JP7399608B2 - Meter device, meter system, and command reception method for meter device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a meter device, a meter system, and a command receiving method for a meter device.

Conventionally, meter devices such as gas meters and water meters have been installed outside each house, and are often not supplied with power from a power source. In this case, the meter device itself is equipped with a battery, and the meter device operates only by the battery. Furthermore, the battery needs to supply power to the meter device for a long period of time, such as 10 years, in accordance with standards and the like. Therefore, in order to extend the life of the battery as long as possible, the meter device is configured to perform intermittent wireless communication with other devices. For example, in order to wirelessly communicate usage data to a higher-level device, the meter device sends a communication request once every 10 minutes, once every several tens of minutes, etc., and only for a few seconds after the communication request. It becomes ready to receive. (For example, see Patent Document 1.)

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-016663

As described above, since the wireless communication section of the meter device is activated for only a few seconds at a timing such as once every 10 minutes or once every several tens of minutes, power consumption of the battery is effectively suppressed.
On the other hand, it may be necessary to send an emergency command from an upstream device, such as a server in a management center, to each meter device. The emergency command is, for example, a command that requests all meter devices in a certain area to perform the same operation at the same time when an emergency situation such as a large-scale earthquake, fire, or flood occurs.

However, the wireless communication section of the meter device is activated only once every 10 minutes, once every several tens of minutes, and is not activated most of the time. Therefore, even when the upstream device wants to communicate an emergency command to each meter device as quickly as possible, the upstream device cannot perform the communication with the meter device.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances. One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a meter device, a meter system, and a command receiving method for a meter device that enable prompt transmission of emergency commands.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following means.
A meter device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a measurement unit that measures the amount of at least one of electricity, gas, and water used, a wireless communication unit, and a control unit, and the control unit is configured to control the measurement unit. When sending the usage amount measured by the above to another meter device or a device with a wireless function on the meter network, the wireless communication unit is configured to communicate with the other meter device or the device with a wireless function at a predetermined intermittent cycle. Upon receiving a normal communication process for transmitting a request or a synchronization request at the predetermined intermittent cycle, and receiving a signal from a sensor detecting an emergency situation or a signal notifying the emergency situation, the wireless communication unit: A state in which a communication request is transmitted to the other meter device or the device with a wireless function at an emergency intermittent period shorter than the predetermined intermittent period, or a state in which communication requests can be received at the emergency intermittent period. Performs emergency communication processing.

In this aspect, upon receiving a signal from a sensor that detects an emergency situation or a signal that notifies an emergency situation, the control unit causes the wireless communication unit to communicate with other meter devices or devices with wireless functionality at predetermined intermittent intervals. A state in which communication requests can be transmitted in a short emergency period, or a state in which communication requests can be received in an emergency period.

For example, even if a meter device activates its wireless communication section for only a few seconds at a timing such as once every 10 minutes or once every several tens of minutes during normal communication processing, a sensor that detects an emergency situation may After receiving a signal or a signal notifying an emergency situation, a communication request is transmitted in a short emergency period, or becomes ready to be received in a short emergency period.
Therefore, it is possible to quickly receive an emergency command from a device with a wireless function such as a server in the management center, or from another meter device that has received an emergency command from the server.

In the above aspect, preferably, the control unit performs a number estimation process of estimating the number of other meter devices existing around the meter device, and the control unit performs a number estimation process to estimate the number of other meter devices existing around the meter device, and the control unit A waiting time from receiving a signal to starting transmission of a communication request in the emergency interruption period, or a waiting time from receiving the signal to starting reception in the emergency interruption period, is changed.
Therefore, when there are many other meter devices around the meter device, the standby time can be changed depending on the number of other meter devices. Therefore, the possibility of interference between communication of other meter devices existing around the meter device and communication of the meter device is reduced.

In the above aspect, preferably, in the number estimation process, the control unit uses the number of signals detected during the intermittent receivable state after the transmission of the communication request or the transmission of the synchronization request, to estimate the number of signals. Estimate.
In this aspect, the processing speed in an emergency is faster than in the case of collecting data for estimating the number of other meter devices existing around the meter device in an emergency. This is advantageous in quickly and reliably transmitting emergency commands to each meter device.

In the above aspect, preferably, the signal indicates the degree of the emergency situation, and the control unit transmits the communication request in the emergency interruption period or transmits the communication request in the emergency interruption period based on the signal. Determine the duration of the state in which the data can be received.
In this aspect, the duration changes depending on the degree of the emergency situation. For example, when the degree of the emergency is serious, when the scale of the emergency is large, when the impact of the emergency is large, etc., the control unit increases the duration. This makes the transmission of the emergency command to each meter device more reliable.

In the above aspect, preferably, the signal indicates the degree of the emergency situation, and the control unit determines the emergency interruption period based on the signal.
In this aspect, the emergency downtime period changes depending on the degree of the emergency situation. For example, when the degree of the emergency is serious, when the scale of the emergency is large, when the influence of the emergency is large, the control unit shortens the emergency interruption period. This is advantageous for quickly transmitting emergency commands of high importance to each meter device.

In the above aspect, preferably the sensor is a seismometer provided in the meter device.
In this aspect, upon receiving the signal from the seismograph, the control unit puts the wireless communication unit into a state where it transmits a communication request in an emergency period, or into a state where it can receive a signal in the emergency period. . In this way, when a major earthquake or the like occurs, each meter device enters the emergency communication mode depending only on the internal configuration of the meter device. This configuration is advantageous for reliably transitioning to the emergency communication mode.

In the above aspect, preferably, the signal notifying the emergency situation is a signal from a fire alarm or a water damage alarm.
In this aspect, when the control unit of the meter device receives a signal from a fire alarm or a water damage alarm, the control unit sets the wireless communication unit to a state in which a communication request is transmitted at an emergency period, or during the emergency period. A state is established in which reception is possible even during missed periods. In this way, each meter device goes into emergency communication mode when a fire or water disaster occurs. This configuration is advantageous for transitioning to an emergency communication mode in the event of fire or water damage.

A meter device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a measurement unit that measures the usage amount of at least one of electricity, gas, and water, a wireless communication unit, and a control unit, and the control unit is configured to communicate with the wireless communication unit. normal communication processing that causes the unit to perform intermittent reception; and upon receiving a signal from a sensor that detects an emergency situation or a signal that notifies the emergency situation, the wireless communication unit is in a sleeping state between the intermittent receptions. An emergency communication process is performed in which the communication unit is activated for communication with another meter device or a device with a wireless function on the meter network.

In this aspect, when receiving a signal from a sensor that detects an emergency situation or a signal that notifies an emergency situation, the wireless communication unit, which is in a sleeping state between intermittent receptions in normal communication processing, communicates with other meter devices or Activated for communication with wireless-capable devices on the meter network.

For example, even if a meter device activates its wireless communication section for only a few seconds at a timing such as once every 10 minutes or once every several tens of minutes during normal communication processing, a sensor that detects an emergency situation may signal or a signal notifying an emergency situation, it is activated for communication with other meter devices or devices with wireless functionality on the meter network.
Therefore, it is possible to quickly receive an emergency command from a device with a wireless function such as a server in the management center, or from another meter device that has received an emergency command from the server.

A meter system according to a third aspect of the present invention includes the meter device, and the other meter device or the wireless function device.

A meter system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes the meter device and the other meter device or the device with wireless function, wherein the other meter device or the device with wireless function is connected to the level of the emergency situation. Upon receiving the information, the control unit of the meter device performs a process of transmitting the degree of the emergency situation used to determine the duration or the emergency interruption period to the other meter device or the device with wireless function. , the other meter device or the device with wireless function determines whether information regarding the degree of the emergency situation is more accurate than the degree of the emergency situation, and determines whether the information regarding the degree of the emergency situation is accurate. the control unit of the meter device determines the duration time or the emergency interruption period using the information regarding the degree of the emergency situation. .

Depending on the installation status of each meter device, the sensor may not be able to measure with sufficient accuracy. In such a case, the meter device can determine the duration or emergency interruption period using information regarding the degree of the emergency, so that the determined duration or emergency interruption period is appropriate.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is a command receiving method of a meter device for receiving a command from a server, the method comprising: determining the usage amount of at least one of electricity, gas, and water on another meter device or a meter network. Sending a communication request to the other meter device or the device with wireless function at a predetermined intermittent cycle, or a synchronization request at the predetermined intermittent cycle, to the wireless communication unit of the meter device in order to send it to the device with wireless function. and when the meter device receives a signal from a sensor detecting an emergency situation or a signal notifying the emergency situation, the wireless communication unit is connected to the other meter device or the wireless communication unit. an emergency communication step of transmitting a communication request to the functional device at an emergency intermittent period shorter than the predetermined intermittent period, or enabling reception at the emergency intermittent period; .

A sixth aspect of the present invention is a command receiving method of a meter device for receiving a command from a server, the method comprising: determining the usage amount of at least one of electricity, gas, and water on another meter device or a meter network. a normal communication step of causing the wireless communication unit of the meter device to perform intermittent reception in order to send the signal to a device with a wireless function, and a signal from a sensor that detects an emergency situation or a signal that notifies the emergency situation, and an emergency communication step of activating the wireless communication unit, which is in a sleeping state between the intermittent receptions, for communication with the other meter device or the device with wireless function.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a meter system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the control part of the meter device of this embodiment. It is a time chart showing an example of the operation of the meter system of this embodiment. It is a time chart showing an example of the operation of the meter system of this embodiment. It is a time chart showing an example of the operation of the meter system of this embodiment. It is a time chart showing an example of the operation of the meter system of this embodiment. It is a time chart showing an example of the operation of the meter system of this embodiment. It is a time chart showing an example of the operation of the meter system of this embodiment.

A meter system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the meter system of this embodiment includes a server (a device with a wireless function) 100 owned by a gas company, a water company, an electric company, etc., and a plurality of relays that are access points. The device includes a device (a device with a wireless function) 110, and a plurality of meter devices 10a, 10b, 10c, . FIG. 1 can also be said to be a meter network having a plurality of meter devices 10a to 10n, a relay device 110, and a server 100.

The server 100 includes a processor 101 such as a CPU, a display unit 102 that displays settings of the server 100, menus, etc., a storage unit 103 that includes nonvolatile storage, ROM, RAM, etc., and an input unit 104 that includes a keyboard and the like. It has a wireless communication section 105. The storage unit 103 stores an emergency command transmission program 103a for transmitting emergency commands. The server 100 is connected to a predetermined power supply device owned by the operator.

Each relay device 110 includes a processor 111 such as a CPU, a display section 112 that displays the settings of the relay device 110, a menu, etc., a storage section 113 that includes nonvolatile storage, ROM, RAM, etc., and an input section that includes a keyboard and the like. 114 and a wireless communication section 115. A wireless communication program 113a is stored in the storage unit 103. The relay device 110 is attached to, for example, a utility pole, and is supplied with power from one of the electric wires present on the utility pole. The display section 112 and the input section 114 are used by employees of the business.

Each of the meter devices 10a to 10n is connected by wire to a measuring section 20 that measures the usage of at least one of electricity, gas, and water, a control section 30, and a sensor that detects an emergency situation. 40 (Figure 2). The measurement section 20 includes a flow rate sensor 21 , an accumulation section 22 that accumulates the detected value of the flow rate sensor 21 , and a transmission section 23 that transmits the data accumulated in the accumulation section 22 to the control section 30 . The sensor 40 is a vibration meter, a seismometer, or the like having an acceleration sensor, and can detect the occurrence of an earthquake, its intensity, and the like. The meter devices 10a to 10n are each installed in a house, an office, etc., and measure the usage amount of at least one of electricity, gas, and water in the house, office, etc.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 30 includes a processor 31 such as a CPU, a display unit 32 that displays settings for the meter devices 10a to 10n, menus, etc., and a storage unit that includes nonvolatile storage, ROM, RAM, etc. 33, and an input section 34 having a keyboard or the like. In this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 35 is provided in the control unit 30, but the wireless communication unit 35 may be provided separately from the control unit 30. The display section 32 and the input section 34 are used by employees of the business. The storage unit 33 stores a wireless communication program 33a and an emergency communication program 33b. The meter devices 10a to 10n or the wireless communication unit 35 may also be referred to as nodes.

As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of meter devices 10a to 10n exist on the data communication downstream side of the relay device 110. Note that the plurality of meter devices 10a to 10n may transmit information in a mesh pattern, may transmit information in series, or may transmit information in other manners.

The operation of the control section 30 of each of the meter devices 10a to 10n of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8. In FIGS. 3 to 8, the time required for "communication request" and "synchronization request" is typically less than 1 second, and the time required for "response reception" and "receivable state" is typically about 2 to 3 seconds. When the sensor 40 does not detect an earthquake (vibration) of a predetermined magnitude or more, the control unit 30 performs the normal communication processing shown in FIGS. When an earthquake (vibration) of a magnitude greater than or equal to 100 is detected, the emergency communication processing shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8 is performed. Further, each of the normal communication processing and the emergency communication processing includes an asynchronous method and a synchronous method.

(Normal communication processing using asynchronous method)
In the asynchronous normal communication processing, as shown in FIG. 3, the processor 31 of the control unit 30 sends a communication request to another meter device or relay device 110 at every predetermined intermittent period T _I based on the wireless communication program 33a. is transmitted by the wireless communication unit 35. For example, the meter device (receiving node) 10g in FIG. 1 transmits a communication request to the upstream meter device (transmitting node) 10c at every predetermined intermittent period _TI . The predetermined intermittent period T _I may be several minutes, several tens of minutes, or longer.

At this time, when the control section 30 of the upstream meter device 10c puts its wireless communication section 35 into the data reception mode in accordance with the data transmission request from the upper layer, the wireless communication section 35 of the upstream meter device 10c is in the reception state. becomes. When a communication request is sent from the downstream meter device 10g during this period, the upstream meter device 10c receives the communication request and sends a response thereto. The response transmission includes transmission condition data such as the time T ₀ from the response transmission to the first data transmission, the number of data (number of data transmissions) N, and the data transmission interval T.

The downstream meter device 10g performs intermittent reception according to the received transmission condition data based on the wireless communication program 33a, and receives N pieces of data from the upstream meter device 10c (FIG. 4). When the reception of the N pieces of data is completed, the downstream meter device 10g restarts the communication request at every predetermined intermittent period _TI .
Note that after the reception of N pieces of data from the upstream meter device 10c is completed, the meter device 10g can become a transmitting node or a receiving node for the downstream meter devices 10l and 10m. The meter devices 10a to 10n may enter the data reception mode depending on other timings, triggers, etc.

On the other hand, N pieces of data may be transmitted from the downstream meter device 10g to the upstream meter device 10c. In this case, for example, after sending a response, the meter device 10g on the downstream side sends the data to the meter device 10c on the upstream side, including the time T ₀ from the response sending to the first data transmission, the number of data pieces (number of data transmissions) N, and the data transmission. Transmission condition data such as the interval T is transmitted, and data transmission is performed according to the transmission condition data. In the data transmission, the usage data accumulated in the measurement unit 20 and the like are transmitted.

(Normal communication processing using synchronous method)
In the normal communication process of the synchronous method, as shown in FIG. 6, the processor 31 of the control unit 30 sends a synchronization request at a predetermined intermittent period _T to the relay device 110 or other meter device based on the wireless communication program 33a. is transmitted by the wireless communication unit 35. For example, the meter device (receiving node) 10c in FIG. 1 indicates the timing of synchronous transmission and reception of data in order to establish and continue synchronization in a synchronization request sent to the upstream relay device (transmission node) 110. Data of a predetermined intermittent period T _I is included. The predetermined intermittent period T _I may be several minutes, several tens of minutes, or longer. In this embodiment, the synchronization request is sent to the relay device 110, but the synchronization request may be sent to a meter device that can maintain the data reception mode.

At this time, the upstream relay device 110, for example, always has its wireless communication unit 115 in the data reception mode, and the wireless communication unit 115 of the relay device 110 is always in the reception state. When a synchronization request is sent from the meter device 10c on the downstream side in this state, synchronization is established using the data of the intermittent period _TI , and the relay device 110 transmits a synchronization signal every intermittent period _TI , and the meter device 10c receives a synchronization signal every intermittent period _TI .

In this state, when starting data transmission from the relay device 110 to the meter device 10c in accordance with a data transmission request from the upper layer, the relay device 110 includes a synchronization signal with a time T from the synchronization signal to the first data transmission. ₀ , the number of data (number of data transmissions) N, and the data transmission interval T.
The meter device 10c on the downstream side performs intermittent reception according to the received transmission condition data based on the wireless communication program 33a, and receives N pieces of data from the relay device 110 on the upstream side. When the reception of the N pieces of data is completed, the downstream meter device 10c resumes establishing and maintaining the synchronization described above.

Further, N pieces of data may be transmitted from the meter device 10c on the downstream side to the relay device 110 on the upstream side. In this case, for example, the synchronization request includes transmission condition data such as the time T ₀ from the synchronization request to the first data transmission, the number of data (number of data transmissions) N, and the data transmission interval T, and the transmission conditions Data transmission is performed according to the data. In the data transmission, the usage data accumulated in the measurement unit 20 and the like are transmitted. Note that when the relay device 110 is in a state where continuous reception is possible, the transmitting side can transmit data at any timing, so data transmission can be started without transmitting parameters such as T ₀ , N, T, etc. may be done.

(Asynchronous emergency communication processing)
In the asynchronous emergency communication process, as shown in FIG. , requests the wireless communication unit (lower communication layer) 35 to start emergency communication.
Specifically, first, even if the control unit 30 and the wireless communication unit 35 are asleep, when a signal indicating the occurrence of an earthquake is transmitted to the control unit 30, the control unit 30 is activated by the signal. . It may be configured such that a semiconductor switch for starting in the control unit 30 is turned on by the signal.

Subsequently, the processor 31 of the control unit 30 starts a communication request in the emergency intermittent period T _Ie , which is shorter than the intermittent period T _I , based on the emergency communication program 33b. For example, after the emergency communication start time (standby time) _Tr has elapsed after receiving a signal indicating the occurrence of an earthquake, the meter device 10g communicates with the upstream meter device 10c every emergency interruption period T _Ie. Submit your request. In one example, the emergency communication start time T _r is randomly determined within a certain period of time using a random number generated within the control unit 30 when a signal indicating the occurrence of an earthquake is received. Note that the processor 31 may determine an emergency communication start time T _r that is different from that of an adjacent meter device based on a value preset in each of the control units 30 . The ID of the meter device or the like may be used as the preset value.

The processor 31 changes the length of the certain period of time according to the number of adjacent nodes based on the emergency communication program 33b. Specifically, the greater the number of adjacent nodes, the longer the predetermined time period is. Adjacent nodes are other meter devices existing around the target (meter device 10g). Thereby, even if there are many adjacent nodes, the possibility that a communication request in the emergency interruption period T _Ie will interfere with that of the adjacent nodes is reduced.
Further, the processor 31 estimates the number of adjacent nodes based on signals received from the adjacent nodes during the reception state of normal communication processing. For example, the number of adjacent nodes is estimated based on the source node identifier included in the incoming signal.
In the synchronous emergency communication process described later, the number of adjacent nodes is similarly estimated.

The emergency interruption period T _Ie is typically several seconds, but may be less than one second, several seconds, several tens of seconds, or longer. Furthermore, the communication request for each emergency interruption period T _Ie is continued for an emergency interruption communication period (duration time) _Te . The emergency communication period T _e may be several tens of seconds, several minutes, or other times.

In one example, soon after a communication request is started for each emergency interruption period T _le , the control unit 30 of the upstream meter device 10c sets the wireless communication unit 35 to the data reception mode in accordance with a data transmission request from an upper layer. Make it. This is based on the fact that the processor 101 of the server 100 transmits the emergency command to each of the meter devices 10a to 10n via each relay device 110 based on the emergency command transmission program 103a.

When a communication request is sent from the downstream meter device 10g during this period, the upstream meter device 10c receives the communication request and sends a response thereto. The response transmission includes transmission condition data such as the time T ₀ from the response transmission to the first data transmission, the number of data (number of data transmissions) N, and the data transmission interval T.

The downstream meter device 10g performs intermittent reception according to the received transmission condition data based on the wireless communication program 33a, and receives N pieces of data from the upstream meter device 10c. When the reception of the N pieces of data, that is, the emergency command, is completed, the processor 31 of the control unit 30 of the meter device 10g on the downstream side performs processing according to the emergency command. For example, when the emergency command is a stopper command, the processor 31 performs processing to close the valve in the meter device 10g. Then, the downstream meter device 10g restarts the communication request at every predetermined intermittent period _TI .

Note that when the reception of N pieces of data from the upstream meter device 10c is completed, the meter device 10g can receive data intermittently from the downstream meter devices 10l and 10m, as in the case of normal communication processing. Enters reception mode. The meter devices 10a to 10n may enter the data reception mode depending on other timings, triggers, etc.

(Synchronous emergency communication processing)
In the synchronous emergency communication process, as shown in FIG. 7, when a signal indicating the occurrence of an earthquake is transmitted from the sensor 40 to the control unit 30 during normal communication processing, the control unit (communication upper layer) 30 , requests the wireless communication unit (lower communication layer) 35 to start emergency communication.
As in the case of the asynchronous method, first, even if the control unit 30 and the wireless communication unit 35 are asleep, when a signal indicating the occurrence of an earthquake is transmitted to the control unit 30, the signal causes the control unit 30 to is started. The signal may be configured to turn on a semiconductor switch for activation within the control unit 30.

Subsequently, the processor 31 of the control unit 30 transmits a synchronization request at the emergency intermittent period T _le shorter than the intermittent period T _I to the relay device 110 or other meter device based on the emergency communication program 33b. For example, the meter device 10c in FIG. 1 transmits a synchronization request to the relay device 110 on the upstream side thereof. The synchronization request includes an emergency communication start time T _r which is the time from the synchronization response transmitted from the relay device 110 to the start of reception at the emergency interruption period T _le , and an emergency communication start time T _Ie indicating the reception timing. , and data indicating the emergency interrupted communication period (duration time) T _e which is the duration of synchronization. In this case, the waiting time from receiving the signal indicating the occurrence of an earthquake to the start of reception in the emergency interruption period _Tle is the time equal to the emergency communication start time _Tr plus the time for sending and receiving the synchronous response. Become.

In one example, the emergency communication start time T _r is randomly determined within a certain period of time using a random number generated within the control unit 30 when a signal indicating the occurrence of an earthquake is received. The processor 31 changes the length of the certain period of time according to the number of adjacent nodes based on the emergency communication program 33b.

As a result, synchronization is established using the data of the emergency interruption period T _Ie , and the relay device 110 transmits a synchronization signal every emergency interruption period T _Ie or every cycle that is an integral multiple of the emergency interruption period T _Ie . However, the meter device 10c becomes ready for reception every emergency interruption period T _Ie .
In this embodiment, the synchronization request is sent from the meter device 10c to the relay device 110, but the synchronization request may be sent to another meter device that can always maintain the data reception mode.

In one example, the emergency communication start time T _r is randomly determined within a certain period of time using a random number generated within the control unit 30 when a signal indicating the occurrence of an earthquake is received. At this time, the processor 31 changes the length of the certain time according to the number of adjacent nodes based on the emergency communication program 33b. Note that the processor 31 may determine an emergency communication start time T _r that is different from that of an adjacent meter device based on a value preset in each of the control units 30 . The ID of the meter device or the like may be used as the preset value. The emergency interruption period T _Ie is typically several seconds, but it may be less than one second, it may be several tens of seconds, or it may be longer. Further, the emergency communication period T _e may be several tens of seconds, several minutes, or other times. In another example, the emergency communication start time T _r is set in advance for each of the meter devices 10a to 10n, and a plurality of types of emergency communication start times T _r may exist.

In one example, shortly after a communication request is started for each emergency interruption period T _le , the relay device 110 on the upstream side enters a mode for transmitting an emergency command to the meter device 10c on the downstream side. This is based on the fact that the processor 101 of the server 100 transmits the emergency command to each of the meter devices 10a to 10n via each relay device 110 based on the emergency command transmission program 103a.

When starting data transmission from the relay device 110 to the meter device 10c in accordance with a data transmission request from an upper layer, the relay device 110 adds the time T _{0 from the synchronization signal to the first data transmission to the synchronization signal, and the time T 0} of the data. It includes transmission condition data such as the number (number of data transmissions) N, data transmission interval T, etc.
The meter device 10c on the downstream side performs intermittent reception according to the received transmission condition data based on the wireless communication program 33a, and receives N pieces of data from the relay device 110 on the upstream side. When the reception of the N pieces of data, that is, the emergency command, is completed, the processor 31 of the control unit 30 of the meter device 10c on the downstream side performs processing according to the emergency command. For example, when the emergency command is a stopper command, the processor 31 performs processing to close the valve in the meter device 10g. The downstream meter device 10c then resumes establishing and maintaining the synchronization of the normal communication process.

Note that when the reception of N pieces of data from the upstream relay device 110 is completed, the meter device 10c enters the data reception mode from the downstream meter devices 10g and 10h, as in the case of normal communication processing. The meter devices 10a to 10n may enter the data reception mode depending on other timings, triggers, etc.

As described above, in this embodiment, upon receiving a signal from the sensor 40 that detects an emergency situation, the control unit 30 transmits the wireless communication unit 35 to another meter device or the relay device 110 at a predetermined intermittent cycle. A state is set in which a communication request is transmitted in an emergency interruption period T _Ie shorter than T _I , or a state in which it is possible to receive a communication request in an emergency interruption period T _Ie .

For example, even if each meter device 10a to 10n activates its wireless communication section for only a few seconds at a timing such as once every 10 minutes or once every several tens of minutes during normal communication processing, it is possible to prevent emergency situations. After receiving the signal from the sensor 40 to be detected, a communication request is transmitted in a short emergency interruption period T _Ie , or becomes ready to be received in a short emergency interruption period T _Ie .
Therefore, each of the meter devices 10a to 10n can quickly receive emergency commands from the management center server 100, devices with wireless functions such as the relay device 110, and other meter devices that have received emergency commands from the server 100. It becomes possible.

Further, in this embodiment, the control unit 30 performs a number estimation process to estimate the number of adjacent nodes (other adjacent meter devices), and the control unit 30 uses the estimated number to Emergency communication start time (standby time) T _r from reception of the signal from the reception of the signal from the emergency interruption period T _Ie to the start of transmission of the communication request, or from reception of the signal from the sensor 40 to the emergency interruption period T Change the waiting time until starting reception on _Ie .
Therefore, even if there are many adjacent nodes, the possibility that a communication request in the emergency interruption period T _Ie will interfere with that of the adjacent nodes is reduced.
Note that the waiting time may be changed further based on the degree of emergency according to the signal from the sensor 40.

Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 30 estimates the number of adjacent nodes using the number of signals detected during an intermittent receivable state after transmission of a communication request or transmission of a synchronization request.
Therefore, compared to collecting data for estimating the number of adjacent nodes in an emergency, processing in an emergency becomes faster. This is advantageous in quickly and reliably transmitting the emergency command to each meter device 10a to 10n.

Note that the control unit 30 transmits the communication request in the emergency interruption period T _Ie or receives it in the emergency interruption period T _Ie based on the degree of the emergency situation according to the signal from the sensor 40 or the signal notifying the emergency situation. It is also possible to determine the duration time during which the state in which the communication is possible continues (the emergency interrupted communication section T _e ).
For example, when the seismic intensity transmitted from the sensor 40 is large, when the scale of the emergency situation is large, when the influence of the emergency situation is large, etc., the control unit 30 lengthens the duration (emergency interruption communication section T _e ). This is advantageous in ensuring that the emergency command is sent to each meter device 10a-10n. Note that the control unit 30 receives information indicating the occurrence and scale of an emergency situation, the occurrence of an emergency situation, and its effects from the server 100, the relay device 110, other meter devices, disaster information receiving devices in a house or office, etc. Information etc. shall be received, and the same shall apply hereinafter. The disaster information receiving device receives warnings immediately before an earthquake, earthquake information, fire information, flood damage information, and other disaster information from public institutions, etc., by wire or wirelessly.

Further, the control unit 30 may determine the emergency interruption period T _Ie based on the degree of the emergency situation according to the signal from the sensor 40 or the signal notifying the emergency situation.
For example, if the seismic intensity (degree of emergency situation) transmitted from the sensor 40 is large, the scale of the emergency situation (degree of emergency situation) is large, or the impact of the emergency situation (degree of emergency situation) is large, etc. Shorten the interruption period T _Ie . This is advantageous for quickly transmitting emergency commands of high importance to each of the meter devices 10a to 10n. In one example, when the seismic intensity transmitted from the sensor 40 is large, the emergency command is a closure command, and when the seismic intensity transmitted from the sensor 40 is small, the emergency command is sent to the server 100 such as the detection value of each sensor of the meter devices 10a to 10n. etc. If the seismic intensity is large, the emergency command will be transmitted to each of the meter devices 10a to 10n more quickly.

In addition, based on the seismic intensity information (information regarding the degree of emergency situation) I' received from the relay device 110, the standby time, the duration time (emergency interruption communication section T _e ), or the emergency interruption period T _Ie can be changed. It is also possible to do this. Depending on the installation conditions of the meter devices 10a to 10n, the sensor 40 may not be able to measure the seismic intensity with sufficient accuracy, and in such cases, the seismic intensity information I' becomes useful.

When the relay device 110 receives seismic intensity information I' measured by a public institution etc. from the server 100 etc., the relay device 110 may transmit the seismic intensity information I' to the downstream meter devices 10a, 10b, 10c, for example. can.
Alternatively, when the measurement results of the sensor 40 are transmitted from each meter device 10a, 10b, 10c to the relay device 110, and seismic intensity information I' is created based on the measurement results received by the relay device 110, the relay device 110 is The seismic intensity information I' can be transmitted to the meter devices 10a, 10b, and 10c.

With this configuration, it becomes possible to operate the meter devices 10a, 10b, and 10c, which are receiving nodes, in common and with high accuracy. The configuration in which the relay device 110 transmits seismic intensity information I' to the downstream meter devices 10a, 10b, and 10c in this manner can be referred to as a "centralized control type." On the other hand, a configuration in which the meter devices 10a, 10b, and 10c use the seismic intensity I detected by each sensor 40 can be referred to as an "independent control type."

The example of FIG. 8 showing synchronous emergency communication processing will be described below. FIG. 8 shows an example of the above-mentioned centralized control type.
First, when a signal indicating the occurrence of an earthquake is transmitted from the sensor 40 to the control unit 30 during normal communication processing, the control unit (communication upper layer) 30 of the meter device 10c sends a signal to the wireless communication unit (communication lower layer) 35. , requesting initiation of emergency communications.

On the other hand, the relay device 110 receives seismic intensity information I' measured under the management of a trusted organization such as a public institution from the server 100.
In this state, the processor 31 of the control unit 30 of the meter device 10c sends a synchronization request to the relay device 110 via the wireless communication unit 35 at an emergency intermittent period T _le shorter than the intermittent period T _I based on the emergency communication program 33 b. Send to. The synchronization request includes an emergency communication start time T _r which is the time from the synchronization response transmitted from the relay device 110 to the start of reception at the emergency interruption period T _le , and an emergency communication start time T _Ie indicating the reception timing. , an emergency interruption communication section (duration time) T _e which is the duration of synchronization, and data indicating the seismic intensity I detected by the sensor 40.

The relay device 110 compares the seismic intensity information I' received from the meter device 10c and determines whether the seismic intensity information I' is more accurate. If the seismic intensity information I' is determined to be more accurate, the seismic intensity information I' is included in the synchronization response and transmitted.
When the meter device 10c receives the seismic intensity information I', the processor 31 of the control unit 30 of the meter device 10c performs the above calculation again using the seismic intensity information I', and calculates the emergency communication start time T _r ' as the recalculation result. , an emergency interruption period T _Ie ′, and a synchronization request having data indicating an emergency interruption communication interval (duration time) T _e ′ is transmitted to the relay device 110 . The synchronization request may include seismic intensity information I' to indicate the seismic intensity used for calculation.

As a result, synchronization is established using the data of the emergency interruption period _TIe ', and the relay device 110 synchronizes every emergency interruption period _TIe ' or every cycle that is an integral multiple of the emergency interruption period _TIe '. The signal is transmitted, and the meter device 10c becomes ready to receive the signal every emergency interruption period T _Ie '.
In this embodiment, the synchronization request is sent from the meter device 10c to the relay device 110, but the synchronization request may be sent to another meter device that can always maintain the data reception mode. In this case, another meter device has seismic intensity information I'.

Further, in the above state, when the relay device 110 receives from the server 100 another seismic intensity information I'' measured under the management of a trusted organization such as a public institution, the relay device 110 receives the seismic intensity information I' and the seismic intensity information I'' to determine whether or not the seismic intensity information I'' is more accurate. If it is determined that the seismic intensity information I'' is more accurate, the relay device 110 transmits the synchronization signal including the seismic intensity information I''.

When the meter device 10c receives the seismic intensity information I'', the processor 31 of the control unit 30 of the meter device 10c performs the above calculation again using the seismic intensity information I'', and calculates the emergency communication start time T which is the recalculation result. _r '', an emergency interruption period T _Ie '', and an emergency interruption communication period (duration time) T _e ''. The synchronization request may include seismic intensity information I'' to indicate the seismic intensity used for calculation.

As a result, synchronization is established using the data of the emergency interruption period T _Ie '', and the relay device 110 performs synchronization every emergency interruption period T _Ie '' or at a period that is an integral multiple of the emergency interruption period T _Ie ''. A synchronizing signal is transmitted every time, and the meter device 10c becomes ready to receive every emergency interruption period T _Ie ''.

In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the standby time, the duration time (emergency interruption communication period T _e , T _e ', T _e ''), or the emergency interruption period T _Ie , T _Ie ', T _Ie '' The relay device 110 may perform the calculation, or the server 100 may perform the calculation.
Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the server 100 and each of the meter devices 10a to 10n may communicate without using the relay device 110. In this case, for example, the meter devices 10a, 10b, and 10c will communicate with the server 100 in the above-described manner.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, when a signal from a fire alarm installed in the house is transmitted to the control unit 30, the control unit 30 may request the wireless communication unit 35 to start emergency communication. . Further, when a signal from a flood alarm installed in a house or a predetermined facility is transmitted to the control unit 30, the control unit 30 may request the wireless communication unit 35 to start emergency communication.

Each of the meter devices 10a to 10n of the above-described embodiments includes a measurement section 20 that measures the usage amount of at least one of electricity, gas, and water, a wireless communication section 35, and a control section 30. However, when the wireless communication unit 35 performs normal communication processing to perform intermittent reception and receives a signal from the sensor 40 that detects an emergency situation or a signal that notifies the emergency situation, it is possible to An emergency communication process is performed in which the wireless communication unit 35 in the state is activated for communication with another meter device or a device with a wireless function such as the relay device 110 on the meter network.

In each of the meter devices 10a to 10n of the above-described embodiments, when a signal from the sensor 40 that detects an emergency situation or a signal that notifies an emergency situation is received, the meter device 10a to 10n of the meter device 10a to 10n, which is in a sleeping state between intermittent receptions of normal communication processing, The wireless communication unit 35 is activated for communication with other meter devices or devices with wireless functionality such as the relay device 110 on the meter network.

For example, even if the meter device 10c activates its wireless communication unit 35 for only a few seconds at a timing such as once every 10 minutes or once every several tens of minutes during normal communication processing, the meter device 10c can detect an emergency situation. When receiving a signal from the sensor 40 or a signal notifying an emergency situation, it is activated for communication with an upstream device. Therefore, it is possible to quickly receive emergency commands from the server 100 of the management center, devices with wireless functions such as the relay device 110, and other meter devices that have received emergency commands from the server 100.

10a to 10n Meter device 20 Measuring unit 21 Flow rate sensor 22 Storage unit 30 Control unit 31 Processor 32 Display unit 33 Storage unit 33a Wireless communication program 33b Emergency communication program 34 Input unit 35 Wireless communication unit 100 Server (device with wireless function)
101 Processor 102 Display unit 103 Storage unit 103a Emergency command transmission program 104 Input unit 105 Wireless communication unit 110 Relay device (device with wireless function)
111 Processor 112 Display unit 113 Storage unit 113a Wireless communication program 114 Input unit 115 Wireless communication unit

Claims (8)

A meter device,
a measuring unit that measures the usage of at least one of electricity, gas, and water;
Wireless communication department,
a control section, the control section comprising:
When transmitting the usage amount measured by the measuring unit to another meter device or a device with a wireless function on the meter network, the wireless communication unit is configured to transmit a predetermined intermittent period to the other meter device or the device with a wireless function on the meter network. normal communication processing for transmitting a communication request or transmitting a synchronization request at the predetermined intermittent cycle;
When receiving a signal from a sensor that detects an emergency situation or a signal that notifies the emergency situation, the wireless communication unit transmits an emergency signal to the other meter device or the device with wireless function that is shorter than the predetermined intermittent period. Performing emergency communication processing to enable communication requests to be sent in the emergency interruption period, or to enable reception in the emergency interruption period;
The control unit performs a number estimation process to estimate the number of other meter devices existing around the meter device,
The control unit determines, depending on the estimated number, a waiting time from receiving the signal to starting transmission of a communication request in the emergency period, or a waiting time from receiving the signal to starting transmission of a communication request in the emergency period. A meter device that changes the waiting time before starting periodic reception. 2. In the number estimation process, the control unit estimates the number using the number of signals detected during an intermittent receivable state after the transmission of the communication request or the transmission of the synchronization request. The meter device described in . a measuring unit that measures the usage of at least one of electricity, gas, and water;
Wireless communication department,
a control section, the control section comprising:
When transmitting the usage amount measured by the measuring unit to another meter device or a device with a wireless function on the meter network, the wireless communication unit is configured to transmit a predetermined intermittent period to the other meter device or the device with a wireless function on the meter network. normal communication processing for transmitting a communication request or transmitting a synchronization request at the predetermined intermittent cycle;
When receiving a signal from a sensor that detects an emergency situation or a signal that notifies the emergency situation, the wireless communication unit transmits an emergency signal to the other meter device or the device with wireless function that is shorter than the predetermined intermittent period. Performing emergency communication processing to enable communication requests to be sent in the emergency interruption period, or to enable reception in the emergency interruption period;
the signal indicates the degree of the emergency;
The meter device, wherein the control unit determines, based on the signal, a duration of a state in which the communication request can be transmitted in the emergency interruption period or received in the emergency interruption period. a measuring unit that measures the usage of at least one of electricity, gas, and water;
Wireless communication department,
a control section, the control section comprising:
When transmitting the usage amount measured by the measuring unit to another meter device or a device with a wireless function on the meter network, the wireless communication unit is configured to transmit a predetermined intermittent period to the other meter device or the device with a wireless function on the meter network. normal communication processing for transmitting a communication request or transmitting a synchronization request at the predetermined intermittent cycle;
When receiving a signal from a sensor that detects an emergency situation or a signal that notifies the emergency situation, the wireless communication unit transmits an emergency signal to the other meter device or the device with wireless function that is shorter than the predetermined intermittent period. Performing emergency communication processing to enable communication requests to be sent in the emergency interruption period, or to enable reception in the emergency interruption period;
the signal indicates the degree of the emergency;
The meter device, wherein the control unit determines the emergency interruption period based on the signal. The meter device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the sensor is a seismometer provided in the meter device. The meter device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the signal notifying the emergency situation is a signal from a fire alarm or a water damage alarm. A meter device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
A meter system comprising the other meter device or the wireless function device. A meter device according to claim 3 or 4 ,
The other meter device or the device with wireless function,
the other meter device or the device with wireless functionality receives information regarding the degree of the emergency situation;
The control unit of the meter device performs a process of transmitting the degree of the emergency situation used to determine the duration time or the emergency interruption period to the other meter device or the device with wireless function,
If the other meter device or the device with wireless function determines whether the information regarding the degree of the emergency situation is more accurate than the degree of the emergency situation, and the information regarding the degree of the emergency situation is accurate. transmitting information regarding the degree of the emergency situation to the meter device;
The meter system, wherein the control unit of the meter device determines the duration or the emergency interruption period using information regarding the degree of the emergency.

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