10 Communication System 100 Disaster Prevention System 200 Relay System

Claims

1. A relay device that relays communication between multiple sensors and a receiver, comprising a processing unit that, upon receiving a setting signal for switching to switching mode from the receiver, switches to switching mode, wherein, in switching mode, the processing unit transmits a deletion signal to multiple sensors already registered in the storage unit, and, upon receiving a deletion response from a first sensor among the multiple sensors which is a response to the deletion signal, executes a deletion process for the first sensor's registration, transmits a registration signal to an unregistered second sensor, and, upon receiving a registration response from the second sensor which is a response to the registration signal, executes a registration process for the second sensor.

2. The repeater according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit continues to transmit the deletion signal to the plurality of sensors for a period of time until it receives the deletion response from the first sensor in the exchange mode.

3. The repeater according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the exchange mode, the processing unit continues to transmit the registration signal to the second sensor for the period from when it receives the deletion response from the first sensor until it receives the registration response from the second sensor.

4. The repeater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the exchange mode, the processing unit stops transmitting the deletion signal and the registration signal when it receives a setting signal for transitioning to the operation mode from the receiver.

5. The repeater according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processing unit stores the identification information of each of the registered plurality of sensors in association with a communication address in the storage unit, and in the exchange mode, when the processing unit receives the registration response from the second sensor, it assigns the same number as the communication address of the first sensor whose registration has been deleted to the communication address of the second sensor, stores the identification information of the second sensor in association with the assigned communication address in the storage unit, and transmits the assigned communication address to the second sensor.

6. The repeater according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, in the exchange mode, the processing unit transmits a deletion signal to the registered sensors in the storage unit after performing the registration process for the second sensor.

7. The repeater according to claim 6, wherein in the exchange mode, the processing unit cancels the deletion process of the second sensor if it receives a deletion request for the deletion signal from the registered second sensor.

8. The repeater according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in the exchange mode, the processing unit broadcasts the deletion signal to all sensors, including the first sensor, and when it receives a deletion response from the first sensor which is a response to the deletion signal, it performs a deletion process for the registration of the first sensor and broadcasts the registration signal to all sensors, including the second sensor.

9. A relay system comprising a receiver and a relay device that relays communication between the receiver and a plurality of sensors, wherein the relay device includes a processing unit that transitions to an exchange mode when it receives a setting signal for transitioning to an exchange mode from the receiver, and in the exchange mode, the processing unit transmits a deletion signal to a plurality of sensors registered in the storage unit, and when it receives a deletion response from a first sensor among the plurality of sensors which is a response to the deletion signal, it executes a deletion process for the registration of the first sensor, transmits a registration signal to an unregistered second sensor, and when it receives a registration response from the second sensor which is a response to the registration signal, it executes a registration process for the second sensor.

10. A communication system comprising: a plurality of sensors; a relay for relaying communication between the plurality of sensors and a receiver, wherein the relay includes a processing unit that transitions to an exchange mode when it receives a setting signal for transitioning to an exchange mode from the receiver; the processing unit, in the exchange mode, transmits a deletion signal to a plurality of sensors registered in the storage unit; when it receives a deletion response from a first sensor among the plurality of sensors, which is a response to the deletion signal, it executes a deletion process for the first sensor; transmits a registration signal to an unregistered second sensor; and when it receives a registration response from the second sensor, which is a response to the registration signal, it executes a registration process for the second sensor.

11. A disaster prevention system comprising: a plurality of sensors; a receiver; and a relay for relaying communication between the plurality of sensors and the receiver, wherein the relay includes a processing unit that transitions to the exchange mode when it receives a setting signal for transitioning to the exchange mode from the receiver, and in the exchange mode, the processing unit transmits a deletion signal to a plurality of sensors registered in the storage unit, and when it receives a deletion response from a first sensor among the plurality of sensors which is a response to the deletion signal, it executes a process to delete the registration of the first sensor, transmits a registration signal to an unregistered second sensor, and when it receives a registration response from the second sensor which is a response to the registration signal, it executes a process to register the second sensor.

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