JP2009224907A - Wireless communication system and communication path setting program used for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wireless communication system for easily setting a communication path between a master machine and a slave machine and quickly taking countermeasures against an abnormal slave machine, and a communication path setting program used for the system. <P>SOLUTION: The wireless communication system includes a master machine 1, a plurality of slave machines 2 for performing wireless communication with the master machine 1, and an operation device 3 for setting a communication path between the master machine and the slave machines. The operation device 3 includes an image display means 31, an operation input means 32 for entering the setting data, and an operation processing means 30. The operation processing means 30 displays to an image display means 31 a setting image composed only of an area image which represents an installation area of the master machine 1 and the slave machines 2 or a setting image showing the position of the master machine 1 and the slave machines 2 in accordance with the setting data held by the master machine 1 and a communication path onto the area image and, when setting data is input while the setting image are displayed, updates the setting image so that it matches input setting data, and has the image display means 31 display it. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication system that performs wireless communication between a parent device and a child device and a communication path setting program used therefor.

  Conventionally, a wireless communication system that performs wireless communication between a parent device and a child device has become widespread. This type of wireless communication system is used, for example, in a building or factory for collective monitoring of a large number of distributed measuring terminals for the purpose of power monitoring of electrical equipment, etc., and for calling remote security personnel . By the way, when the wireless communication system is installed in a site such as a factory, the distance between the parent device and the child device may be increased, and the wireless signal of the parent device may not reach the child device. In such a case, it is common practice to relay the radio signal of the parent device with another child device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By the way, when the slave unit is also used as a repeater, it is necessary to set (route) a communication path between the master unit and the slave unit. In performing this type of routing, it has been proposed to display an image in which communication paths between a parent device and a child device are displayed in a tree shape as a setting image for routing.

By displaying the communication path settings between the master unit and the slave unit in a tree shape in this way, it is possible to grasp the communication path relatively easily compared to when the communication paths are simply listed. Can do.
JP 2002-2108080 A

  By the way, when an abnormality or the like occurs in the slave unit, it may be necessary to go to the location where the slave unit is actually installed in order to check the abnormality or repair the slave unit. However, the setting screen described above cannot know the actual arrangement status (positional relationship) between the parent device and the child device. Therefore, in a conventional wireless communication system, a user or the like must take out a layout drawing showing the location of the slave unit from the storage location and confirm the location of the slave unit in order to know the location of the slave unit. In other words, there was a problem that it took a long time to take measures against the abnormal handset.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to easily set a communication path between a parent device and a child device and to quickly take measures against an abnormal child device. An object of the present invention is to provide a wireless communication system and a communication path setting program used therefor.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the invention of claim 1 is used for setting a communication path between a parent device, a plurality of child devices that perform wireless communication with the parent device, and the parent device and the child devices. The master unit and the slave unit include a radio unit including a radio transceiver unit that transmits and receives radio signals, a control unit that controls the radio transceiver unit, and a storage unit. The storage unit has a rewritable storage area used for storing setting data including at least the position data of the parent device, the position data of the child device, and the communication path data between the parent device and the child device. A relay determination process for determining whether or not a wireless signal needs to be relayed to another slave unit based on the communication path data, when the control unit of the master unit transmits predetermined data to the slave unit; If it is determined by the relay determination process that relaying is not necessary, Between the master unit and the destination slave unit when it is determined that relaying is required by the direct transmission process for transmitting the radio signal including the information and the predetermined data to the radio transmission / reception unit and the relay determination process. Indirect transmission processing for transmitting a wireless signal including the communication path and the predetermined data to the wireless transmission / reception unit, and the control unit of the slave unit transmits the transmission destination included in the wireless signal received by the wireless transmission / reception unit The reception determination process for determining whether or not the slave is itself, the reception process for acquiring the predetermined data from the radio signal when the reception determination process determines that it is itself, and the reception determination process If it is determined that there is no relay, the wireless transmission / reception unit transmits the received wireless signal based on the communication path included in the received wireless signal, and the setting unit is configured to input the image display unit and setting data. Used Operation input means, and arithmetic processing means for executing communication path setting processing for storing the setting data input by the operation input means in the storage unit of the parent device. The communication route setting process is performed by the storage unit of the parent device. A storage determination process for determining whether or not setting data is stored in the memory, and if it is determined that the setting data is not stored by the storage determination process, only from an area image indicating an area where the master unit and the slave unit are installed A new display process for displaying the setting image on the image display means, and a master unit and a slave unit according to the setting data stored in the storage unit of the master unit when it is determined that the setting data is stored by the storage determination process The setting display data is input by the operation input means while the setting image is displayed on the image display means. Update display processing for causing the image display means to display a setting image representing the position and communication path of the master unit and the slave unit according to the setting data input by the operation input means on the area image. Features.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the master unit and the slave unit corresponding to the setting image consisting only of the area image indicating the area where the master unit and the slave unit are installed, or the setting data stored in the storage unit of the master unit A setting image in which the position and the communication path are displayed on the area image can be displayed on the image display means, and when the setting data is input by the operation input means, the setting image is inputted to the setting data. Therefore, when setting the communication path between the master unit and the slave unit, this setting image is used. By looking at it, you can set the communication path while confirming the positional relationship between the master unit and the slave unit (for example, the direction of the slave unit relative to the master unit), so communication between the master unit and the slave unit Easy route setting . In addition, by causing the image display means of the setting means to display a setting image that represents the position and communication path of the parent device and the child device according to the setting data stored in the storage unit of the parent device on the area image, Since it is possible to easily identify where the abnormal handset is located, it is no longer necessary to check the location of the handset by taking out a map showing the location of the handset from the storage location. It is possible to quickly take measures against the slave unit.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the arithmetic processing means displays a circle indicating the distance from the parent device on the area image.

  According to invention of Claim 2, the distance of a main | base station and a subunit | mobile_unit can be grasped | ascertained easily.

  According to a third aspect of the invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the area image is a map of the area.

  According to invention of Claim 3, the installation place of a main | base station and a subunit | mobile_unit can be displayed more easily. In particular, when moving to the location of the abnormal child device, not only the distance and direction but also the moving route can be confirmed at the same time, so that measures against the abnormal child device can be performed more quickly.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the arithmetic processing unit is configured to determine, based on the communication path data, a circle having a shape including a slave unit centered on the master unit and having the same relaying order. It is characterized by being displayed on an image.

  According to the invention of claim 4, the order (number of relay stages) at the time of relay can be easily grasped, and the transmission time required for transmitting the same data to the slave unit is determined by the order at the time of relay. Estimation is easy.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the slave unit includes strength measuring means for measuring the electric field strength of the received radio signal, and the arithmetic processing means is configured to measure the strength measurement. The electric field strength is displayed on the area image based on the measurement result of the means.

  According to the invention of claim 5, since the communication path can be set while confirming whether the electric field strength is good or bad, it is possible to set the communication path reflecting the actual communication status. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a communication path having a low electric field strength and being actually unusable from being set due to the influence of surrounding buildings although there is no problem in distance.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the area image is an image representing the area in two dimensions, and the arithmetic processing means includes the master unit and the child unit. The two-dimensional coordinates of each machine are displayed on the area image.

  According to the invention of claim 6, the positions of the parent device and the child device can be grasped more accurately.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the area image is an image representing the area in three dimensions, and the arithmetic processing means calculates the three-dimensional coordinates of the master unit and the slave unit. It is displayed on the area image.

  According to the invention of claim 7, the installation position of the parent device and the child device can be accurately grasped visually. Especially in a building having a plurality of levels such as a building, the parent device and the child device. It becomes possible to easily grasp the installation position.

  In the invention of claim 8, in the invention of any one of claims 1 to 7, the communication path setting process is a position selection process for displaying a cursor on the area image in response to an input of the operation input means. And a handset position input process in which the position of the cursor on the area image is set to the position of the handset when a predetermined input is made by the operation input means.

  According to the invention of claim 8, since the position of the slave unit can be input by the cursor moving on the area image, the communication path between the master unit and the slave unit can be set more easily. .

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a parent device, a plurality of child devices that perform wireless communication with the parent device, and setting means used for setting a communication path between the parent device and the child device. The slave unit includes a radio unit including a radio transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives radio signals, a control unit that controls the radio transmission / reception unit, and a storage unit. The storage unit of the parent unit includes at least a parent unit Is provided with a rewritable storage area used for storing setting data including the position data, the position data of the slave unit, and the communication path data between the master unit and the slave unit. When transmitting predetermined data to the slave unit, it is necessary to determine whether it is necessary to relay the radio signal to another slave unit based on the communication path data, and to relay by the relay determination process If it is determined that there is no such information, information on the transmission destination slave unit and the predetermined data are included. When it is determined that direct transmission processing for transmitting a wireless signal to the wireless transmission / reception unit and relay determination processing require relaying, a communication path between the parent device and the transmission destination child device, the predetermined data, Indirect transmission processing for transmitting the wireless signal including the wireless transmission / reception unit to the wireless transmission / reception unit, and the control unit of the slave unit determines whether the transmission destination slave unit included in the wireless signal received by the wireless transmission / reception unit is itself A reception determination process that determines whether or not it is itself by the reception determination process, a reception process that acquires the predetermined data from the radio signal, and a radio that is received if it is determined by the reception determination process that it is not itself A relay process for transmitting a wireless signal received based on a communication path included in the signal from a wireless transmission / reception unit; a setting unit; an image display unit; an operation input unit used to input setting data; No A communication path setting program used in a wireless communication system configured with arithmetic processing means for executing a program, and determines whether or not setting data is stored in the storage unit of the parent device in the arithmetic processing means And a new display for displaying on the image display means a setting image consisting only of an area image indicating an area in which the master unit and the slave unit are installed when it is determined that the setting data is not stored by the storage determination process. When it is determined that the setting data is stored by the process and the storage determination process, the position and communication path of the master unit and the slave unit corresponding to the setting data stored in the storage unit of the master unit are displayed on the area image. Read-out display processing for displaying the set image on the image display means, and when the setting data is input by the operation input means while the setting image is being displayed, input by the operation input means Update display processing for displaying on the image display means a setting image in which the position and communication path of the master unit and the slave unit corresponding to the set data and the communication path are displayed on the area image, and predetermined input is performed by the operation input means. If the setting data is not stored in the storage unit of the base unit, the setting data input by the operation input means is stored in the storage unit of the base unit, and the setting data is stored in the storage unit of the base unit. Then, at least storage processing for overwriting the setting data over the setting data input by the operation input means is performed.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the master unit and the slave unit corresponding to the setting image consisting only of the area image indicating the area where the master unit and the slave unit are installed, or the setting data stored in the storage unit of the master unit A setting image in which the position and the communication path are displayed on the area image can be displayed on the image display means, and when the setting data is input by the operation input means, the setting image is inputted to the setting data. Therefore, when setting the communication path between the master unit and the slave unit, this setting image is used. By looking at it, you can set the communication path while confirming the positional relationship between the master unit and the slave unit (for example, the direction of the slave unit relative to the master unit), so communication between the master unit and the slave unit Easy route setting . In addition, by causing the image display means of the setting means to display a setting image that represents the position and communication path of the parent device and the child device according to the setting data stored in the storage unit of the parent device on the area image, Since it is possible to easily identify where the abnormal handset is located, for example, it is not necessary to check an installation map of the handset, and measures against the abnormal handset can be performed quickly.

  The present invention has an effect that a communication path between a parent device and a child device can be easily set, and measures against an abnormal child device can be quickly taken.

(Embodiment 1)
As shown in FIG. 1A, the wireless communication system of the present embodiment includes a parent device 1 and a plurality (four in this embodiment) of child devices 2 that perform wireless communication with the parent device 1. In addition, in the following description, in order to distinguish the some subunit | mobile_unit 2, a subunit | mobile_unit is represented by code | symbol 2A-2D as needed.

  The master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 include a radio transmission / reception unit 10 that transmits and receives radio signals, a control unit 11 that controls the radio transmission / reception unit 10, a storage unit 12, and external devices (for example, an operation device 3 and a terminal described later). The wireless device includes a communication unit 13 that is an external interface (for example, an RS232C port or a USB port) used for communication with the device 4).

  The radio transmission / reception unit 10 includes a transmission circuit unit (not shown) that transmits a radio signal from an antenna (not shown) and a reception circuit unit (not shown) that receives a radio signal from the antenna. Since this type of wireless transmission / reception unit 10 can employ a conventionally known one, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The storage unit 12 is composed of, for example, a rewritable nonvolatile memory (for example, a flash memory). For example, various data such as a program executed by the control unit 11 is stored in the storage unit 12. In the wireless communication system according to the present embodiment, a unique address is set for each of the wireless devices (master device 1 and slave device 2), and the wireless signal transmission destination and the transmission source wireless device can be specified by the addresses. . Therefore, the address of each wireless device is also stored in the storage unit 12.

  By the way, the storage unit 12 of the parent device 1 stores setting data necessary for performing wireless communication between the parent device 1 and the child device 2. This setting data is data including position data of the base unit 1, position data of the handset 2, and communication path data between the base unit 1 and the handset 2. The communication path data includes a communication path between the parent device 1 and all (all of the subordinates of the parent device 1), that is, the child device 2 and the parent device 1 within the communication range of the parent device 1. And a communication path (information) between the slave unit 2 and the master unit 1 outside the communication range of the master unit 1 are included. Here, in the communication path between the slave unit 2 and the master unit 1 outside the communication range of the master unit 1, the slave unit 2 that relays a radio signal (if there are a plurality of relay units 2 to relay, the relay order is also Information). Further, the setting data includes the name and terminal protocol of the base unit 1 and the name and station number of the handset 2. Such setting data is stored in a rewritable storage area in the storage unit 12 of the base unit 1 and can be updated even after registration.

  The control unit 11 is, for example, a microcomputer (microcomputer) or the like, and realizes various functions by executing a program stored in a memory by the CPU. In the following description, in order to distinguish between the control unit 11 of the parent device 1 and the control unit 11 of the child device 2, the control unit 11 of the parent device 1 is referred to as a parent device side control unit and denoted by reference numeral 11A as necessary. The control unit 11 of the slave unit 2 is referred to as a slave unit side control unit and is denoted by reference numeral 11B.

  By the way, the installation situation of the main | base station 1 and the subunit | mobile_unit 2 (For example, when the area which installs a radio | wireless communications system is wide and the distance of the main | base station 1 and the subunit | mobile_unit 2 is long, or when a radio signal is obstructed by a building etc. For example, the slave unit 2 does not necessarily exist within the communication range of the master unit 1 (the range in which the radio signal of the radio transceiver unit 10 of the master unit 1 can be received). In the wireless communication system according to the present embodiment, the slave unit 2 and the slave unit 2 can transmit a radio signal from the master unit 1 to the destination slave unit 2 even in such a case. It functions as a repeater between the machine 2. This point will be described in detail below.

  When transmitting the predetermined data to the child device 2, the parent device side control unit 11A needs to relay the wireless signal to the other child device 2 based on the communication path data stored in the storage unit 12 of the parent device 1. A process (relay determination process) P10 for determining whether or not there is is executed. If it is determined in this process P10 that relaying is not necessary, the base-side control unit 11A causes the radio transmitting / receiving unit 10 to transmit a radio signal including information on the transmission destination slave unit 2 and the predetermined data. (Direct transmission processing) P11 is executed.

  For example, when a radio signal is transmitted from the parent device 1 to the child device 2A, the data format of the frame of the radio signal created in this process P11 is as shown in FIG. 3A, for example. The data format shown in FIG. 3A includes a header portion H including destination information (transmission destination information) DA and transmission source information SA, and a data portion M in which the predetermined data is stored. Here, in the destination information DA, the address of the child device 2A is stored as information of the child device 2 of the transmission destination. Further, in the transmission source information SA, the address of the parent device 1 is stored as information of the parent device 1. As described above, in the process P11, the parent device side control unit 11A causes the wireless transmission / reception unit 10 to transmit the wireless signal to the transmission destination child device 2 as a destination. The data format may include an error detection code such as a CRC code, an error correction code, and the like.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in process P10 that relaying is necessary, the base-side controller 11A relays the other handset 2 and transmits a wireless signal to the destination handset 2 (indirect (Transmission process) P12 is executed. Therefore, in the process P12, the parent device side control unit 11A acquires the communication path between the parent device 1 and the transmission destination child device 2 from the communication route data stored in the storage unit 12 of the parent device 1, The wireless transmission / reception unit 10 is caused to transmit a wireless signal including information of the transmission destination child device 2, the predetermined data, and the acquired communication path (information thereof).

  For example, when a radio signal is transmitted from the parent device 1 to the child device 2B, if the communication path between the parent device 1 and the child device 2B is the parent device 1 → the child device 2A → the child device 2B, the process P12 The data format of the created radio signal frame is as shown in FIG. 3B, for example. The data format shown in FIG. 3B stores a header portion H composed of destination information DA and transmission source information SA, a subheader portion H1 composed of destination information D1 and transmission source information S1, and the predetermined data. Data portion M is included. The destination information DA of the header portion H stores the address of the slave unit 2A that relays the radio signal of the master unit 1, and the transmission source information SA stores the address of the master unit 1. On the other hand, the destination information D1 of the subheader portion H1 stores the address of the slave unit 2B that is the destination slave unit 2, and the source information S1 contains the address of the slave unit 2A that relays the radio signal of the master unit 1 Is stored. Therefore, in the data format shown in FIG. 3B, the header portion H and the subheader portion H1 indicate a communication path.

  On the other hand, when a radio signal is transmitted from the master unit 1 to the slave unit 2B, if the communication path between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2B is the master unit 1 → the slave unit 2A → the slave unit 2C → the slave unit 2B The data format of the frame of the radio signal created in process P12 is as shown in FIG. 3C, for example. The data format shown in FIG. 3C includes a header portion H composed of destination information DA and transmission source information SA, a subheader portion H1 composed of destination information D1 and transmission source information S1, destination information D2 and transmission source information S2. And a data part M in which the predetermined data is stored. The destination information DA of the header portion H stores the address of the slave unit 2A that relays the radio signal of the master unit 1 first, and the source information SA stores the address of the master unit 1. On the other hand, the address of the slave unit 2C that relays the radio signal of the slave unit 2A is stored in the destination information D1 of the subheader portion H1, and the address of the slave unit 2A is stored in the transmission source information S1. The destination information D2 of the subheader H2 stores the address of the slave unit 2B that is the destination slave unit 2, and the transmission source information S2 includes the slave unit 2C that relays the radio signal of the master unit 1 last. Stores the address. Therefore, in the data format shown in FIG. 3C, the header portion H and the subheader portions H1 and H2 indicate the communication path. That is, as shown in FIG. 3D, the data format created in process P12 includes a number of subheader parts Hn (n is a positive integer) equal to the number of relays (the number of relay stages).

  In the data format created in the process P12, if the number of relays is m, the address stored in the destination information DA is equal to the address stored in the source information S1, and the source information Sk + 1 (however, The address stored in k is a positive integer less than n) is equal to the address stored in the destination information Dk. Further, the address stored in the transmission source information SA is the address of the parent device 1, and the address stored in the destination information Dm is the address of the transmission destination child device 2.

  The base-unit-side control unit 11A executes the process P12 to wirelessly transmit a radio signal including the communication path, information on the destination slave unit 2 (address in this embodiment), and the predetermined data. The transmission / reception unit 10 transmits the data. The data format may include an error detection code such as a CRC code, an error correction code, and the like.

  When the wireless transmission / reception unit 10 receives the wireless signal, the slave unit side control unit 11B executes processing (discarding determination processing) P20 for determining whether the wireless signal received by the wireless transmission / reception unit 10 is addressed to itself. In process P20, it is determined whether or not the address stored in the destination information DA of the header portion H of the radio signal matches its own address, and if the address does not match, the data of the radio signal is discarded. On the other hand, when the addresses match, a process (reception determination process) P21 is performed to determine whether or not the transmission destination child device 2 included in the wireless signal received by the wireless transmission / reception unit 10 is itself. In the process P21, it is checked whether or not the sub header portion Hn exists in the data format of the radio signal. If the sub-header part Hn does not exist, the address stored in the destination information DA of the header part H is the address of the transmission-destination child device 2, so that it is determined that the transmission-destination child device 2 is itself. On the other hand, if the sub-header part Hn exists, since the address stored in the destination information DA of the header part H is the address of the slave unit 2 that should function as a repeater, it is determined that the destination slave unit 2 is not itself To do.

  Then, when it is determined by the process P21 that the slave unit side control unit 11B is itself, the slave unit side control unit 11B executes a process (reception process) P22 for acquiring the predetermined data from the radio signal. In process P22, handset side controller 11B reads the predetermined data stored in data part M of the radio signal and executes a process according to the data content.

  On the other hand, when it is determined by the process P21 that it is not itself, the slave unit control unit 11B executes a process (relay process) P23 for transmitting the radio signal from the radio transmission / reception unit 10 based on the communication path of the received radio signal. To do. The data format of the frame of the radio signal transmitted in this process P23 is, for example, the header portion H of the data format of the received radio signal frame, and the sub header portion Hn in which its own address is stored as the address of the transmission source information Sn. It becomes the form replaced with.

  For example, when a radio signal is transmitted from the parent device 1 to the child device 2B, when the communication path between the parent device 1 and the child device 2B is the parent device 1 → the child device 2A → the child device 2B, As shown in FIG. 3B, the data format of the radio signal transmitted from 1 has a header part H and a subheader part H1. The address of the slave unit 2A is stored in the destination information DA of the header part H, the address of the master unit 1 is stored in the source information SA, and the address of the slave unit 2B is stored in the destination information D1 of the subheader part H1. The address of the slave unit 2A is stored in the transmission source information S1.

  When the handset 2A receives this wireless signal, the data format of the frame of the wireless signal created in process P23 is as shown in FIG. The data format shown in FIG. 3A includes a header part H and a data part M. The destination information DA of the header part H contains the address of the slave unit 2B, and the source information SA contains the slave unit 2A. Are stored respectively.

  And if the subunit | mobile_unit 2B receives the radio signal transmitted from the subunit | mobile_unit 2A, the process P22 will be performed through the process P20 and the process P21.

  As another example, when a radio signal is transmitted from the parent device 1 to the child device 2B, the communication path between the parent device 1 and the child device 2B is as follows: the parent device 1 → the child device 2A → the child device 2C → the child device 2B. Is considered, the data format of the frame of the radio signal transmitted from the base unit 1 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 3C, a header portion H, two subheader portions H1, H2, And a data part M. The address of the child device 2A is stored in the destination information DA of the header portion H, the address of the parent device 1 is stored in the transmission source information SA, and the address of the child device 2C is transmitted in the destination information D1 of the subheader portion H1. The original information S1 stores the address of the child device 2A, the destination information D2 of the subheader H2 stores the address of the child device 2B, and the transmission source information S2 stores the address of the child device 2C.

  When the handset 2A serving as the first repeater receives this wireless signal, the data format of the wireless signal created in process P23 is as shown in FIG. The data format shown in FIG. 3B includes a header portion H, one subheader portion H1, and a data portion M. The destination information DA of the header portion H includes the address of the slave unit 2C, The address of the slave unit 2A is stored in the information SA, the address of the slave unit 2B is stored in the destination information D1 of the subheader portion H1, and the address of the slave unit 2C is stored in the transmission source information S1. That is, the header portion H is deleted.

  The data format of the frame of the radio signal created in process P23 when the slave unit 2C as the next repeater receives the radio signal transmitted from the slave unit 2A is as shown in FIG. The data format shown in FIG. 3A includes a header part H and a data part M. The destination information DA of the header part H contains the address of the slave unit 2B, and the source information SA contains the slave unit 2C. Are stored respectively. Even in this case, the header portion H is deleted.

  And if the subunit | mobile_unit 2B receives the radio signal transmitted from the subunit | mobile_unit 2C, the process P22 will be performed through the process P20 and the process P21.

  The wireless communication system according to the present embodiment includes an operation device 3 and a plurality of terminal devices (terminal devices) 4 that collect various data in addition to the above-described parent device 1 and the plurality of child devices 2.

  The terminal device 4 is a measuring device that measures a predetermined physical quantity (temperature, power consumption, flow rate) such as a thermometer, a wattmeter, and a gas meter. In the present embodiment, the terminal device 4 is connected to the communication unit 13 of the child device 2. The terminal device 4 transmits measurement data to the child device 2 in response to a request from the child device 2. Since this kind of terminal device 4 can adopt a conventionally well-known device, detailed description is omitted. In the present embodiment, the measurement device is described as an example of the terminal device 4, but a communication terminal device (for example, a communication terminal device for PLC) or the like may be employed as the terminal device 4. it can.

  The operating device 3 includes arithmetic processing means 30. The arithmetic processing unit 30 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a rewritable nonvolatile memory (for example, a flash memory), a storage area in which a program executed by the CPU is stored, and a storage area that serves as a work area for the CPU A personal computer (for example, an RS232C port or a USB port) connected to the communication unit 13 of the master unit 1 to communicate with the master unit 1 and executing a predetermined program PC). The arithmetic processing means 30 includes an image display means 31 that is an image display device such as a liquid crystal display for displaying an arbitrary image, and an operation input means that is composed of a user interface such as a keyboard and a mouse and is used for inputting various data. 32 is connected. That is, the operation device 3 includes an arithmetic processing unit 30, an image display unit 31, and an operation input unit 32.

  As described above, the wireless communication system according to the present embodiment includes the parent device 1, the plurality of child devices 2 that perform wireless communication with the parent device 1, the operation device 3 connected to the parent device 1, and the plurality of child devices 2. It is constructed by a plurality of terminal devices 4 connected to each. This radio communication system is mainly used to collect measurement data held by a plurality of terminal devices 4 by the operation device 3.

  The arithmetic processing means 30 of the operating device 3 transmits a control signal for causing the master unit 1 to perform a predetermined process according to the input content of the operation input means 32. For example, the arithmetic processing means 30 transmits a control signal (data acquisition signal) for acquiring measurement data from the terminal device 4 to the parent device 1. When the base unit 1 receives the data acquisition signal, request data requesting to send the measurement data of the terminal device 4 to the base unit 1 as the predetermined data is transmitted to the handset 2. And the subunit | mobile_unit 2 which received the said request data communicates with the terminal device 4, acquires measurement data from the terminal device 4, and transmits the radio signal containing the said measurement data toward the main | base station 1. FIG. The data format of the radio signal frame transmitted at this time is, for example, the format shown in FIG. 3A. The destination information DA of the header portion H contains the address of the base unit 1, and the source information SA contains its own address. Each address is stored, and measurement data acquired from the terminal device 4 is stored in the data part M. Note that, if the slave unit 2 relays the radio signal whose destination information DA is the address of the master unit 1 as it is, even if the master unit 1 does not exist in the communication area of the slave unit 2, the master unit 2 Wireless signals can be transmitted up to 1.

  In the memory of the arithmetic processing means 30 of the operating device 3, a communication path setting program for setting a communication path between the parent device 1 and the child device 2 is stored. Therefore, the arithmetic processing unit 30 executes a process (communication path setting process) P30 for storing the setting data input by the operation input unit 32 in the storage unit 12 of the base unit 1 by the communication path setting program. This process P30 is configured by a plurality of processes (that is, the communication path setting program is configured by a plurality of modules). Therefore, the controller device 3 is used as setting means for setting a communication path between the parent device and the child device in the wireless communication system. Note that the communication path setting program is installed in, for example, a recording medium (for example, a CD-ROM) on which the communication path setting program is recorded or a personal computer as the arithmetic processing unit 30 by downloading from a network server.

  When the communication path setting program is executed, first, a process (storage determination process) P301 for determining whether or not setting data is stored in the storage unit 12 of the parent device 1 is executed. For example, in process P301, a check signal is transmitted from the arithmetic processing means 30 to the master unit 1. When the parent device 1 receives the check signal, the parent device side control unit 11A executes processing (setting data determination processing) P13 for determining whether or not setting data exists in the storage unit 12. As a result of execution of process P13, master unit side control unit 11A notifies arithmetic processing means 30 that setting data does not exist if setting data does not exist in storage unit 12, and setting data exists in storage unit 12. If so, a process (response process) P14 for transmitting the setting data to the arithmetic processing means 30 is executed.

  When the arithmetic processing unit 30 receives a notification from the master unit 1 that the setting data does not exist, the arithmetic processing unit 30 determines that the setting data is not stored. When the arithmetic processing unit 30 receives the setting data from the master unit 1, the setting data is stored. Is determined. When any determination result is obtained, the process P301 ends.

  When the process P301 ends, the arithmetic processing unit 30 displays a setting image (see FIG. 1B) used for setting the communication path between the parent device 1 and the child device 2 on the image display unit 31 (new display). Processing) P302 or processing (reading display processing) P303 is executed. Here, the process P302 is a process executed when it is determined that the setting data is not stored by the process P301. In this process, the master unit-side control unit 11A causes the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 to A setting image consisting only of an area image indicating the area to be installed is displayed on the image display means 31. In the wireless communication system of the present embodiment, as an area image, an image in which the area where the parent device 1 and the child device 2 are installed is two-dimensionally represented, for example, a map of the area where the parent device 1 and the child device 2 are installed. (In the example shown in the figure, a simplified building diagram is used). In addition, in the map of the area shown in FIG.1 (b), the code | symbol 50 has shown the management building and the codes | symbols 51-53 have shown the factory. In this area image, scales and grids may be displayed so that the positions of the parent device 1 and the child device 2 can be easily understood. In the example shown in FIG. 1B, the master unit 1 is installed in the management building 50, and the slave units 2A to 2C are installed in the factories 51 to 53, respectively.

  On the other hand, the process P303 is a process executed when it is determined that the setting data is stored in the process P301. In this process, the parent device side control unit 11A stores the data in the storage unit 12 of the parent device 1. A setting image is displayed on the image display means 31 in which the positions and communication paths of the parent device 1 and the child device 2 corresponding to the set data are displayed on the area image. When displaying the setting image on the image display means 31, it is preferable to adjust the position of the setting image so that the parent device 1 is located at the center.

  Therefore, when the process P303 is executed, the image display means 31 displays the positions of the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 on the area image, the master unit 1 and the slave unit, as shown in FIG. A communication path to the device 2 (whether or not the child device 2 is within the communication range of the parent device 1) is displayed.

  In this embodiment, the communication path between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 is a vector (arrow) 6 (required) connecting between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 and between the slave units 2 displayed on the area image. (Represented by 6A to 6D). For example, in FIG. 1B, since the master unit 1 and the slave units 2A, 2C, and 2D are connected by vectors 6A, 6C, and 6D, respectively, the master unit 1 directly connects to the slave units 2A, 2C, and 2D. This indicates that the wireless signal is transmitted (the other handset 2 does not relay the wireless signal). On the other hand, since parent device 1 and child device 2B are not connected by a vector, vector 6A connecting parent device 1 and child device 2A and vector 6B connecting child device 2A and child device 2B are the same as parent device 1. And a communication path between the slave unit 2B. Therefore, by looking at the setting image as shown in FIG. 1B, the communication path between the master unit 1 and the slave units 2A, 2C, 2D is a communication path that does not go through the other slave units 2, and It can be easily known that the communication path between the machine 1 and the slave 2B is a communication path (master 1 → slave 2A → slave 2B) using the slave 2A as a repeater.

  In addition, when displaying the setting image, the parent device-side control unit 11A displays a circle 7 indicating the distance from the parent device 1 on the area image during the process P302. In the example shown in FIG. 1B, two circles 7 are displayed. One circle 7 (hereinafter represented by reference numeral 7A if necessary) indicates that the distance from the base unit 1 is 50 m, and the other circle 7 (hereinafter represented by reference numeral 7B if necessary) is This indicates that the distance from the base unit 1 is 100 m. In this embodiment, the distance between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2A is 50 m, the distance between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2B is 120 m, the distance between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2C is 40 m, and The distance to the child device 2D is 100 m. In the present embodiment, together with the circle 7, characters indicating the meaning of the circle 7 (distance from the parent device 1) are displayed on the area image.

  On the other hand, when the process P32 is executed, the image display means 31 displays the setting image consisting only of the area image (that is, the position of each of the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 from the state shown in FIG. 1B). The image from which the communication path and the circles 7A and 7B indicating the distance from the base unit 1 are removed) is displayed.

  As described above, the setting image is displayed on the image display unit 31 by executing either the process P302 or the process P303.

  After that, the arithmetic processing means 30 receives input from the user, that is, input of the position of the parent device 1, the position of the child device 2, and the communication path between the parent device 1 and the child device 2. Therefore, the user can set the position of the parent device 1, the position of the child device 2, and the communication path between the parent device 1 and the child device 2 while viewing the setting image.

  In the present embodiment, when the operation input unit 32 selects the input of the position of the parent device 1, the arithmetic processing unit 30 displays a cursor on the area image according to the input from the operation input unit 32 (position selection process). <Master device position selection process>) P304 is executed. When a predetermined input (an input for determining the position of the parent device 1) is performed by the operation input means 32 during the execution of the process P304, the parent device side control unit 11A determines the position of the cursor on the area image as the parent device 1. A process (master data input process) P305 is executed. Further, in process P305, a screen for designating the name of the base unit 1 and the terminal protocol is displayed, and processes for obtaining these inputs are also executed.

  Further, when the operation input unit 32 selects the input of the position of the slave unit 2, the arithmetic processing unit 30 displays a cursor on the area image according to the input of the operation input unit 32 (position selection process <child Machine position selection processing>) P306 is executed. When a predetermined input (an input for determining the position of the child device 2) is performed by the operation input means 32 during the execution of the process P306, the parent device side control unit 11A determines the position of the cursor on the area image. The process (slave unit position input process) P307 is executed. Further, in process P307, a screen for designating the name of the slave unit 2 and the station number is displayed, and a process for obtaining these inputs is also executed.

  In addition, when the input of the communication path is selected by the operation input unit 32, the arithmetic processing unit 30 executes a process (communication path selection process) P308 for displaying a cursor on the area image according to the input of the operation input unit 32. To do. During execution of the process P308, an input for determining the attribute of the slave unit 2 (that is, whether it is the destination slave unit 2 or the repeater) by the operation input means 32 in a state where the slave unit 2 is designated by the cursor. When done, the handset 2 selected by the cursor is set as a destination or a repeater. In this case, a vector (arrow) indicating a communication path being set may be displayed on the area image. Note that the vector indicating the communication path in the middle of setting and the vector indicating the communication path that has already been set can be distinguished from each other with different shapes (for example, line type and thickness), color, and the like. Is preferred.

  This operation is executed until the child device 2 as the transmission destination is selected. When the slave unit 2 as the transmission destination is selected, confirmation is made as to whether there is no problem with the input content. When the input content is confirmed, the relay unit 2 is selected until the slave unit 2 with the transmission destination is selected. The selected slave unit 2 and the selection order are input as a communication path between the master unit 1 and the destination slave unit 2. In this way, the process (communication path input process) P309 for inputting the communication path is executed.

  When the setting data is input by the operation input unit 32 during the display of the setting image (that is, when any one of the processes P305, P307, and P309 is executed), the setting data is input by the operation input unit 32. Processing (update display processing) P310 for displaying a setting image in which the positions of the parent device 1 and the child device 2 and the communication path according to the setting data and the communication path are displayed on the area image on the image display means 31 is executed. Note that the process P310 may be executed when all of the processes P305, P307, and P309 are executed.

  In addition, the arithmetic processing unit 30 transmits the setting data input by the operation input unit 32 to the parent device 1 when a predetermined input (input to finish setting of the communication path) is performed by the operation input unit 32. To do. When the setting data is received, if the setting data does not exist in the storage unit 12, the master-side control unit 11 A writes the received setting data in a rewritable storage area of the storage unit 12, and the setting data is stored in the storage unit 12. If it exists, the process (setting data storage process) P15 of rewriting the setting data stored in the storage unit 12 with the received setting data is executed. When the process P14 ends, the base-side controller 11A notifies the arithmetic processing means 30 that the process P15 has ended. When the arithmetic processing unit 30 receives a notification that the process P15 is completed from the parent device 1, the arithmetic processing unit 30 displays on the image display unit 31 that the storage of the setting data has been completed.

  In this way, the arithmetic processing unit 30 stores the setting data in the storage unit 12 of the base unit 1 when a predetermined input (an input to finish setting the communication path) is performed by the operation input unit 32. If not, the setting data input by the operation input unit 12 is stored in the storage unit 12 of the base unit 1. If the setting data is stored in the storage unit 12 of the base unit 1, the setting data is stored in the operation input unit 32. A process (storing process) P311 for overwriting the setting data input in step S311 is executed.

  As described above, in the wireless communication system of the present embodiment, the communication path between the parent device 1 and the child device 2 can be set by executing the above-described communication path setting program by the arithmetic processing unit 30. .

  Then, according to the wireless communication system (or communication path setting program) of the present embodiment, a setting image consisting only of an area image indicating an area where the parent device 1 and the child device 2 are installed, or storage of the parent device 1 It is possible to cause the image display means 31 to display a setting image in which the positions of the parent device 1 and the child device 2 and the communication path corresponding to the setting data stored in the unit 12 are displayed on the area image. Moreover, when the setting data is input by the operation input means 32, the setting image is a setting image in which the positions and communication paths of the parent device 1 and the child device 2 corresponding to the input setting data are displayed on the area image. Updated to Therefore, when setting the communication path between the parent device 1 and the child device 2, by looking at this setting image, the positional relationship between the parent device 1 and the child device 2 (for example, the child device 2 with respect to the parent device 1). The communication path can be set while confirming the (direction), etc., so that the communication path between the parent device 1 and the child device 2 can be easily set. In addition, the image display unit 31 of the operation device 3 serving as the setting unit displays the positions and communication paths of the base unit 1 and the handset 2 according to the setting data stored in the storage unit 12 of the base unit 1 on the area image. By displaying the setting image, it is possible to easily identify where the abnormal child device (abnormal child device) 2 is located. For example, a map showing the installation location of the child device 2 is stored from the storage location. The operation of taking out and confirming the installation location of the slave unit 2 becomes unnecessary, and measures against the abnormal slave unit 2 can be quickly taken.

  Further, the arithmetic processing means 30 displays a circle indicating the distance from the parent device 1 during any of the processing (new display processing) P302, processing (reading display processing) P303, and processing (update display processing) P310. Since the image is displayed on the area image, the communication path between the parent device 1 and the child device 2 can be set while grasping the distance between the parent device 1 and the child device 2. In addition, the communication path setting process P30 includes processes P304 and P306 for displaying a cursor on the area image in response to an input from the operation input unit 32, and the cursor input on the area image when a predetermined input is performed by the operation input unit 32. Since the processing includes the processing P305 and P307 for setting the position of the parent device 1 or the child device 2, the position of the parent device 1 or the child device 2 can be input by the cursor moving on the area image. And the slave unit 2 can be more easily set up for communication paths.

  In addition, since the area image is a map of the area, the installation location of the parent device 1 and the child device 2 can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner. In particular, by looking at the setting image, it is possible to confirm not only the distance and direction but also the moving route when heading for the location of the slave unit 2 where the abnormality has occurred. Will be able to be done more quickly. In the above example, a building map created simply as an area map is used. However, the area map is not limited to such a building map. For example, an actual aerial photograph or an area computer is used. It may be a graphics image, a schematic diagram of an area, or the like, and a suitable one can be adopted depending on the situation. In this embodiment, the circle 7 is displayed, but it may be replaced with a circular region.

  Note that the wireless communication system of the present embodiment is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to that of the present embodiment. Changes can be made without departing from the scope. For example, the number of the subunit | mobile_unit 2 is not limited to four, and the terminal device 4 is not limited to a measuring instrument as mentioned above. That is, the wireless communication system of the present embodiment is not limited to being applied to a system that collects data, but is a system for calling a remote person (for example, a security officer), an alarm system, or a system for remote operation. It can be applied to various systems such as. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the operation device 3 constituting the setting unit is separate from the parent device 1, but the setting device may be provided integrally with the parent device 1, and in this case, an image is displayed. The setting image may be always displayed on the display means. These points are the same in Embodiments 2 to 5 described later.

(Embodiment 2)
The wireless communication system of the present embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the operation of the arithmetic processing means 30 (that is, the contents of the communication path setting program) during execution of the process (communication path setting process) P30. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral, and illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  The arithmetic processing means 30 in the present embodiment indicates the distance from the parent device 1 during any of the processing (new display processing) P302, processing (reading display processing) P303, and processing (update display processing) P310. Instead of the circle 7, as shown in FIG. 4, a circle 8 having a shape including the slave unit 2 centered on the master unit 1 and having the same relaying order (number of relay stages) is displayed on the area image. In the example shown in FIG. 4, two circles 8 are displayed. One circle 8 (represented by reference numeral 8A if necessary) indicates a slave unit 2 (slave unit that relays the radio signal of the master unit 1 first) in the first order during relaying. The other circle 8 (hereinafter denoted by reference numeral 8B as necessary) indicates the slave unit 2 (the slave unit that relays the radio signal of the master unit 2 for the second time) 2 in the relay order. . The radius of each of the circles 8A and 8B is set to the distance between the base unit 1 and the base unit 1 having the longest distance from the base unit 1 among the slave units 2 having the same relaying order. In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the circle 8 indicating the distance is not displayed. Therefore, as the area image, an image that can grasp only the positional relationship between the parent device 1 and the child device 2 (for example, a solid color) Image). Further, in the present embodiment, together with the circle 8, characters indicating the meaning of the circle 8 (which level is) are displayed on the area image.

  According to the wireless communication system of the present embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the order (number of relay stages) at the time of relay can be easily grasped. This makes it easy to estimate the transmission time required for transmitting the same data to the slave unit 2. In the present embodiment, the circle 8 is displayed, but it may be replaced with a circular region. Further, the display of the circle 7 described in the first embodiment and the circle 8 of the present embodiment may be arbitrarily switched. When the circle 7 is displayed, an area map is used as the area image. May be.

(Embodiment 3)
The wireless communication system of the present embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the operations of the parent device side control unit 11A of the parent device 1, the child device side control unit 11B of the child device 2, and the arithmetic processing means 30 of the operation device 3. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral, and illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  The arithmetic processing means 30 in the present embodiment executes a process (field strength measurement process) P312 for causing the measurement of the electric field strength when the operation input means 32 inputs that the electric field strength measurement is started. In the process P312, the arithmetic processing unit 30 transmits a control signal (measurement start signal) for starting the measurement of the electric field strength to the parent device 1.

  When receiving the measurement start signal, base unit side control unit 11A in the present embodiment transmits a radio signal (field strength request signal) including data requesting to transmit field strength measurement data to each slave unit 2. Processing (field strength request processing) P16 is executed. When receiving the electric field strength request signal, the slave unit side control unit 11B in the present embodiment measures the electric field strength of the received wireless signal and includes a wireless signal (electric field) including measurement data (field strength data) of the measured electric field strength. A process (field strength measurement process) P24 of transmitting (strength response signal) to base unit 1 is executed. In the present embodiment, intensity measuring means for measuring the electric field intensity of the radio signal received by the radio transmitting / receiving unit 10 and the slave unit side control unit 11B is configured. The electric field strength can be obtained, for example, by using a received signal strength indication signal (Receiving Signal Strength Indication: RSSI signal) that is a DC voltage signal that is output from the wireless transceiver 10 and is proportional to the magnitude of the received signal strength. Can do. In the present embodiment, the electric field strength is expressed in%. Such a check method using the RSSI signal is well known in the art and will be described in detail. The electric field intensity may be displayed in dB or may be displayed in absolute value.

  11 A of master side control parts will perform the process (measurement result notification process) which transmits the electric field strength data of each subunit | mobile_unit 2 to the arithmetic processing means 30, if electric field strength response signal is received from each subunit | mobile_unit 2 after performing the process P16. ) Execute P17.

  In the present embodiment, a radio signal is directly transmitted from the parent device 1 to each of the child devices 2A, 2C, and 2D, and a wireless signal is relayed and transmitted from the parent device 1 to the child device 2B by the child device 2A. That is, wireless communication is performed between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2A, between the slave unit 2A and the slave unit 2B, between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2C, and between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2D. Done. Therefore, the arithmetic processing means 30 includes the radio signal of the master unit 1 received by the slave unit 2A, the radio signal of the slave unit 2A received by the slave unit 2B, the radio signal of the master unit 1 received by the slave unit 2C, and the slave unit 2D. Obtains the electric field strength of each radio signal of the base unit 1 received. For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 are arranged, and the electric field strength of the radio signal between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2A is 70%, The electric field strength of the radio signal between the child device 2A and the child device 2B is 100%, the electric field strength of the wireless signal between the parent device 1 and the child device 2C is 100%, and between the parent device 1 and the child device 2D. It is assumed that the electric field strength of the wireless signal is 30%. The distance between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2A is 50m, the distance between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2B is 120m, the distance between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2C is 40m, and the distance between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2D Assume that the distance is 100 m. Note that the table shown in FIG. 5B shows the electric field strength of the radio signal measured by each slave unit 2 and the distance between each slave unit 2 and the master unit 1.

  When the arithmetic processing means 30 receives the electric field strength data of each slave unit 2 from the master unit 1, the arithmetic processing unit 30 performs radio communication between the radio units based on the communication path between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2, this embodiment. In the case of wireless communication between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2A, between the slave unit 2A and the slave unit 2B, between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2C, and between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2D, respectively. As shown in FIG. 5A, a process (field intensity display process) P313 for displaying the signal field intensity on the area image with a radar chart is executed.

  The radar chart described above is a radar chart centering on the base unit 1 displayed on the area image, as shown in FIG. In this radar chart, the magnitude (scalar amount) of the vector (field strength display vector) from the radio device on the radio signal transmission side to the radio device on the reception side is proportional to the electric field strength, and the electric field strength is 100%. The magnitude of the electric field intensity display vector at a certain time is equal to the magnitude of the vector (path display vector) 6 connecting the radios.

  For example, when the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 are arranged in the form shown in FIG. 5A, the electric field strength of the radio signal received by each slave unit 2 is as shown in FIG. It becomes the value shown. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5A, the radar chart displayed on the area image has a position on the vector 6A where the distance from the base unit 1 is 70% of the size of the vector 6A, and the vector 6B. At a position where the distance to the child device 2A is 100% of the magnitude of the vector 6B, a position on the vector 6C where the distance to the parent device 1 is 100% of the magnitude of the vector 6C, and a parent position on the vector 6D. The distance from the machine 1 is connected to the position where the distance of the vector 6D is 30%.

  By referring to such a radar chart, if the electric field strength is weak, setting of a communication path for relaying a radio signal from the parent device 1 by another child device 2 and adjusting the installation position of the child device 2 are adjusted. Various improvement measures such as setting can be taken.

  For example, FIG. 6 (a) refers to the radar chart shown in FIG. 5 (a), and shows a setting image when the slave unit 2D having an electric field strength of 30% is repositioned so as to be close to the master unit 1. Is shown. The electric field strength of the radio signal measured by each slave unit 2 at this time and the distance between each slave unit 2 and the master unit 1 are as shown in FIG. By looking at the radar chart shown on the area image of FIG. 6A, it can be easily confirmed that the electric field strength of the slave unit 2D is improved (from 30% to 100%). it can. Note that the tables shown in FIGS. 5B and 6B do not necessarily have to be displayed together with the setting image, but displaying them together can give more information to the user, and the communication path. Is easier to set up.

  As described above, according to the radio communication system of the present embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, it is possible to set the communication path while confirming whether the electric field strength is good or bad. A communication path that reflects the communication status can be set. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a communication path having a low electric field strength and being actually unusable from being set due to the influence of surrounding buildings although there is no problem in distance. In addition, since the electric field strength is displayed in the form of a radar chart superimposed on the area image, the electric field strength and the communication path can be displayed in an easier-to-understand manner than when a table indicating the electric field strength is displayed together with the setting image. it can. In the above example, a radar chart in which the electric field strength is displayed by a scalar quantity of a vector indicating a communication path between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 or between the slave units 2 is used. There is no need to use charts. The field strength is a vector displayed on the area image of the image display means 31 in addition to the method of displaying the scalar intensity of the vector indicating the communication path between the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 or between the slave units 2. It can be expressed by various methods such as the thickness of line 6, color, and line type.

(Embodiment 4)
The wireless communication system of the present embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the operation of the arithmetic processing means 30 (that is, the contents of the communication path setting program) during execution of the process (communication path setting process) P30. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral, and illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the arithmetic processing means 30 in the present embodiment is an area image in which the area where the parent device 1 and the child device 2 are installed is two-dimensionally displayed, for example, the parent device 1 and the child device. A map of an area where 2 is installed (in the illustrated example, a simplified building diagram) is employed. In the area map shown in FIG. 7, reference numerals 54 to 56 denote factories A to C, and reference numeral 57 denotes a warehouse.

  Further, the arithmetic processing means 30 in the present embodiment is configured so that the parent device 1 and the child device 2 are in the process (new display process) P302, the process (read display process) P303, or the process (update display process) P310. Each two-dimensional coordinate (x, y) is displayed on the area image. Thus, when displaying the two-dimensional coordinate of the main | base station 1 and the subunit | mobile_unit 2 on an area image, let the coordinate of the main | base station 1 be an origin. The coordinates (x, y) indicate two-dimensional orthogonal coordinates (orthogonal system coordinates).

  For example, in the setting image shown in FIG. 7, one master unit 1 and four slave units 2 are displayed, and the coordinates of the master unit 1 (indicated by “master unit” in FIG. 7) are (0, 0). ) The coordinates of the first slave unit 2 (indicated as “slave unit 1” in FIG. 7) are (100, −10), and the coordinates of the second slave unit 2 (indicated as “slave unit 2” in FIG. 7). Is (−10, −50), the coordinates of the third slave unit 2 (indicated as “slave unit 3” in FIG. 7) are (−100,0), and the fourth slave unit 2 (in FIG. The coordinates of “-4” are (−150, 30).

  According to the wireless communication system of this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the positions of the parent device 1 and the child device 2 can be grasped more accurately. In addition, although the area image shown in FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of the area where the master unit 1 and the slave unit 2 are installed, an actual photograph (for example, aerial photograph) may be used instead of such a schematic plan view. A diagram showing the structure of the area in more detail can be used.

(Embodiment 5)
The wireless communication system of the present embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the operation of the arithmetic processing means 30 (that is, the contents of the communication path setting program) during execution of the process (communication path setting process) P30. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral, and illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the arithmetic processing unit 30 in the present embodiment performs a process of displaying an image representing an area in three dimensions as an area image. The area image shown in FIG. 8 includes a schematic diagram 90 showing the first floor of the building, a schematic diagram 91 showing the second floor of the building, and a schematic diagram 92 showing the third floor of the building. An actual photograph can be used instead of the schematic diagram, or a diagram showing the structure of the building in more detail can be used. Further, the arithmetic processing means 30 performs the tertiary processing of each of the parent device 1 and the child device 2 during any of the processing (new display processing) P302, processing (reading display processing) P303, and processing (update display processing) P310. A process for displaying the original coordinates (x, y, z) on the area image is performed. In this way, when displaying the three-dimensional coordinates of the parent device 1 and the child device 2 on the area image, the coordinates of the parent device 1 are set as the origin. The coordinates (x, y, z) indicate three-dimensional orthogonal coordinates (orthogonal system coordinates).

  For example, in the setting image shown in FIG. 8, one master unit 1 and six slave units 2 are displayed, and the coordinates of the master unit 1 (indicated as “master unit” in FIG. 8) are (0, 0). , 0) The coordinates of the first slave unit 2 (indicated by “Slave unit 1” in FIG. 8) are (−10, 30, 0), and the second slave unit 2 (“Slave unit 2” in FIG. 8). The coordinates of (shown) are (30, -10, 0), the coordinates of the third slave unit 2 (indicated as "Slave unit 3" in FIG. 8) are (-5, 10, 10), and the fourth slave unit 2 ( The coordinates of “child machine 4” in FIG. 8 are (−20, −50, 10), and the coordinates of the fifth child machine 2 (indicated by “child machine 5” in FIG. 8) are (−20, 10, 20), the coordinates of the sixth slave unit 2 (indicated by “slave unit 6” in FIG. 8) are (5, 0, 20). Further, in the setting image shown in FIG. 8, the schematic diagram 90 shows a region where z = 0, the schematic diagram 91 shows a region where z = 10, and the schematic diagram 92 shows a region where z = 20.

  According to the wireless communication system of the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the installation positions of the parent device 1 and the child device 2 can be visually accurately grasped, and in particular, a plurality of buildings or the like In a building having a hierarchy, the installation positions of the parent device 1 and the child device 2 can be easily grasped.

(A) is a system block diagram of the radio | wireless communications system of Embodiment 1, (b) is explanatory drawing of a setting image. It is a system configuration | structure figure of a radio | wireless communications system same as the above. It is explanatory drawing of the data format of the frame of a radio signal same as the above. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a setting image in the second embodiment. (A) is explanatory drawing of the setting image in Embodiment 3, (b) is a table | surface which shows the measurement result of the electric field strength in the same as the above. (A) is explanatory drawing of the setting image in the same as the above, (b) is a table | surface which shows the measurement result of the electric field strength in the same as the above. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a setting image in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a setting image in the fifth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 parent machine 2 child machine 3 operation device (setting means)
4 Terminal Device 10 Wireless Transmission / Reception Unit 11 Control Unit 12 Storage Unit 30 Arithmetic Processing Unit 31 Image Display Unit 32 Operation Input Unit

Claims (9)

A master unit, a plurality of slave units that perform wireless communication with the master unit, and a setting unit used for setting a communication path between the master unit and the slave units,
The master unit and the slave unit are composed of a radio unit including a radio transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives radio signals, a control unit that controls the radio transmission / reception unit, and a storage unit,
The storage unit of the master unit is rewritable and used for storing setting data including at least the position data of the master unit, the position data of the slave unit, and the communication path data between the master unit and the slave unit. A storage area is provided,
The control unit of the master unit determines whether or not it is necessary to relay the radio signal to another slave unit based on the communication path data when transmitting predetermined data to the slave unit, and relay determination If it is determined that it is not necessary to relay by the processing, it is necessary to relay by the direct transmission processing for transmitting the wireless signal including the information of the transmission destination slave unit and the predetermined data to the wireless transmission / reception unit and the relay determination processing When it is determined that there is an indirect transmission process that causes a wireless transmission / reception unit to transmit a wireless signal including a communication path between the parent device and the transmission destination child device and the predetermined data,
The control unit of the slave unit is determined to be itself by the reception determination process for determining whether or not the transmission destination slave unit included in the wireless signal received by the wireless transmission / reception unit is itself, and the reception determination process. Then, the wireless transmission / reception unit transmits the wireless signal received based on the communication path included in the received wireless signal when it is determined that it is not itself by the reception process for acquiring the predetermined data from the wireless signal and the reception determination process. To perform relay processing,
The setting means includes an image display means, an operation input means used for setting data input, and an arithmetic processing means for executing a communication path setting process for storing the setting data input by the operation input means in the storage unit of the parent device. And consists of
The communication path setting process includes a storage determination process for determining whether or not setting data is stored in the storage unit of the master unit, and a master unit and a slave unit when it is determined that the setting data is not stored by the storage determination process Is stored in the storage unit of the master unit when it is determined that the setting data is stored by the new display process for displaying on the image display means the setting image consisting only of the area image indicating the area where Read and display processing for displaying on the image display means a setting image representing the position and communication path of the master unit and the slave unit according to the set data on the area image, and setting by the operation input means during the display of the setting image When the data is input, a setting image in which the position of the master unit and the slave unit and the communication path according to the setting data input by the operation input unit and the communication path are displayed on the area image is displayed in the image table. Wireless communication system comprising an update display processing for displaying on the device.   The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the arithmetic processing means displays a circle indicating the distance from the parent device on the area image.   3. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the area image is a map of the area.   2. The arithmetic processing means, on the basis of the communication path data, displays on the area image a circle having a shape including child devices centered on the parent device and having the same relaying order. Wireless communication system. The slave unit includes strength measuring means for measuring the electric field strength of the received radio signal,
The wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the arithmetic processing means displays the electric field strength on the area image based on a measurement result of the strength measuring means. The area image is an image representing the area in two dimensions,
The wireless communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the arithmetic processing means displays two-dimensional coordinates of the master unit and the slave unit on the area image. The area image is an image representing the area in three dimensions,
The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the arithmetic processing means displays three-dimensional coordinates of the master unit and the slave unit on the area image.   The communication path setting process includes a position selection process for displaying a cursor on the area image in response to an input from the operation input means, and a position of the cursor on the area image when a predetermined input is performed by the operation input means. 8. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, further comprising: a handset position input process that sets the handset position of the handset. A master unit, a plurality of slave units that perform wireless communication with the master unit, and a setting unit used for setting a communication path between the master unit and the slave units,
The master unit and the slave unit are composed of a radio unit including a radio transmission / reception unit that transmits and receives radio signals, a control unit that controls the radio transmission / reception unit, and a storage unit,
The storage unit of the master unit is rewritable and used for storing setting data including at least the position data of the master unit, the position data of the slave unit, and the communication path data between the master unit and the slave unit. A storage area is provided,
The control unit of the master unit determines whether or not it is necessary to relay the radio signal to another slave unit based on the communication path data when transmitting predetermined data to the slave unit, and relay determination If it is determined that it is not necessary to relay by the processing, it is necessary to relay by the direct transmission processing for transmitting the wireless signal including the information of the transmission destination slave unit and the predetermined data to the wireless transmission / reception unit and the relay determination processing When it is determined that there is an indirect transmission process that causes a wireless transmission / reception unit to transmit a wireless signal including a communication path between the parent device and the transmission destination child device and the predetermined data,
The control unit of the slave unit is determined to be itself by the reception determination process for determining whether or not the transmission destination slave unit included in the wireless signal received by the wireless transmission / reception unit is itself, and the reception determination process. Then, the wireless transmission / reception unit transmits the wireless signal received based on the communication path included in the received wireless signal when it is determined that it is not itself by the reception process for acquiring the predetermined data from the wireless signal and the reception determination process. To perform relay processing,
The setting means is a communication path setting program used in a wireless communication system including image display means, operation input means used for setting data input, and arithmetic processing means for executing a predetermined program. And
In the arithmetic processing means,
A storage determination process for determining whether or not setting data is stored in the storage unit of the master unit;
A new display process for causing the image display means to display a setting image consisting only of an area image indicating an area where the master unit and the slave unit are installed when it is determined that the setting data is not stored by the storage determination process;
When it is determined that the setting data is stored by the storage determination process, the setting that represents the position of the parent device and the child device and the communication path according to the setting data stored in the storage unit of the parent device on the area image Read display processing for displaying an image on the image display means;
When the setting data is input by the operation input means while the setting image is displayed, the setting image is formed by displaying the position of the master unit and the slave unit and the communication path according to the setting data input by the operation input means on the area image. Update display processing for displaying on the image display means,
If setting data is not stored in the storage unit of the parent device when a predetermined input is performed by the operation input unit, the setting data input by the operation input unit is stored in the storage unit of the parent device. If the setting data is stored in the storage unit, a communication path setting program that at least performs a storage process of overwriting the setting data over the setting data input by the operation input means.

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