JP4679476B2 - Wireless communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radio communication device which suppresses the consumption of useless electric power. <P>SOLUTION: A home control device 10 comprises a first communication section 20, a frequency control section 22, a memory section 24, and a time control section 26. The first communication section 20 communicates control information with two or more devices by electric waves. The frequency control section 22 controls the first communication section 20. The memory section 24 memorizes the information indicating a specific device and the information indicating the first communication section 20. When the destination devices of the control information received by the first communication section 20 differ from the specific device and the first communication section 20, the time control section 26 controls the frequency control section 22 so that the first communication section 20 may communicate the control information on frequency different from a destination device. When the destination device is a specific device, the time control section repeats the judgment whether the first communication section 20 has received the control information. When a waiting period exceeds a threshold, the time control section controls the first communication section 20 so as to transmit the transmit information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication apparatus, and more particularly to a wireless communication apparatus that performs transmission of information in a predetermined procedure.

  In recent years, home network systems having the following functions have been developed. A first example of such a function is a function of remotely controlling home appliances in the home from a mobile phone. The second example is a security function that notifies a mobile phone outside the house that an abnormal condition occurs if a sensor installed in the home reacts while the user is away. Such a home network system is connected to an external network such as the Internet and centrally manages the operation state of each device in the home, and the home controller device by a bidirectional communication device such as a specific low power radio. It consists of connected white goods such as an air conditioner and security equipment such as sensors. An example of a network system using specific low-power radio is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  Patent Literature 1 discloses a communication method for performing communication between a transmission device and a reception device. In the communication method, the receiving device receives the bit synchronization signal and synchronizes with the transmitting device, and then receives the first frame synchronization signal for continuing the reception and the second frame synchronization for interrupting the reception. A signal is awaited, and reception processing is performed based on the previously detected frame synchronization signal.

According to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, communication reliability can be ensured by avoiding a channel whose radio wave condition has deteriorated.
JP 2000-270041 A

  However, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that white goods and security devices can consume useless power.

  This problem will be described in detail with an example. This example assumes the following: The first matter is that a certain sensor is trying to transmit information to the home controller device in order to notify the change of the sensor signal. The second matter is that information was being transmitted from the home controller device to the television at the time when the sensor first tried to start transmission. The third matter is that the information was being transmitted from the air conditioner to the home controller device at the time when the sensor tried to start transmission for the second time. Under these assumptions, assume that the sensor first tries to start transmission. At that time, the sensor detects a signal from the home controller device to the television by carrier sense. The detection of the signal means that communication cannot be performed on the channel that was originally scheduled to be used. Therefore, the sensor tries to start communication on another channel. However, under the above assumption, the sensor cannot transmit information to the home controller device because the home controller device is transmitting information on the original channel. After that, the sensor tries to start transmission for the second time. Also at this time, the sensor detects a carrier signal by carrier sense. The carrier signal indicates that information is being transmitted from the air conditioner to the home controller device. The fact that information is being transmitted means that communication on the channel that was originally intended to be used is not possible. Therefore, the sensor tries to start communication on another channel. However, under the above-mentioned premise, the sensor cannot transmit information to the home controller device because the home controller device is receiving information from the air conditioner on the original channel. As a result, the sensor has failed to communicate twice. The sensor consumes wasted power due to two failed communications. Such a waste effect is particularly great in a sensor driven by electric power supplied by a battery.

  If one channel is used for communication, the above-described wasteful power consumption is eliminated. However, if one channel is used for communication, when the radio wave environment deteriorates due to the interference from other systems, all communication operations are affected by the deterioration of the radio wave environment. Reliability will be reduced.

  White goods and sensor devices communicate directly with each other and operate in cooperation with each other, whereby the above-described problems are generally solved. However, the realization of such an operation is based on the premise that white goods and sensor devices each have an application for communication. Considering the diversity and expandability of applications, it is not desirable for white goods and sensor devices to implement applications. It is more realistic that a home controller device that centrally manages home device information executes each application based on the device information collected in the home controller device, and performs control by communicating with the device when necessary. It is. In this case, only the communication function is mounted on the white goods or the sensor device. Therefore, the communication form is a form in which the home controller device always relays information when white goods or sensor devices communicate with each other and operate in cooperation with each other. When white goods and sensor devices communicate with each other in such a form, the above-described problems are greatly affected.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a wireless communication apparatus capable of suppressing wasteful power consumption.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a wireless communication apparatus includes first communication means, frequency control means, storage means, and timing control means. The first communication means communicates control information with a plurality of devices by radio waves. The control information is information including information indicating a transmission destination and information indicating the contents of control. The frequency control means controls the first communication means so as to communicate with a plurality of devices using any one of a plurality of frequencies. The storage means stores information representing the specific device and information representing the first communication means. The specific device is a device that is one of a plurality of devices. The timing control unit controls the communication timing of the first communication unit. The timing control means includes a reception determination means, an identification means, a difference control means, a repetition control means, a processing means, and a transmission control means. The reception determining unit determines whether or not the first communication unit has received control information until the standby period exceeds the first threshold. The standby period is a period in which the first communication unit waits for reception of control information prior to transmission. The identification means identifies the transmission destination indicated by the control information when the first communication means receives the control information before the standby period exceeds the first threshold. When the transmission destination identified by the identification means is different from the specific device and the first communication means, the difference control means communicates the control information at a frequency different from the transmission destination identified by the identification means. Thus, the frequency control means is controlled. The repetition control unit controls the reception determination unit to repeat the determination as to whether or not the first communication unit has received control information when the transmission destination identified by the identification unit is a specific device. The processing means processes the control information received by the first communication means when the transmission destination identified by the identification means is the first communication means. The transmission control unit controls the first communication unit to transmit information when the standby period exceeds the first threshold.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the identification means described above includes a first determination means and a second determination means. When the first communication means receives the control information before the standby period exceeds the first threshold, the first determination means includes the contents of the information representing the first communication means and the contents of the information representing the transmission destination. Whether or not matches is determined. When the first communication unit receives the control information before the standby period exceeds the first threshold, the second determination unit matches the content of the information indicating the specific device and the content of the information indicating the transmission destination. Judge whether to do. At the same time, the difference control unit controls the frequency control unit so that the first communication unit changes the frequency of the radio wave used for communication when the transmission destination of the control information is different between the first communication unit and the specific device. It is desirable to include these means.

  Alternatively, the difference control means described above preferably includes a time determination means and a means for controlling the frequency control means. The time determination means determines whether or not the elapsed time has exceeded the required time. The elapsed time is the time that has elapsed after the first communication means has received the control information. The indispensable time is a time required to determine whether the transmission destination of the control information is different between the first communication unit and the specific device. The means for controlling the frequency control means controls the frequency control means so as to change the frequency of the radio wave when the elapsed time exceeds the essential time.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the first threshold value described above is a time required for communication of control information that the first communication unit communicates with the specific device.

  In addition to the case where the frequency of the radio wave used for communication by the first communication unit is changed, the repetition control unit described above is controlled by the first communication unit when the transmission destination identified by the identification unit is a specific device. It is desirable to include means for controlling the reception determination means so as to repeat the determination of whether or not information has been received.

  The first communication means described above preferably includes means for communicating control information in addition to the change information. The change information is information indicating the frequency after the change of radio waves for communication. In addition, it is desirable that the timing control means further includes an intensity determination means, a means for generating change information, and a change control means. The strength determination unit determines whether the strength of the radio wave received by the first communication unit is equal to or less than a second threshold value. The means for generating the change information generates the change information when the intensity of the radio wave is equal to or less than the second threshold value. When the first communication unit receives the change information, the change control unit controls the frequency control unit so that the frequency of the radio wave used for communication by the first communication unit is changed to a frequency represented by the change information.

  The first communication means described above preferably includes means for communicating control information in addition to the change information. The change information is information indicating the frequency after the change of radio waves for communication. In addition, it is desirable that the timing control means further includes a means for generating change information and a change control means. The means for generating the change information is the first communication means continuously used when the first communication means uses radio waves of the same frequency continuously for communication with the same specific device. Change information representing the frequency of the radio wave as the changed frequency is generated. When the first communication unit receives the change information, the change control unit controls the frequency control unit so that the frequency of the radio wave used for communication by the first communication unit is changed to a frequency represented by the change information.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the above-described wireless communication apparatus further includes an output unit for outputting information processed by the processing unit.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the above-described wireless communication device further includes an operation unit for operating so as to correspond to the information processed by the processing unit.

  In addition, when the reception determination unit described above first determines whether or not control information has been received after the start of the standby period, whether or not the first communication unit has received control information by radio waves of a predetermined frequency. It is desirable to include means for determining whether or not.

  The wireless communication apparatus described above preferably further includes a second communication unit for communicating information processed by the processing unit with a device different from the device with which the first communication unit communicates.

  The wireless communication apparatus according to the present invention can suppress wasteful power consumption.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, the radio | wireless communications system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a radio communication system according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the wireless communication system according to the present embodiment includes a home controller device 10, an air conditioner 11, and a sensor 12. The home controller device 10 communicates with the mobile phone 15 and the personal computer 16 via the router modem 13 and the network 14. The home controller device 10 is also a device that transmits control information received from the mobile phone 15 or the personal computer 16 to the air conditioner 11 or the sensor 12. The home controller device 10 is also a device that transmits information received from the air conditioner 11 or the sensor 12 to the mobile phone 15 or the personal computer 16. The air conditioner 11 is a device that adjusts the state of indoor air. The sensor 12 is a device that detects changes in temperature and other physical quantities.

  The home controller device 10 includes a first communication unit 20, a frequency control unit 22, a storage unit 24, a timing control unit 26, a second communication unit 28, a switch input unit 30, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) output. A part 32 and a buzzer 34 are included. The first communication unit 20 communicates with a plurality of devices using radio waves. Information communicated by the first communication unit 20 is control information. The devices that the first communication unit 20 communicates with are not limited to the air conditioner 11 and the sensor 12. For example, the device with which the first communication unit 20 communicates may be a household device (not shown). In the case of the present embodiment, the first communication unit 20 is a device that is a communication partner, and is a device that constitutes the wireless communication system shown in FIG. Called. Apart from the air conditioner 11 and the sensor 12, when there is a device constituting the wireless communication system shown in FIG. 1, the device is also a kind of specific device. On the other hand, even if the device communicates with the first communication unit 20, the device is not a specific device if it is not a device that constitutes the wireless communication system shown in FIG. In the case of the present embodiment, the first communication unit 20 communicates with a specific low power wireless protocol. The frequency band of radio waves used for communication is the 429 megahertz band. The frequency control unit 22 is a device that controls the first communication unit 20. In the case of the present embodiment, the first communication unit 20 communicates with a specific device or a device (not shown) using any of a plurality of channels having different frequencies. In the present embodiment, the frequencies of radio waves used for communication by the first communication unit 20 are referred to as “channel A”, “channel B”, and “channel C”. It goes without saying that the frequency of radio waves used for communication by the first communication unit 20 may be two or three or more. The frequency control unit 22 is a device that controls the first communication unit 20 so as to communicate with a specific device or a device (not shown) using radio waves of any frequency among the channel A, the channel B, and the channel C. The frequency control unit 22 controls the first communication unit 20 to change the frequency used for communication when controlled by the timing control unit 26 and when the first communication unit 20 receives change information described later. To do. The storage unit 24 stores information representing the identification ID of the specific device and the identification ID of the first communication unit 20. The storage unit 24 is also a device that stores information necessary for the application control unit 66 (described later) to generate and process information. The timing control unit 26 is a device that controls the communication timing of the first communication unit 20. The 2nd communication part 28 is an apparatus which communicates the information which the application control part 66 processed and produced | generated between the apparatuses different from the apparatus with which the 1st communication part 20 communicates. In the case of this embodiment, the router modem 13 is the device that the second communication unit 28 communicates with. Since the router modem 13 communicates with the mobile phone 15 and the personal computer 16, the second communication unit 28 can exchange information with the mobile phone 15 and the personal computer 16. The switch input unit 30 is a device that inputs information to the application control unit 66 when a user operates a switch. The LED output unit 32 is a device in which the application control unit 66 outputs information when the LED is turned on. The buzzer 34 is a device from which the application control unit 66 outputs information as sound.

  The first communication unit 20 includes an antenna 39, a reception unit 40, a code decoding unit 42, a code generation unit 44, and a transmission unit 46. The antenna 39 receives a radio wave and converts the radio wave into an electric signal. The antenna 39 is also a device that converts the electrical signal converted by the transmission unit 46 into a radio wave. The receiving unit 40 converts the electrical signal into a code. The code decoding unit 42 decodes information represented by the code. The code decoding unit 42 is also a circuit that determines whether to output the decoded information to the timing control unit 26. The code generation unit 44 is a circuit that generates a code based on the information output from the timing control unit 26. The transmission unit 46 is a circuit that converts the code generated by the code generation unit 44 into an electrical signal.

  The timing control unit 26 includes a reception determination unit 50, an identification unit 52, a difference control unit 54, a repetition control unit 56, an intensity determination unit 58, a second generation unit 60, a change control unit 62, and a third control unit. A generation unit 64, an application control unit 66, and a transmission control unit 68 are included. The reception determination unit 50 determines whether the first communication unit 20 has received control information. The reception determination unit 50 determines whether or not the control information has been received until the length of the standby period exceeds a predetermined length. In the present embodiment, the standby period means a period during which the first communication unit 20 waits for reception of control information prior to transmission. When the first communication unit 20 receives the control information before the length of the standby period exceeds the predetermined length described above, the identification unit 52 identifies the transmission destination represented by the control information. The difference control unit 54 controls the frequency control unit 22 when the transmission destination represented by the control information is different from the specific device and the first communication unit 20. Under the control of the difference control unit 54, the frequency control unit 22 causes the first communication unit 20 to communicate control information using radio waves having a frequency different from the transmission destination identified by the identification unit 52. 20 is controlled. The repetition control unit 56 controls the reception determination unit 50 when the transmission destination is a specific device. Under the control of the repetition control unit 56, the reception determination unit 50 repeats the determination as to whether or not the first communication unit 20 has received control information. The repetition control unit 56 is also a unit that controls the reception determination unit 50 when the frequency of the radio wave used for communication by the first communication unit 20 changes. The strength determination unit 58 determines whether the strength of the radio wave received by the first communication unit 20 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. The second generation unit 60 generates change information when the intensity of the radio wave received by the first communication unit 20 is equal to or less than the threshold value described above. The second generation unit 60 constantly monitors the intensity of radio waves, and immediately generates change information when the intensity is equal to or less than the threshold value described above. In the present embodiment, the change information is information representing the frequency after the change of the communication radio wave used by the first communication unit 20. The first communication unit 20 communicates this change information in addition to the control information under the control of the transmission control unit 68. When the second generator 60 generates change information, the first communication unit 20 immediately transmits the change information. At that time, the frequency control unit 22 immediately controls the first communication unit 20 after transmitting the change information so as to communicate information at the frequency represented by the change information. The third generation unit 64 generates change information in the following case. The first case is a case where the first communication unit 20 continuously uses radio waves of the same frequency for communication with the same specific device. In this case, the generated change information represents the frequency of the radio wave continuously used by the first communication unit 20 as the frequency of the radio wave after the change. The second case is a case where the frequency control unit 22 controls the first communication unit 20 to change the channel used for communication. The application control unit 66 generates and processes information based on control information from the specific device received via the first communication unit 20 and information received by the second communication unit 28. The transmission control unit 68 controls the first communication unit 20 to transmit the information generated by the application control unit 66 when the above-described standby period exceeds a certain length.

  The identification unit 52 includes a first determination unit 70 and a second determination unit 72. When the first communication unit 20 receives control information before the above-described standby period exceeds a predetermined length, the first determination unit 70 includes the ID for identifying the first communication unit 20 and the content of the information indicating the transmission destination. Whether or not matches is determined. In the present embodiment, “information indicating the transmission destination” is information included in the control information. The “information indicating the transmission destination” will be described later. When the first communication unit 20 receives the control information before the length of the above-described standby period exceeds a predetermined length, the second determination unit 72 stores information indicating that the identification ID of the specific device represents the above-described transmission destination. It is determined whether or not the content matches.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the difference control unit 54 communicates with the first communication unit 20 when the contents of the “information indicating the transmission destination” are different from the identification ID of the first communication unit 20 and the identification ID of the specific device. The frequency control unit 22 is controlled so as to change the frequency of the radio wave used for.

  The difference control unit 54 includes a time determination unit 90 and a time control unit 92. The time determination unit 90 determines whether or not the elapsed time exceeds the required time. This “elapsed time” means a time elapsed after the first communication unit 20 receives the control information. This “essential time” means a time required to determine whether the transmission destination of the control information is different between the first communication unit 20 and the specific device. The time control unit 92 controls the frequency control unit 22 to change the frequency of the radio wave when the elapsed time exceeds the required time.

  The application control unit 66 includes a processing unit 80 and a first generation unit 82. The processing unit 80 processes the control information received by the first communication unit 20 when the transmission destination identified by the identification unit 52 is the first communication unit 20. The first generation unit 82 generates transmission information that is information for transmission based on information processed by the processing unit 80 and information received by the second communication unit 28.

  The air conditioner 11 includes a first communication unit 20, a frequency control unit 22, a storage unit 24, a timing control unit 26, a switch input unit 31, and an operation unit 38. The switch input unit 31 is a device that inputs information when a user operates a switch. The operating unit 38 is a device that operates to adjust the indoor temperature and humidity based on the information generated by the timing control unit 26.

  The sensor 12 includes a first communication unit 20, a frequency control unit 22, a storage unit 24, a timing control unit 26, a buzzer 36, and a detection unit (not shown). The buzzer 36 is a device that outputs information generated by the timing control unit 26 as sound. The detection unit is a device that detects the physical quantity described above.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a format of control information communicated among home controller device 10, air conditioner 11, and sensor 12. Referring to FIG. 2, the format of the control information includes a plurality of header areas from the first header area to the Mth header area, and a data area. The value represented by “M” in the “Mth header area” corresponds to the requirement described later. Each header area from the first header area to the Mth header area includes data necessary for receiving data stored in the data area and information indicating a transmission destination of control information. The contents of the header areas from the first header area to the Mth header area are all the same. In the case of the present embodiment, the control information includes each header area from the first header area to the Mth header area for the following reason. The reason is that the sensor 12 receives control information intermittently. The first communication unit 20 of the sensor 12 receives the control information intermittently in order to reduce power consumption. The power consumption of the sensor 12 is reduced because the sensor 12 is driven by a battery (not shown). In the present embodiment, the first communication unit 20 of the sensor 12 waits for control information for 3 seconds and then stops waiting for 3 seconds. Since the first communication unit 20 of the sensor 12 receives control information intermittently, the home controller device 10 repeats information of the same content so that the first communication unit 20 of the sensor 12 can reliably receive control information. Need to be sent. The number of header areas included in the control information, that is, the value of “M” described above corresponds to a period during which the first communication unit 20 of the sensor 12 pauses reception.

  Each of the header areas from the first header area to the Mth header area includes a bit synchronization code, a frame synchronization code, a system identification code, and device identification ID information. The bit synchronization code is a code used for determining the timing at which the first communication unit 20 starts receiving control information. The frame synchronization code is a code for the first communication unit 20 to determine the start point of the frame. The system identification code is a code for identifying whether or not the transmission source of the control information is a device constituting the wireless communication system shown in FIG. The device identification ID information is information representing the ID of a device that transmits control information. In the case of the present embodiment, the device identification ID information corresponds to the “information indicating the transmission destination” described above.

  The data area includes a bit synchronization code, a frame synchronization code, a system identification code, device identification ID information, management information, and a data body. The management information is information necessary for frame control and other control information management. The data body is information representing the contents of control as data.

  Referring to FIG. 3, a program executed by home controller device 10 or a specific device executes the following control with respect to control of communication time.

  In step S100, first generation unit 82 determines whether there is information to be transmitted. If it is determined that there is no information to be transmitted (YES in step S100), the process proceeds to step S102. If not (NO in step S100), the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S <b> 102, the change control unit 62 controls the frequency control unit 22 according to the control signal from the first generation unit 82. The frequency control unit 22 controls the first communication unit 20 so that the frequency of the radio wave used for communication is channel A. Thereby, the frequency of the radio wave used for communication by the first communication unit 20 is set to channel A.

  In step S104, the reception determining unit 50 determines whether or not the first communication unit 20 has received control information. A signal representing the control information received by the first communication unit 20 at this time is referred to as a “carrier signal”. Thereby, the reception determination unit 50 determines whether or not there is a carrier signal. If it is determined that there is a carrier signal (YES in step S104), the process proceeds to step S106. If not (NO in step S104), the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S106, the first communication unit 20 receives the control information. During reception of the control information, the first determination unit 70 is connected by comparing the device identification ID information included in the control information with the device identification ID of the first communication unit 20 stored in the storage unit 24. It is determined whether or not the first communication unit 20 is a transmission destination of control information. When the first communication unit 20 to which the first communication unit 20 is connected is the transmission destination, the first determination unit 70 outputs the information received by the first communication unit 20 to the processing unit 80. If not, the first determination unit 70 stops the analysis of the control information and ends the process.

  In step S108, the difference control unit 54 determines whether or not the presence or absence of carrier signals has been confirmed for all channels of radio waves used for communication by the first communication unit 20. The difference control unit 54 is based on whether the frequency control unit 22 is controlled to change the frequency to which channel when the frequency control unit 22 is finally controlled to change the frequency of the radio wave used for communication. Confirm this. In the case of the present embodiment, the transition of channels used for communication is predetermined. The channel first used for communication is channel A. The next channel used is channel B. The channel used thereafter is channel C. As a result, when the “specific transmission channel” described later is channel A, the presence or absence of carrier signals is confirmed for all channels when the frequency control unit 22 is controlled to change the frequency to channel A. If it is determined that the presence / absence of carrier signals has been confirmed for all channels (YES in step S108), the process ends. If not (NO in step S108), the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S110, the frequency control unit 22 controls the first communication unit 20 according to the control of the difference control unit 54 so that the channel used for communication becomes the specific transmission channel. In the present embodiment, a frequency that satisfies the following requirements is referred to as a “specific transmission channel”. The first requirement is a requirement that the frequency be a radio wave used for communication between the home controller device 10 and the specific device. The second requirement is a requirement that the frequency is a radio wave when the reception determination unit 50 first determines whether or not the first communication unit 20 has received control information after the end of step S100. In addition, the third generation unit 64 generates change information. The changed channel indicated by the change information is a specific transmission channel. In the case of this embodiment, the specific transmission channel is channel A in principle. However, when the value of the channel flag stored in the storage unit 24 exceeds the threshold value, the specific transmission channel is a channel other than the channel A. The channel flag is a flag representing the number of times of communication using channel B radio waves and the number of times of communication using channel C radio waves.

  In step S112, reception determination unit 50 determines whether there is a carrier signal. If it is determined that there is a carrier signal (YES in step S112), the process proceeds to step S114. If not (NO in step S112), the process proceeds to step S134. In step S114, the time determination unit 90 of the difference control unit 54 starts measuring time using a timer included in the time determination unit 90.

  In step S116, the first determination unit 70 compares the device identification ID information included in the control information with the device identification ID of the first communication unit 20 stored in the storage unit 24, so that the first determination unit 70 is connected to the first determination unit 70. 1 It is determined whether the communication unit 20 is a transmission destination of control information. If first communication unit 20 to which it is connected determines that it is a transmission destination of control information (YES in step S116), the process proceeds to step S118. If not (NO in step S116), the process proceeds to step S120. In step S <b> 118, first determination unit 70 outputs the control information received by first communication unit 20 to processing unit 80.

  In step S120, repetition control unit 56 controls reception determination unit 50 so as to repeat the determination of whether or not first communication unit 20 has received control information. Thereby, the reception determination unit 50 can determine whether or not radio waves having a frequency used for communication by the first communication unit 20 can be used for communication. In the present embodiment, the fact that radio waves of a certain channel can be used for communication is referred to as “channel is free”. Thereby, the reception determination unit 50 determines whether or not the channel is free. If it is determined that the channel is free (YES in step S120), the process proceeds to step S134. If not (NO in step S120), the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S122, time determination unit 90 determines whether or not the time measurement by the timer has ended. In the case of the present embodiment, the time measured by the above-described timer is preset to 3.5 seconds. This time is equal to the time required for communicating the control information shown in FIG. If it is determined that the time measurement has been completed (YES in step S122), the process proceeds to step S124. If not (NO in step S122), the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S124, the time control unit 92 of the difference control unit 54 controls the frequency control unit 22 so that the channel used by the first communication unit 20 for communication is changed. Thereby, the channel which the 1st communication part 20 uses for communication is changed.

  In step S126, reception determination unit 50 determines whether there is a carrier signal. If it is determined that there is a carrier signal (YES in step S126), the process proceeds to step S128. If not (NO in step S126), the process proceeds to step S134. In step S128, the frequency control unit 22 controls the first communication unit 20 to change the radio wave channel used for communication.

  In step S130, reception determination unit 50 determines whether there is a carrier signal. If it is determined that there is a carrier signal (YES in step S130), the process proceeds to step S132. If not (NO in step S130), the process proceeds to step S134.

  In step S132, reception determination unit 50 outputs a signal indicating that a communication error has occurred to first generation unit 82. The first generation unit 82 stops the process for transmitting information.

  In step S <b> 134, reception determination unit 50 outputs a signal indicating that transmission is possible to first generation unit 82. The first generation unit 82 outputs information to be transmitted to the transmission control unit 68. The transmission control unit 68 controls the first communication unit 20 to transmit the information output from the first generation unit 82. In addition, the processing unit 80 refers to the immediately preceding flag stored in the storage unit 24 to determine whether or not radio waves of the same channel have been used continuously. When determining that the radio waves of the same channel have been used continuously, the processing unit 80 increases the value of the flag corresponding to the radio wave channel used for transmission by “1”. Otherwise, the processing unit 80 sets all the channel flag values to “0”.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing communication timings in the wireless communication system shown in FIG. With reference to FIG. 4, the operation of the wireless communication system based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described.

  It is assumed that the first generation unit 82 of the sensor 12 determines whether there is no information to be transmitted immediately before P (1) shown in FIG. 4 (step S100). In this case, if there is no information to be transmitted yet (YES in step S100), frequency control unit 22 sets the channel of the radio wave used for communication by first communication unit 20 to channel A (step S102). When the channel is set, the reception determining unit 50 determines whether there is a carrier signal (step S104). In this case, transmission from the home controller device 10 to the air conditioner 11 has already started. Thereby, reception determination unit 50 determines that there is a carrier signal (YES in step S104), and therefore first determination unit 70 continues to receive control information (step S106). In this case, since the transmission destination of the control information is not the sensor 12, the control of the communication time is temporarily ended.

  Thereafter, at the time immediately after P (1) shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the first generation unit 82 of the sensor 12 determines again whether there is any information to be transmitted (step S100). In this case, if there is information to be transmitted (NO in step S100), frequency control unit 22 sets the radio wave channel used for communication by first communication unit 20 as a specific transmission channel (step S110).

  When the radio wave channel is set to the specific transmission channel, the reception determining unit 50 determines whether there is a carrier signal (step S112). At this time, since there is a carrier signal (YES in step S112), time measurement by a timer is started (step S114). When time measurement is started, the first determination unit 70 determines whether or not the first communication unit 20 to which the first determination unit 70 is connected is a transmission destination of control information (step S116). In this case, as described above, since this control information is not addressed to sensor 12 (NO in step S116), reception determination unit 50 determines whether or not the channel is free (step S120). In this case, since the channel is not free (NO in step S120), time determination unit 90 determines whether or not the time measurement by the timer has ended (step S122). In this case, assuming that the counting has not been completed yet (NO in step S122), the processes in steps S116 to S122 are repeated.

  Meanwhile, transmission from the home controller device 10 to the air conditioner 11 ends. Thereby, reception determination unit 50 determines that the channel is vacant (YES in step S120), and first generation unit 82 outputs information to be transmitted to transmission control unit 68. The transmission control unit 68 controls the first communication unit 20 to transmit the information output from the first generation unit 82 (step S134). The first communication unit 20 transmits the information output from the first generation unit 82. The time when transmission is started is the time point P (4) in FIG.

  Thereafter, it is assumed that the first generation unit 82 of the sensor 12 determines again whether or not there is information to be transmitted at a time immediately before P (7) in FIG. 4 (step S100). In this case, if there is information to be transmitted (NO in step S100), the processing from step S116 to step S122 is repeated through the processing from step S110 to step S114. As is clear from FIG. 4, at this point, the home controller device 10 is receiving jamming waves. Therefore, at time P (9) in FIG. 4, time determination unit 90 determines whether or not the time measurement by the timer has ended (YES in step S122), so time control of difference control unit 54 is performed. The unit 92 controls the frequency control unit 22 so as to change the channel used by the first communication unit 20 for communication (step S124). As a result, the channel used for communication is changed from channel A to channel B.

  When the channel is changed, the reception determining unit 50 determines whether or not there is a carrier signal (step S126). As is clear from FIG. 4, in this case, since there is no carrier signal (NO in step S126), the first generation unit 82 transmits to the transmission control unit 68 at time P (10) in FIG. Output the target information. The transmission control unit 68 controls the first communication unit 20 to transmit the information output from the first generation unit 82 (step S134). The first communication unit 20 transmits the information output from the first generation unit 82.

  As described above, when the transmission destination is a specific device and not the device itself, the device of the wireless communication system according to the present embodiment starts transmitting information again after the communication is completed. In addition, the specific device according to this embodiment improves the reliability of the wireless communication system because it moves to another channel and communicates information even if communication on a specific transmission channel is not possible due to the influence of jamming radio waves. Can be made. In addition, when a channel other than the specific transmission channel is used, the wireless communication system according to the present embodiment does not wait for transmission, so that transmission delays can be prevented from occurring each time the channel changes. By preventing this, it is possible to prevent a decrease in response.

<Second Embodiment>
Hereinafter, the radio | wireless communications system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  The hardware configuration of the wireless communication system according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The function about them is the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the program executed by each device constituting the wireless communication system according to the present embodiment executes the following control with respect to control of the communication time. Note that, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the processing shown in FIG. 3 is given the same step number. These processes are the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In step S140, the first determination unit 70 compares the device identification ID information included in the control information with the device identification ID of the first communication unit 20 stored in the storage unit 24, so that the first determination unit 70 is connected to the first determination unit 70. 1 It is determined whether the communication unit 20 is a transmission destination of control information. If first communication unit 20 to which it is connected determines that it is a transmission destination of control information (YES in step S140), the process proceeds to step S118. If not (NO in step S140), the process proceeds to step S142.

  In step S142, the second determination unit 72 compares the system identification code included in the control information with the system identification code stored in the storage unit 24, so that the system identification code included in the control information includes wireless communication. Determine whether it is for the system. If it is determined that the wireless communication system includes itself (YES in step S142), the process proceeds to step S144. If not (NO in step S142), the process proceeds to step S148.

  In step S144, the second determination unit 72 changes the value of the frequency flag stored in the storage unit 24 to “0”. When the value of the frequency flag is changed, the reception determination unit 50 determines whether or not the channel is free under the control of the repetition control unit 56. If it is determined that the channel is free (YES in step S144), the process proceeds to step S134. If not (NO in step S144), the process proceeds to step S146.

  In step S146, time determination unit 90 determines whether or not the time measurement by the timer has ended. If it is determined that the time measurement has been completed (YES in step S146), the process proceeds to step S124. If not (NO in step S146), the process proceeds to step S140.

  In step S148, the second determination unit 72 increases the value of the frequency flag stored in the storage unit 24 by “1”. When the value of the frequency flag increases by “1”, the second determination unit 72 determines whether or not the value of the frequency flag exceeds a threshold value. If it is determined that the value of the frequency flag exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S148), the process proceeds to step S124. If not (NO in step S148), the process proceeds to step S140.

  An operation of the wireless communication system based on the structure and flowchart as described above will be described.

[When a device composing a wireless communication system emits jamming radio waves due to malfunction]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating communication timings when devices constituting the wireless communication system illustrated in FIG. 1 emit jamming radio waves due to malfunction. The operation of the wireless communication system will be described with reference to FIG.

  After P (11) in FIG. 6, information has been communicated without any problem until P (14). However, since the time immediately before P (15), the first communication unit 20 of the air conditioner 11 is obstructed due to malfunction. Suppose you start emitting radio waves.

  It is assumed that at the time point P (17), the first generation unit 82 of the sensor 12 determines whether there is no information to be transmitted (step S100). In this case, if there is information to be transmitted (NO in step S100), the reception determination unit 50 of the sensor 12 determines whether there is a carrier signal through the processing from step S110 to step S110 (step S112). ). In this case, since the jamming radio wave is determined to be a carrier signal (YES in step S112), the first determination unit 70 of the sensor 12 is controlled by the first communication unit 20 to which the sensor 12 is connected through the process of step S114. It is determined whether the information is a transmission destination (step S140). In this case, since first communication unit 20 is not the transmission destination (NO in step S140), second determination unit 72 determines whether or not the system identification code included in the control information is that of the wireless communication system including itself. (Step S142). In this case, if the system identification code included in the control information is that of the wireless communication system including itself (YES in step S142), reception determination unit 50 determines whether the channel is free under the control of repetition control unit 56. It is determined whether or not (step S144). In this case, since the channel is not free (NO in step S144), time determination unit 90 determines whether or not the time measurement by the timer has ended (step S146). Initially, measurement has not been completed (NO in step S146), so the processing from step S140 to step S146 is repeated.

  Thereafter, when measurement ends (YES in step S146), time control unit 92 of difference control unit 54 controls frequency control unit 22 so that the first communication unit 20 changes the channel used for communication (step). S124).

[When equipment that does not constitute a wireless communication system emits intermittent radio waves intermittently]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the frequency of reception of jamming radio waves in the wireless communication system illustrated in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing communication timings in the wireless communication system shown in FIG. With reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the operation of the wireless communication system will be described.

  Through the processing up to step S114, the first determination unit 70 of the home controller device 10 determines whether or not the first communication unit 20 to which the home controller device 10 is connected is a transmission destination of control information (step S140). It is assumed that P (21) shown in FIG. In this case, the radio wave being received by the air conditioner 11 is a jamming radio wave. Therefore, since first communication unit 20 of home controller device 10 is not the transmission destination of control information (NO in step S140), second determination unit 72 of home controller device 10 has its own system identification code included in the control information. It is determined whether or not the wireless communication system includes (step S142). In this case, since the system identification code included in the control information is not that of the wireless communication system including itself (NO in step S142), second determination unit 72 determines whether or not the value of the frequency flag exceeds the threshold value. (Step S148).

  In this case, in FIG. 7, the square that includes the cross mark is the time when the first determination unit 70 determines that the first communication unit 20 to which it is connected is not the transmission destination of the control information as the process of step S <b> 140. Represents. The number of squares also represents the frequency at time T at which the first determination unit 70 has determined that the first communication unit 20 to which it is connected is not the transmission destination of control information. Assuming that the time set in step S114 is equal to time T, the number of squares including a cross mark therein also represents the above-described frequency during the processing from step S140 to step S148 being repeated. Assuming that the time set in step S114 is equal to time T, in the case shown in FIG. 7, the first determination unit 70 is connected to the first one to which it is connected while the processing from step S140 to step S148 is repeated. The communication unit 20 determines that it is not the control information transmission destination six times.

  Initially, since the value of the frequency flag does not exceed the threshold value (NO in step S148), the processes of step S140, step S142, and step S148 are repeated. Thereafter, as a result of repeating the determination shown in FIG. 7, when the value of the frequency flag exceeds the threshold value (YES in step S148), time controller 92 of difference controller 54 uses first communication unit 20 for communication. The frequency controller 22 is controlled to change the channel (step S124). As a result, the frequency of the radio wave used for communication is changed to channel B. When the frequency is changed, the first generation unit 82 outputs information to be transmitted to the transmission control unit 68 through the process of step S126. The transmission control unit 68 controls the first communication unit 20 to transmit the information output from the first generation unit 82 (step S134).

  As described above, the radio communication system according to the present embodiment performs communication mainly using a certain channel when communicating control information. Since a certain channel is mainly used, generation of useless power due to useless communication can be prevented. Even when a channel that is mainly used cannot be used due to the influence of jamming radio waves, the radio communication system according to the present embodiment changes the channel when communication is to be performed using another channel. As a result, communication reliability can be ensured while minimizing response degradation. In addition, the reliability of the entire system can be improved. In addition, the wireless communication system according to the present embodiment determines the cause of communication failure based on the system identification code included in the control information. As a result, the time required to determine the cause of communication failure is clarified. Since the time becomes clear, it is possible to easily take measures for suppressing power consumption during that time. Since such measures can be easily taken, the wireless communication system according to the present embodiment can effectively suppress wasteful power consumption. As a result, it is possible to provide a wireless communication system that can effectively suppress wasteful power consumption.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a figure showing the structure of each apparatus of the radio | wireless communications system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the format of the control information which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the procedure of control of the control processing of the communication time which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the communication timing which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart showing the procedure of control of the control processing of the communication time which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st figure showing the communication timing which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the example of the frequency which received the jamming electric wave which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd figure showing the communication timing which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Home controller apparatus, 11 Air conditioner, 12 Sensor, 13 Router modem, 14 Network, 15 Mobile phone, 16 Personal computer, 20 1st communication part, 22 Frequency control part, 24 Storage part, 26 Timing control part, 28 2nd communication Unit, 30, 31 switch input unit, 32 LED output unit, 34, 36 buzzer, 38 operation unit, 39 antenna, 40 reception unit, 42 code decoding unit, 44 code generation unit, 46 transmission unit, 50 reception determination unit, 52 Identification unit, 54 Difference control unit, 56 Repeat control unit, 58 Strength determination unit, 60 Second generation unit, 62 Change control unit, 64 Third generation unit, 66 Application control unit, 68 Transmission control unit, 70 First determination unit 72 second determination unit, 80 processing unit, 82 first generation unit, 90 hour determination unit, 92 time control unit.

Claims (11)

First communication means which is a device for communicating control information, which is information including device identification ID information representing a destination device and information representing control content, with a plurality of devices by radio waves;
Frequency control means for controlling the first communication means so as to communicate with the plurality of devices by radio waves of any one of a plurality of frequencies ;
Storage means for storing device identification ID information representing a specific device that is one of the plurality of devices and device identification ID information representing the first communication means;
Timing control means for controlling the communication timing of the first communication means,
The timing control means includes
It is determined whether or not the first communication means has received the control information until a standby period, which is a period in which the first communication means waits for reception of the control information prior to transmission, exceeds a first threshold. Receiving judgment means for
When the first communication means receives the control information before the standby period exceeds the first threshold, to identify a transmission destination device by device identification ID information included in the received control information Identification means,
When the destination device is different from the specific device and the first communication means, the first device at the frequency after changing the predetermined frequency of the radio wave used for communication by the destination device and the first communication means . A difference control means for controlling the frequency control means such that a communication means communicates the control information;
When the transmission destination device is the specific device, a repetition control unit for controlling the reception determination unit so as to repeat the determination whether the first communication unit has received the control information;
When the destination device is the first communication means, processing means for processing the control information received by the first communication means;
A wireless communication apparatus, comprising: a transmission control unit for controlling the first communication unit so as to transmit information when the standby period exceeds the first threshold. The identification means includes
If the first communication means receives the control information before the standby period exceeds the first threshold, the content of information representing the first communication means and the content of information representing the destination First determination means for determining whether or not match,
When the first communication means receives the control information before the standby period exceeds the first threshold, the content of the information representing the specific device matches the content of the information representing the destination device Second judging means for judging whether or not to do,
The difference control unit controls the frequency control unit to change the predetermined frequency used by the first communication unit for communication when the transmission destination device is different from the first communication unit and the specific device. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, comprising means for: The difference control means includes
The time that has elapsed after the first communication means has received the control information, the time required for determining whether the destination device is different from the first communication means or the specific device. A time determination means for determining whether or not an elapsed time is exceeded,
And a means for controlling the frequency control means so as to change a predetermined frequency used by the first communication means for communication when the elapsed time exceeds the essential time. Wireless communication device.   The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first threshold is a time required for communication of the control information with which the first communication unit communicates with the specific device. The repetitive control means is configured so that the first communication means controls the control when the transmission destination device is the specific device in addition to the case where the predetermined frequency of the radio wave used for communication by the first communication device is changed. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for controlling the reception determination means so as to repeatedly determine whether or not information has been received. The first communication means includes means for communicating the control information in addition to change information which is information representing a frequency after changing a predetermined frequency of the radio wave used for communication by the first communication means ,
The timing control means includes
Strength judging means for judging whether or not the strength of the radio wave received by the first communication means is equal to or lower than a second threshold;
Means for generating the change information if the intensity of the radio wave is less than or equal to the second threshold;
When the first communication unit receives the change information, the frequency control unit is configured to change the predetermined frequency of the radio wave used for communication by the first communication unit to the frequency represented by the change information. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising change control means for controlling. The first communication means includes means for communicating the control information in addition to change information which is information representing a frequency after changing a predetermined frequency of the radio wave used for communication by the first communication means ,
The timing control means includes
When the first communication means continuously uses the radio wave having the same frequency for the communication with the same specific device, the first communication means uses the radio wave continuously used by the first communication means. Means for generating the change information representing a frequency as the changed frequency;
When the first communication means receives the change information, the frequency control means is controlled to change the frequency of the radio wave used for communication by the first communication means to the frequency represented by the change information. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising change control means for performing the operation.   The wireless communication device according to claim 1, further comprising output means for outputting information processed by the processing means.   The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit configured to operate so as to correspond to information processed by the processing unit.   When the reception determining means first determines whether or not the control information has been received after the start of the standby period, the first communication means has received the control information by a radio wave having a predetermined frequency. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 1, comprising means for determining whether or not.   The wireless communication apparatus further includes second communication means for communicating information processed by the processing means with a device different from the device with which the first communication means communicates. A wireless communication device according to 1.

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