WO2015155945A1 - Communication device, communication system, and communication method - Google Patents

Communication device, communication system, and communication method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015155945A1
WO2015155945A1 PCT/JP2015/001589 JP2015001589W WO2015155945A1 WO 2015155945 A1 WO2015155945 A1 WO 2015155945A1 JP 2015001589 W JP2015001589 W JP 2015001589W WO 2015155945 A1 WO2015155945 A1 WO 2015155945A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
communication
network
communication device
signal
control circuit
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PCT/JP2015/001589
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
貴之 佐々木
岡田　幸夫
康介 多留
Original Assignee
パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
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Priority to TR2016/13810T priority Critical patent/TR201613810T1/en
Publication of WO2015155945A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015155945A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q9/00—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2209/00—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems
    • H04Q2209/60—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for transmitting utility meters data, i.e. transmission of data from the reader of the utility meter
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2209/00—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems
    • H04Q2209/80—Arrangements in the sub-station, i.e. sensing device
    • H04Q2209/82—Arrangements in the sub-station, i.e. sensing device where the sensing device takes the initiative of sending data
    • H04Q2209/823—Arrangements in the sub-station, i.e. sensing device where the sensing device takes the initiative of sending data where the data is sent when the measured values exceed a threshold, e.g. sending an alarm

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a communication device used in a communication system including a meter reading device having a communication function.
  • the invention also relates to a communication system comprising such a communication device.
  • the meter reading device communicates with an electric power company using power line communication (PLC (Power Line Communication)) or wireless as a communication medium.
  • PLC Power Line Communication
  • a management device Concentrator
  • the management device constitutes a network together with a plurality of meter-reading devices under the management.
  • the management device collects the power consumption of the house or dwelling unit provided with the meter-reading device from a plurality of meter-reading devices and sends it to the power company.
  • a meter reading device When a meter reading device is newly installed in a house or dwelling unit, it enters a network of nearby management devices. Therefore, the newly installed meter-reading device first transmits a scan request signal by broadcasting. When the management device (or another meter-reading device managed by the management device) receives the scan request signal, it returns a beacon signal to the new meter-reading device. The new meter-reading device determines the communication quality of the management device network based on the received beacon signal, and enters the management device network when the communication quality satisfies a predetermined criterion.
  • the meter-reading device After the meter-reading device enters the management device network, communication quality of the management device network may deteriorate due to fluctuations in power line or wireless noise. In this case, it is desirable that the meter-reading apparatus can search and enter a network of other management apparatuses having better communication quality. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a communication device that can be used as such a meter reading device.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a communication device capable of searching for and entering another network having better communication quality when entering any one of a plurality of networks. Moreover, the objective of this invention is providing the communication system containing such a communication apparatus.
  • a communication apparatus included in one of a plurality of networks each including a plurality of communication apparatuses, and having the following configuration.
  • the communication device includes a communication circuit, a timer, a counter, and a control circuit.
  • the communication circuit communicates with other communication devices.
  • the timer generates a time signal.
  • the counter communicates a leak signal related to communication between other communication devices that have entered the other network of the plurality of networks.
  • a counter value indicating the number of times received by the circuit is stored.
  • the control circuit controls the communication device.
  • the control circuit Based on the time signal, the control circuit generates a plurality of time intervals that are started and repeated after the communication device enters the first network.
  • the control circuit increments the counter value when a leakage signal is received in each time interval.
  • the control circuit broadcasts a scan request signal by the communication circuit when the counter value becomes equal to or greater than the first threshold value in a certain time interval.
  • the control circuit is a beacon signal that is returned in response to the scan request signal from another communication device that has entered the second network among the plurality of networks, and includes a communication quality of the second network.
  • the signal is received by the communication circuit. At this time, the control circuit compares the communication quality of the second network with the communication quality of the first network.
  • control circuit decrements the counter value when no leakage signal is received in each time interval.
  • a communication apparatus included in one of a plurality of networks each including a plurality of communication apparatuses, and having the following configuration.
  • the communication device includes a communication circuit, a timer, a counter, and a control circuit.
  • the communication circuit communicates with other communication devices.
  • the timer generates a time signal.
  • the counter communicates a leak signal related to communication between other communication devices that have entered the other network of the plurality of networks.
  • a counter value indicating the number of times received by the circuit is stored.
  • the control circuit controls the communication device.
  • the control circuit Based on the time signal, the control circuit generates a plurality of time intervals that are started and repeated after the communication device enters the first network.
  • the control circuit increments the counter value when a leakage signal is received in each time interval.
  • the control circuit broadcasts a scan request signal by the communication circuit when a leak signal is received and the counter value is incremented in a time interval immediately before the time interval in a certain time interval.
  • the control circuit is a beacon signal that is returned in response to the scan request signal from another communication device that has entered the second network among the plurality of networks, and includes a communication quality of the second network.
  • the signal is received by the communication circuit. At this time, the control circuit compares the communication quality of the second network with the communication quality of the first network.
  • a communication apparatus included in one of a plurality of networks each including a plurality of communication apparatuses, and having the following configuration.
  • the communication device includes a communication circuit, a timer, a counter, and a control circuit.
  • the communication circuit communicates with other communication devices.
  • the timer generates a time signal.
  • the counter communicates a leak signal related to communication between other communication devices that have entered the other network of the plurality of networks.
  • a counter value indicating the number of times received by the circuit is stored.
  • the control circuit controls the communication device.
  • the control circuit Based on the time signal, the control circuit generates a plurality of time intervals that are started and repeated after the communication device enters the first network.
  • the control circuit increments the counter value when a leakage signal is received in each time interval.
  • the control circuit broadcasts a scan request signal by the communication circuit when a leak signal is received and incremented in each of a predetermined number of consecutive time intervals preceding the time interval in a certain time interval.
  • the control circuit is a beacon signal that is returned in response to the scan request signal from another communication device that has entered the second network among the plurality of networks, and includes a communication quality of the second network. The signal is received by the communication circuit. At this time, the control circuit compares the communication quality of the second network with the communication quality of the first network.
  • the communication device has the following configuration.
  • the communication device further includes a memory that stores a scan result table that records the communication quality of each network associated with each communication device of each network.
  • the control circuit receives a beacon signal returned from each communication device of each network in response to the scan request signal by the communication circuit.
  • This beacon signal includes the communication quality of the network in which the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal is associated with the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal.
  • the control circuit records the communication quality of the network in which the communication device of the beacon signal has entered in the scan result table in association with the communication device of the beacon signal transmission source. To do.
  • the control circuit leaks from other communication devices in other networks having communication quality higher than the communication quality of each communication device in the first network among the communication devices recorded in the scan result table in each time interval. When a signal is received, the counter value is incremented.
  • the communication device has the following configuration.
  • the communication device further includes a memory that stores a scan result table that records the communication quality of each network associated with each communication device of each network.
  • the control circuit receives a beacon signal returned from each communication device of each network in response to the scan request signal by the communication circuit.
  • This beacon signal includes the communication quality of the network in which the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal is associated with the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal.
  • the control circuit records the communication quality of the network in which the communication device of the beacon signal has entered in the scan result table in association with the communication device of the beacon signal transmission source. To do. In each time interval, the control circuit increments the counter value when a leakage signal is received from another communication device that has joined another network that is not recorded in the scan result table.
  • the communication device has the following configuration.
  • the communication device further includes a memory that stores a scan result table that records the communication quality of each network associated with each communication device of each network.
  • the control circuit receives a beacon signal returned from each communication device of each network in response to the scan request signal by the communication circuit.
  • This beacon signal includes the communication quality of the network in which the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal is associated with the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal.
  • the control circuit records the communication quality of the network in which the communication device of the beacon signal has entered in the scan result table in association with the communication device of the beacon signal transmission source.
  • the control circuit is a communication device that operates as a management device that manages a plurality of communication devices of other networks in each time interval, and receives a leakage signal from a communication device that is not recorded in the scan result table. Increment the value.
  • the control circuit receives the leakage signal in each time interval, and When the reception quality exceeds the second threshold value, the counter value is incremented.
  • the control circuit includes a number exceeding the third threshold value in each time interval. When the leak signal is received, the counter value is incremented.
  • a plurality of first communication devices each operating as a communication device according to one of the first to ninth aspects, and the plurality of first communications And at least one second communication device that operates as a management device that manages the device.
  • the communication method provides a communication method for a communication device included in one of a plurality of networks each including a plurality of communication devices.
  • the communication device includes a communication circuit, a timer, a counter, and a control circuit.
  • the communication circuit communicates with other communication devices.
  • the timer generates a time signal.
  • the counter communicates a leak signal related to communication between other communication devices that have entered the other network of the plurality of networks.
  • a counter value indicating the number of times received by the circuit is stored.
  • the control circuit executes the following steps to control the communication device.
  • the communication method includes generating, based on the time signal, a plurality of time intervals that are started and repeated after the communication device enters the first network.
  • the communication method includes a step of incrementing a counter value when a leak signal is received in each time interval.
  • the communication method includes a step of broadcasting a scan request signal by the communication circuit when the counter value becomes equal to or larger than the first threshold value in a certain time interval.
  • the communication method is a beacon signal returned to a scan request signal from another communication device that has joined the second network among a plurality of networks, and includes a communication quality of the second network. Receiving the signal by the communication circuit.
  • the communication method includes the step of comparing the communication quality of the second network with the communication quality of the first network.
  • a program for a communication device included in one of a plurality of networks each including a plurality of communication devices includes a communication circuit, a timer, a counter, and a control circuit.
  • the communication circuit communicates with other communication devices.
  • the timer generates a time signal.
  • the counter communicates a leak signal related to communication between other communication devices that have entered the other network of the plurality of networks.
  • a counter value indicating the number of times received by the circuit is stored.
  • the control circuit executes the following steps to control the communication device.
  • the program includes generating, based on the time signal, a plurality of time intervals that are repeated after the communication device enters the first network.
  • the program includes incrementing a counter value when a leak signal is received in each time interval.
  • the program includes a step of broadcasting a scan request signal by the communication circuit when the counter value becomes equal to or greater than the first threshold value in a certain time interval.
  • the program is a beacon signal returned to the scan request signal from another communication device participating in the second network among the plurality of networks, and includes a communication quality of the second network. Is received by the communication circuit.
  • the program includes comparing the communication quality of the second network against the communication quality of the first network.
  • the communication apparatus which can search and enter the other network which has better communication quality can be provided. .
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a communication system according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the management apparatus of FIG.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the meter-reading apparatus of FIG.
  • FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the comparative example when the meter-reading device enters the network of FIG.
  • FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an operation when the meter-reading device enters the network of FIG.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a first active scan process executed by the control circuit of the meter-reading apparatus.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second active scan process executed by the control circuit of the meter-reading apparatus.
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a third active scan process executed by the control circuit of the meter-reading apparatus.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a scan result table stored in the memory of the meter-reading device in the second embodiment.
  • the communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention can also be realized as a communication method or a program.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a communication system according to the present embodiment.
  • the communication system of FIG. 1 includes a plurality of communication devices including a plurality of meter reading devices 3-1 to 3-9 and management devices 2A to 2C that manage these meter reading devices 3-1 to 3-9.
  • the meter-reading devices 3-1 to 3-9 are also referred to as “first communication devices”, and the management devices 2A to 2C are also referred to as “second communication devices”.
  • the communication system in FIG. 1 is, for example, a remote meter reading system.
  • Each of the meter-reading devices 3-1 to 3-9 receives power supply from the power company facility 1 through the power line 11, and supplies it to the home equipment (not shown) of each house or dwelling unit.
  • Each of the meter reading devices 3-1 to 3-9 and each of the management devices 2A to 2C has a wireless communication function.
  • Each of the management devices 2A to 2C constitutes a network 100A to 100C, which is a separate personal area network that performs wireless communication, together with one or more meter-reading devices under their management.
  • the network 100A includes a management device 2A and meter reading devices 3-1 to 3-3.
  • the network 100B includes a management device 2B and meter-reading devices 3-4, 3-5, 3-7.
  • the network 100C includes a management device 2C and meter-reading devices 3-6, 3-8, 3-9.
  • Each of the management devices 2A to 2C may communicate directly with the meter-reading device under their management, or may communicate by multi-hop.
  • Each of the management apparatuses 2A to 2C operates as a coordinator of the networks 100A to 100C.
  • Each of the management devices 2A to 2C communicates with the power company facility 1 via the communication lines 12A to 12C, respectively, and notifies the power company of information on the amount of power consumption measured by each meter-reading device.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management apparatus 2A shown in FIG.
  • the management apparatus 2A includes a control circuit 21, a memory 22, a first communication circuit 23, an antenna 23a, and a second communication circuit 24.
  • the first communication circuit 23 is a wireless communication circuit.
  • the second communication circuit 24 is a communication circuit that performs communication via, for example, a telephone line, an optical line, a cable TV line, or the like.
  • the control circuit 21 communicates with at least a part of the meter reading devices 3-1 to 3-9 using the first communication circuit 23, and communicates with the power company facility 1 using the second communication circuit 24.
  • the management devices 2B and 2C in FIG. 1 are also configured similarly to the management device 2A in FIG. 1
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the meter reading device 3-1 in FIG.
  • the meter-reading device 3-1 includes a control circuit 31, a memory 32, a timer 33, a counter 34, a third communication circuit 35, an antenna 35 a, and a watt hour meter 36.
  • the third communication circuit 35 is also referred to as a “communication circuit”.
  • the third communication circuit 35 is a wireless communication circuit.
  • the control circuit 31 controls the overall operation of the meter reading device 3-1. Under the control of the control circuit 31, the third communication circuit 35 is at least a part of other communication devices, that is, at least a part of the meter reading devices 3-2 to 3-9 and at least a part of the management devices 2A to 2C. Communicate with.
  • the meter-reading device 3-1 enters the network 100A of the management device 2A, and the third communication circuit 35 is controlled by the control circuit 31 with the other meter-reading devices 3-2 to 3-3 and It communicates with the management apparatus 2A.
  • the memory 32 stores information necessary for the operation of the meter reading device 3-1.
  • the timer 33 generates a time signal. Based on the time signal, the control circuit 31 generates a plurality of time intervals that are started and repeated after the meter reading device 3-1 enters the network 100A.
  • the counter 34 receives a leakage signal related to communication between other communication devices entering the other network 100B or 100C by the third communication circuit 35.
  • the watt-hour meter 36 measures the amount of power consumption of a home device (not shown).
  • the control circuit 31 notifies the management device 2 ⁇ / b> A of the measured power consumption amount using the third communication circuit 35.
  • FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the comparative example when the meter reading device 3-3 enters the network 100A of FIG.
  • the meter-reading device 3-3 When entering or re-entering a certain network, the meter-reading device 3-3 transmits a scan request signal and receives a beacon signal returned in response to this, thereby obtaining information on the network that is about to enter or re-enter. get.
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 broadcasts a scan request signal by the third communication circuit 35 in order to enter the network 100A (active scan).
  • the network 100A is also referred to as a “first network”.
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 returns a response to the scan request signal from another communication device (the meter-reading device 3-1, 3-2 and / or the management device 2A) that has entered the network 100A.
  • the third beacon signal is received by the third communication circuit 35.
  • the beacon signal includes the communication quality of the network 100A associated with the transmission source communication device.
  • the communication quality of the network 100A includes, for example, the route cost from the meter-reading device 3-1 or 3-2 that is the transmission source of the beacon signal to the management device 2A.
  • the communication quality of the network 100A is not limited to the route cost, and may be any other parameter indicating the communication quality when the meter reading device 3-3 enters the network 100A via the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal. Good.
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 When the communication quality of the network 100A included in the beacon signal satisfies a predetermined criterion, the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 requests the communication device that transmitted the beacon signal by the third communication circuit 35 to enter the communication device. Send a signal.
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 transmits an entry request signal to the network communication device having the highest communication quality by the third communication circuit 35. Also good.
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 receives the entry permission signal returned in response to the entry request signal by the third communication circuit 35 and enters the network 100A (time t0).
  • the communication quality of the network 100A may deteriorate. Even if the communication quality of the network 100A does not deteriorate, there may be another network having a communication quality higher than the communication quality of the network 100A. In these cases, it is desirable that the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 can search and enter another network having communication quality higher than that of the network 100A. For this reason, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, it is conceivable that an active scan is performed every certain period T1. When the period T1 has elapsed from time t0 (time t1), the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 broadcasts a scan request signal by the third communication circuit 35 (active scan). In the example of FIG.
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 broadcasts a scan request signal through the third communication circuit 35.
  • beacon signals are returned from the communication devices (meter reading devices 3-4, 3-5, 3-7 and management device 2B) of the network 100B, but communication quality higher than the communication quality of the network 100A is obtained. There are no beacon signals to include.
  • the network 100B is also referred to as a “second network”.
  • the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 Since the communication quality of the network 100B is not higher than the communication quality of the network 100A, the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 does not re-enter the network 100B.
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 broadcasts a scan request signal through the third communication circuit 35.
  • a beacon signal is returned from the communication device of the network 100B, and the communication quality of the network 100B is higher than the communication quality of the network 100A. Accordingly, the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 leaves the network 100A and re-enters the network 100B.
  • the active scan is periodically executed even when there is no other network having a communication quality higher than that of the network 100A. If active scanning is performed at a high frequency, communication traffic increases, which may affect original data communication. In particular, if active scanning is executed when communication with other networks is not possible, waste is significant. Moreover, if the frequency of performing active scanning is lowered, it takes time to search for another network having communication quality higher than the communication quality of the network 100A and re-enter. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to efficiently search for and enter other networks having better communication quality while suppressing an increase in communication traffic.
  • FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an operation when the meter reading device 3-3 enters the network 100A of FIG.
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 enters the network 100A by performing an active scan similarly to the operation of FIG. 4 (time t10).
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 generates a plurality of time intervals t10 to t11, t11 to t12,... That are repeated after the meter-reading device 3-3 enters the network 100A.
  • Each time interval has a certain period T1 (for example, 30 minutes), for example.
  • T1 for example, 30 minutes
  • the counter value indicates the third leakage signal related to communication between other communication devices entering the other network 100B or 100C.
  • the number of times received by the communication circuit 35 is shown.
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 increments the counter value when a leak signal is received in each time interval.
  • the third communication circuit 35 Broadcasts a scan request signal from (active scan).
  • the predetermined number of time intervals may be, for example, the entire time interval from the activation of the counter 34 or the reset to the current time interval.
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 receives a beacon signal returned from another communication device that has entered the network 100B in response to the scan request signal and includes the communication quality of the network 100B. 3 communication circuit 35. At this time, the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 compares the communication quality of the network 100B with the communication quality of the network 100A. When the communication quality of the network 100B is higher than the communication quality of the network 100A, the control circuit 31 of the meter reading device 3-3 controls the meter reading device 3-3 to leave the network 100A and enter the network 100B.
  • the counter value is not only a leakage signal related to communication between other communication devices that have entered the network 100B, but also between other communication devices that have entered the other network 100C (or other).
  • the number of times of reception of the leak signal related to the communication may be indicated.
  • the counter value may or may not distinguish the network from which the leakage signal is transmitted. Even if it does not distinguish the network from which the leak signal is sent, it is expected that it can re-enter one of the other networks as long as leak signals are frequently received from multiple other networks. .
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 may execute any one of the active scan processes of FIGS. 6 to 8 in each time interval in order to determine whether or not an active scan is necessary.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a first active scan process executed by the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3.
  • the control circuit 31 determines whether or not the counter value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (first threshold value). If YES, the process proceeds to step S2, and NO In step S3, the process proceeds to step S3.
  • the control circuit 31 broadcasts a scan request signal by the third communication circuit 35 (active scan).
  • step S3 the control circuit 31 determines whether or not a leak signal has been received in the current time interval. If YES, the control circuit 31 proceeds to step S4. If NO, the process proceeds to step S5.
  • the control circuit 31 increments the counter value by 1, for example.
  • the control circuit 31 determines whether or not the period T1 of the current time interval has elapsed. If YES, the control circuit 31 returns to step S1 (next time interval), and if NO, returns to step S3.
  • the counter value may be reset every predetermined number of time intervals. For example, the counter value may be reset after step S1 in FIG. At this time, when the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 receives a leakage signal at least once in a time interval immediately before the time interval and increments the counter value, the third communication circuit 35 May scan the scan request signal.
  • the active scan is performed only when the counter value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, that is, only when it is expected that another network having a communication quality higher than the communication quality of the network 100A exists. Can be executed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress performing a useless active scan when there is no other network having a communication quality higher than the communication quality of the network 100A.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second active scan process executed by the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3.
  • the control circuit 31 determines whether or not the counter value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. If YES, the process proceeds to step S12, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S13.
  • the control circuit 31 broadcasts a scan request signal by the third communication circuit 35 (active scan).
  • the control circuit 31 determines whether or not a leak signal has been received in the current time interval. If YES, the process proceeds to step S14, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S15.
  • the control circuit 31 increments the counter value by 1, for example.
  • step S15 the control circuit 31 decrements the counter value by 1, for example.
  • step S16 the control circuit 31 determines whether or not the period T1 of the current time interval has elapsed. If YES, the control circuit 31 returns to step S11 (next time interval), and if NO, returns to step S13.
  • the counter value may be reset every predetermined number of time intervals.
  • the counter value is decremented when a leak signal is not received, so that a useless active scan is performed when there is no other network capable of communicating with the meter reading device 3-3. Can be suppressed.
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a third active scan process executed by the control circuit 31 of the meter reading device 3-3.
  • the control circuit 31 determines whether or not each of the leak signals has been received in a predetermined number (for example, two) of continuous time intervals preceding the current time interval, and YES. If so, the process proceeds to step S22. If NO, the process proceeds to step S23.
  • the control circuit 31 broadcasts a scan request signal by the third communication circuit 35 (active scan).
  • step S23 the control circuit 31 determines whether or not a leak signal has been received in the current time interval. If YES, the process proceeds to step S24, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S25.
  • step S24 the control circuit 31 increments the counter value by 1, for example.
  • step S25 the control circuit 31 resets the counter value.
  • step S26 the control circuit 31 determines whether or not the period T1 of the current time interval has elapsed. If YES, the control circuit 31 returns to step S21 (next time interval), and if NO, repeats step S26.
  • step S21 of FIG. 8 when the counter value is equal to a predetermined number of consecutive time intervals (for example, two), a leak signal is generated in a predetermined number of consecutive time intervals preceding the current time interval. It is determined that each has been received.
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 obtains a first counter value indicating the number of times the leak signal has been received in each time interval, and a second counter value indicating the number of consecutive time intervals in which the leak signal has been received. You may count separately.
  • the control circuit receives the leakage signal in a predetermined number of consecutive time intervals preceding the time interval and increments the counter value in a certain time interval, the communication circuit scans the scan request signal. May be broadcast.
  • the active scan is performed only when a leak signal is received in continuous time intervals, that is, only when it is expected that there is another network having a communication quality higher than the communication quality of the network 100A. Can be executed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress performing a useless active scan when there is no other network having a communication quality higher than the communication quality of the network 100A.
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 may increment the counter value (that is, determine that a leak signal has been received) when the following conditions are satisfied in each time interval.
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 receives the leak signal by the third communication circuit 35 in each time interval, and the reception quality of the leak signal is a predetermined threshold (second threshold). When the value exceeds, the counter value may be incremented.
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 increments the counter value when receiving a number of leakage signals exceeding a predetermined threshold value (third threshold value) in each time interval. Also good.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a scan result table stored in the memory 32 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-1 in the present embodiment.
  • the scan result table records the communication quality of each network associated with each communication device (meter reading devices 3-1 to 3-9 and management devices 2A to 2C) of each network 100A to 100C.
  • the communication quality of the network includes, for example, the route cost from the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal to the management device of the network in which the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal is participating.
  • the communication quality of the network is not limited to the route cost, and is any other parameter that represents the communication quality when the meter-reading device 3-1 enters or re-enters the network via the communication device that transmitted the beacon signal. Also good.
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-1 receives the beacon signal returned from each communication device of each network in response to the scan request signal transmitted by the meter-reading device 3-1 by the third communication circuit 35.
  • This beacon signal includes the communication quality of the network in which the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal is associated with the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal.
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-1 associates with the communication device that transmitted the beacon signal and the communication device that transmitted the beacon signal has entered. Record the communication quality of the existing network in the scan result table.
  • the scan result table includes the ID of the network in which the communication device that transmitted the beacon signal has entered, the ID of the communication device that transmitted the beacon signal, and the communication device that transmitted the beacon signal. Record the root cost.
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-1 may increment the counter value according to the following conditions based on the scan result table.
  • the control circuit 31 receives a leakage signal from another communication device of another network having higher communication quality than the communication devices of the network 100A among the communication devices recorded in the scan result table.
  • the counter value may be incremented.
  • the meter-reading apparatus 3-1 can perform an active scan in order to re-enter a network that has a high communication quality but has not yet entered.
  • the control circuit 31 When the control circuit 31 receives a leakage signal from another communication device that has entered another network (for example, the network 100C) not recorded in the scan result table in each time interval, the control circuit 31 may increment the counter value. Good. When a leak signal comes from a network that is not recorded in the scan result table, there is a possibility that the network has higher communication quality than the network that is currently entered. Therefore, when it is expected that there is another network having communication quality higher than that of the network 100A and other networks recorded in the scan result table, the active scan can be executed.
  • another network for example, the network 100C
  • the control circuit 31 is a management device that manages a plurality of meter reading devices in other networks in each time interval, and increments a counter value when a leakage signal is received from a management device that is not recorded in the scan result table. May be. If communication can be performed directly with a network management device, good communication quality is expected. Therefore, active scanning can be performed when other networks with good communication quality are expected to exist.
  • the operation based on the scan result table described in the present embodiment may be combined with the operation described in the first embodiment.
  • the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-1 may change the step width for incrementing the counter value in each time interval according to the number of received leak signals. For example, when a large number of leak signals are received in a certain time interval (or a predetermined number of continuous time intervals), it may be preferable to execute the active scan earlier. For this reason, when the number of leak signals received in a certain time interval exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the step width for incrementing the counter value may be increased by a predetermined amount.
  • the counter value is incremented (or decremented) for each time interval.
  • the counter value may be incremented. Good.
  • the counter value is incremented only when a leak signal is received in continuous time intervals, that is, only when it is expected that there is another network having a communication quality higher than the communication quality of the network in which it has entered. can do. Therefore, when there is no other network having communication quality higher than the communication quality of the network in which it has entered, it is possible to suppress unnecessary increment of the counter value and, as a result, suppress performing unnecessary active scan. it can.
  • control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-1 when the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-1 first enters the network 100A, if the route cost to the management device 2A exceeds a predetermined threshold value, it then receives a leak signal. It is not necessary to count the number of times. If the communication quality of the network 100A is good, it is expected that it is not necessary to re-enter another network, so that it is considered unnecessary to perform an active scan. If the communication quality of the network 100A deteriorates, the control circuit 31 of the meter reading device 3-1 may be automatically reset when a predetermined time has elapsed. Alternatively, the administrator (user) of the communication system may manually reset the meter reading device 3-1.
  • each meter reading device 3-1 to 3-9 and each management device 2A to 2C may use power line communication such as G3-PLC instead of wireless communication. Good.
  • the first communication circuit 23 of the management devices 2A to 2C and the third communication circuit 35 of the meter reading devices 3-1 to 3-9 are power line communication circuits.
  • the meter-reading devices 3-1 to 3-9 and the management devices 2A to 2C are connected to each other via one power line 11 or a plurality of power lines (not shown), and perform power line communication on the power lines.
  • each step described in the first and second embodiments may be implemented as hardware of the meter-reading devices 3-1 to 3-9 and the management devices 2A to 2C, and as a program executed by the control circuit thereof. May be implemented.
  • FIG. 3 shows a configuration in which the watt hour meter 36 and other circuits are integrated, the watt hour meter 36 and other circuits may be provided as separate modules. .
  • the meter reading device is not limited to the power meter reading device, and can operate with at least one communication method including power line communication and wireless communication, gas, water supply, and the like.
  • the meter reading device may be used.
  • the communication system according to the first and second embodiments may be composed of a plurality of communication devices other than the meter-reading device and its management device, or may be a communication system other than the remote meter-reading system.
  • the comprehensive or specific aspect according to the above embodiment may be realized by a recording medium such as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable CD-ROM. You may implement
  • the embodiment can be realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in each embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention, or a form obtained by subjecting each embodiment to various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art. Forms are also included in the present invention.

Abstract

A communication device capable of finding another network with a better communication quality and accessing said network when the communication device is already accessing any one of multiple networks. A counter value indicates the number of times of reception of a leakage signal by a third communication circuit (35) when a meter-reading device (3-1) is accessing a network (100A), said leakage signal pertaining to communication between other communication devices which are accessing the other networks (100B, 100C). A control circuit (31) increments the counter value when the leakage signal is received in each time period. When the counter value reaches or exceeds a first threshold value in a certain time period, the control circuit (31) broadcasts a scan request signal through the third communication circuit (35).

Description

通信装置、通信システム、及び、通信方法COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND COMMUNICATION METHOD
　本発明は、通信機能を備えた検針装置などを含む通信システムにおいて用いられる通信装置に関する。本発明はまた、そのような通信装置を含む通信システムに関する。 The present invention relates to a communication device used in a communication system including a meter reading device having a communication function. The invention also relates to a communication system comprising such a communication device.
　近年、通信機能を備えた電力量などの検針装置（いわゆる「スマートメーター」）が導入されつつある（特許文献１～４を参照）。 Recently, a meter reading device (so-called “smart meter”) such as an electric energy provided with a communication function is being introduced (see Patent Documents 1 to 4).
　検針装置は、電力線通信（ＰＬＣ（Ｐｏｗｅｒ　Ｌｉｎｅ　Ｃｏｍｍｕｎｉｃａｔｉｏｎ））又は無線を通信媒体として用いて電力会社と通信する。このとき、検針装置と電力会社との間に、複数の検針装置を管理する管理装置（コンセントレータ）が設けられる場合がある。管理装置は、その管理下の複数の検針装置とともに、ネットワークを構成する。管理装置は、複数の検針装置から当該検針装置が設けられた住宅又は住戸の消費電力量を収集して電力会社に送る。 The meter reading device communicates with an electric power company using power line communication (PLC (Power Line Communication)) or wireless as a communication medium. At this time, a management device (concentrator) for managing a plurality of meter reading devices may be provided between the meter reading device and the electric power company. The management device constitutes a network together with a plurality of meter-reading devices under the management. The management device collects the power consumption of the house or dwelling unit provided with the meter-reading device from a plurality of meter-reading devices and sends it to the power company.
　検針装置は、住宅又は住戸に新たに設置されたとき、近傍の管理装置のネットワークに参入する。このため、設置された新たな検針装置は、最初に、スキャン要求信号をブロードキャストで送信する。管理装置（又は管理装置の管理下の他の検針装置）は、スキャン要求信号を受信したとき、ビーコン信号を新たな検針装置に返信する。新たな検針装置は、受信したビーコン信号に基づいて管理装置のネットワークの通信品質を判断し、通信品質が予め決められた基準を満たすとき、管理装置のネットワークに参入する。 When a meter reading device is newly installed in a house or dwelling unit, it enters a network of nearby management devices. Therefore, the newly installed meter-reading device first transmits a scan request signal by broadcasting. When the management device (or another meter-reading device managed by the management device) receives the scan request signal, it returns a beacon signal to the new meter-reading device. The new meter-reading device determines the communication quality of the management device network based on the received beacon signal, and enters the management device network when the communication quality satisfies a predetermined criterion.
特開２０１２－１７５６８８号公報JP 2012-175688 A 特開２０１３－１８３２０１号公報JP 2013-183001 A 特開２０１３－１８７８４９号公報JP 2013-187849 A 特開２０１３－２１１８１５号公報JP 2013-21118A
　検針装置が管理装置のネットワークに参入した後で、電力線又は無線のノイズの変動などに起因して、管理装置のネットワークの通信品質が低下することがある。この場合、検針装置は、より良好な通信品質を有する他の管理装置のネットワークを探索して参入できることが望ましい。従って、このような検針装置として使用可能な通信装置を提供することが望ましい。 After the meter-reading device enters the management device network, communication quality of the management device network may deteriorate due to fluctuations in power line or wireless noise. In this case, it is desirable that the meter-reading apparatus can search and enter a network of other management apparatuses having better communication quality. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a communication device that can be used as such a meter reading device.
　本発明の目的は、複数のネットワークのうちのいずれか１つに参入しているとき、より良好な通信品質を有する他のネットワークを探索して参入することができる通信装置を提供することにある。また、本発明の目的は、そのような通信装置を含む通信システムを提供することにある。 An object of the present invention is to provide a communication device capable of searching for and entering another network having better communication quality when entering any one of a plurality of networks. . Moreover, the objective of this invention is providing the communication system containing such a communication apparatus.
　本発明の第１の態様に係る通信装置によれば、複数の通信装置をそれぞれ含む複数のネットワークのうちの１つに含まれる通信装置であって、以下の構成を備えた通信装置が提供される。通信装置は、通信回路、タイマ、カウンタ、及び制御回路を備える。通信回路は、他の通信装置と通信する。タイマは、時間信号を生成する。カウンタは、通信装置が複数のネットワークのうちの第１のネットワークに参入しているとき、複数のネットワークのうちの他のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置間の通信に係る漏れ信号を通信回路により受信した回数を示すカウンタ値を格納する。制御回路は、通信装置を制御する。制御回路は、時間信号に基づいて、通信装置が第１のネットワークに参入してから開始して反復される、複数の時間区間を生成する。制御回路は、各時間区間において、漏れ信号を受信したとき、カウンタ値をインクリメントする。制御回路は、ある時間区間において、カウンタ値が第１のしきい値以上になるとき、通信回路によりスキャン要求信号をブロードキャストする。制御回路は、複数のネットワークのうちの第２のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置から、スキャン要求信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号であって、第２のネットワークの通信品質を含むビーコン信号を通信回路により受信する。このとき、制御回路は、第２のネットワークの通信品質を第１のネットワークの通信品質に対して比較する。 According to the communication apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication apparatus included in one of a plurality of networks each including a plurality of communication apparatuses, and having the following configuration. The The communication device includes a communication circuit, a timer, a counter, and a control circuit. The communication circuit communicates with other communication devices. The timer generates a time signal. When the communication device enters the first network of the plurality of networks, the counter communicates a leak signal related to communication between other communication devices that have entered the other network of the plurality of networks. A counter value indicating the number of times received by the circuit is stored. The control circuit controls the communication device. Based on the time signal, the control circuit generates a plurality of time intervals that are started and repeated after the communication device enters the first network. The control circuit increments the counter value when a leakage signal is received in each time interval. The control circuit broadcasts a scan request signal by the communication circuit when the counter value becomes equal to or greater than the first threshold value in a certain time interval. The control circuit is a beacon signal that is returned in response to the scan request signal from another communication device that has entered the second network among the plurality of networks, and includes a communication quality of the second network. The signal is received by the communication circuit. At this time, the control circuit compares the communication quality of the second network with the communication quality of the first network.
　本発明の第２の態様に係る通信装置によれば、第１の態様に係る通信装置において、制御回路は、各時間区間において、漏れ信号を受信しなかったとき、カウンタ値をデクリメントする。 According to the communication apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the communication apparatus according to the first aspect, the control circuit decrements the counter value when no leakage signal is received in each time interval.
　本発明の第３の態様に係る通信装置によれば、複数の通信装置をそれぞれ含む複数のネットワークのうちの１つに含まれる通信装置であって、以下の構成を備えた通信装置が提供される。通信装置は、通信回路、タイマ、カウンタ、及び制御回路を備える。通信回路は、他の通信装置と通信する。タイマは、時間信号を生成する。カウンタは、通信装置が複数のネットワークのうちの第１のネットワークに参入しているとき、複数のネットワークのうちの他のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置間の通信に係る漏れ信号を通信回路により受信した回数を示すカウンタ値を格納する。制御回路は、通信装置を制御する。制御回路は、時間信号に基づいて、通信装置が第１のネットワークに参入してから開始して反復される、複数の時間区間を生成する。制御回路は、各時間区間において、漏れ信号を受信したとき、カウンタ値をインクリメントする。制御回路は、ある時間区間において、当該時間区間の直前の時間区間で漏れ信号を受信してカウンタ値をインクリメントしたとき、通信回路によりスキャン要求信号をブロードキャストする。制御回路は、複数のネットワークのうちの第２のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置から、スキャン要求信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号であって、第２のネットワークの通信品質を含むビーコン信号を通信回路により受信する。このとき、制御回路は、第２のネットワークの通信品質を第１のネットワークの通信品質に対して比較する。 According to the communication apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication apparatus included in one of a plurality of networks each including a plurality of communication apparatuses, and having the following configuration. The The communication device includes a communication circuit, a timer, a counter, and a control circuit. The communication circuit communicates with other communication devices. The timer generates a time signal. When the communication device enters the first network of the plurality of networks, the counter communicates a leak signal related to communication between other communication devices that have entered the other network of the plurality of networks. A counter value indicating the number of times received by the circuit is stored. The control circuit controls the communication device. Based on the time signal, the control circuit generates a plurality of time intervals that are started and repeated after the communication device enters the first network. The control circuit increments the counter value when a leakage signal is received in each time interval. The control circuit broadcasts a scan request signal by the communication circuit when a leak signal is received and the counter value is incremented in a time interval immediately before the time interval in a certain time interval. The control circuit is a beacon signal that is returned in response to the scan request signal from another communication device that has entered the second network among the plurality of networks, and includes a communication quality of the second network. The signal is received by the communication circuit. At this time, the control circuit compares the communication quality of the second network with the communication quality of the first network.
　本発明の第４の態様に係る通信装置によれば、複数の通信装置をそれぞれ含む複数のネットワークのうちの１つに含まれる通信装置であって、以下の構成を備えた通信装置が提供される。通信装置は、通信回路、タイマ、カウンタ、及び制御回路を備える。通信回路は、他の通信装置と通信する。タイマは、時間信号を生成する。カウンタは、通信装置が複数のネットワークのうちの第１のネットワークに参入しているとき、複数のネットワークのうちの他のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置間の通信に係る漏れ信号を通信回路により受信した回数を示すカウンタ値を格納する。制御回路は、通信装置を制御する。制御回路は、時間信号に基づいて、通信装置が第１のネットワークに参入してから開始して反復される、複数の時間区間を生成する。制御回路は、各時間区間において、漏れ信号を受信したとき、カウンタ値をインクリメントする。制御回路は、ある時間区間において、当該時間区間に先行する予め決められた個数の連続した時間区間で漏れ信号をそれぞれ受信してカウンタ値をそれぞれインクリメントしたとき、通信回路によりスキャン要求信号をブロードキャストする。制御回路は、複数のネットワークのうちの第２のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置から、スキャン要求信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号であって、第２のネットワークの通信品質を含むビーコン信号を通信回路により受信する。このとき、制御回路は、第２のネットワークの通信品質を第１のネットワークの通信品質に対して比較する。 According to the communication apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication apparatus included in one of a plurality of networks each including a plurality of communication apparatuses, and having the following configuration. The The communication device includes a communication circuit, a timer, a counter, and a control circuit. The communication circuit communicates with other communication devices. The timer generates a time signal. When the communication device enters the first network of the plurality of networks, the counter communicates a leak signal related to communication between other communication devices that have entered the other network of the plurality of networks. A counter value indicating the number of times received by the circuit is stored. The control circuit controls the communication device. Based on the time signal, the control circuit generates a plurality of time intervals that are started and repeated after the communication device enters the first network. The control circuit increments the counter value when a leakage signal is received in each time interval. The control circuit broadcasts a scan request signal by the communication circuit when a leak signal is received and incremented in each of a predetermined number of consecutive time intervals preceding the time interval in a certain time interval. . The control circuit is a beacon signal that is returned in response to the scan request signal from another communication device that has entered the second network among the plurality of networks, and includes a communication quality of the second network. The signal is received by the communication circuit. At this time, the control circuit compares the communication quality of the second network with the communication quality of the first network.
　本発明の第５の態様に係る通信装置によれば、第１～第４のうちの１つの態様に係る通信装置において、以下の構成を備える。通信装置は、各ネットワークの各通信装置に関連付けられた各ネットワークの通信品質を記録するスキャン結果テーブルを格納するメモリをさらに備える。制御回路は、各ネットワークの各通信装置から、スキャン要求信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号を通信回路により受信する。このビーコン信号は、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置に関連付けられた、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置が参入しているネットワークの通信品質を含む。制御回路は、このビーコン信号を通信回路により受信したとき、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置に関連付けて、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置が参入しているネットワークの通信品質をスキャン結果テーブルに記録する。制御回路は、各時間区間において、スキャン結果テーブルに記録された通信装置のうちの、第１のネットワークの各通信装置の通信品質よりも高い通信品質を有する他のネットワークの他の通信装置から漏れ信号を受信したとき、カウンタ値をインクリメントする。 According to the communication device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the communication device according to one of the first to fourth aspects has the following configuration. The communication device further includes a memory that stores a scan result table that records the communication quality of each network associated with each communication device of each network. The control circuit receives a beacon signal returned from each communication device of each network in response to the scan request signal by the communication circuit. This beacon signal includes the communication quality of the network in which the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal is associated with the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal. When the control circuit receives the beacon signal by the communication circuit, the control circuit records the communication quality of the network in which the communication device of the beacon signal has entered in the scan result table in association with the communication device of the beacon signal transmission source. To do. The control circuit leaks from other communication devices in other networks having communication quality higher than the communication quality of each communication device in the first network among the communication devices recorded in the scan result table in each time interval. When a signal is received, the counter value is incremented.
　本発明の第６の態様に係る通信装置によれば、第１～第５のうちの１つの態様に係る通信装置において、以下の構成を備える。通信装置は、各ネットワークの各通信装置に関連付けられた各ネットワークの通信品質を記録するスキャン結果テーブルを格納するメモリをさらに備える。制御回路は、各ネットワークの各通信装置から、スキャン要求信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号を通信回路により受信する。このビーコン信号は、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置に関連付けられた、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置が参入しているネットワークの通信品質を含む。制御回路は、このビーコン信号を通信回路により受信したとき、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置に関連付けて、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置が参入しているネットワークの通信品質をスキャン結果テーブルに記録する。制御回路は、各時間区間において、スキャン結果テーブルに記録されていない他のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置から漏れ信号を受信したとき、カウンタ値をインクリメントする。 According to the communication device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the communication device according to one of the first to fifth aspects has the following configuration. The communication device further includes a memory that stores a scan result table that records the communication quality of each network associated with each communication device of each network. The control circuit receives a beacon signal returned from each communication device of each network in response to the scan request signal by the communication circuit. This beacon signal includes the communication quality of the network in which the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal is associated with the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal. When the control circuit receives the beacon signal by the communication circuit, the control circuit records the communication quality of the network in which the communication device of the beacon signal has entered in the scan result table in association with the communication device of the beacon signal transmission source. To do. In each time interval, the control circuit increments the counter value when a leakage signal is received from another communication device that has joined another network that is not recorded in the scan result table.
　本発明の第７の態様に係る通信装置によれば、第１～第６のうちの１つの態様に係る通信装置において、以下の構成を備える。通信装置は、各ネットワークの各通信装置に関連付けられた各ネットワークの通信品質を記録するスキャン結果テーブルを格納するメモリをさらに備える。制御回路は、各ネットワークの各通信装置から、スキャン要求信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号を通信回路により受信する。このビーコン信号は、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置に関連付けられた、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置が参入しているネットワークの通信品質を含む。制御回路は、このビーコン信号を通信回路により受信したとき、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置に関連付けて、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置が参入しているネットワークの通信品質をスキャン結果テーブルに記録する。制御回路は、各時間区間において、他のネットワークの複数の通信装置を管理する管理装置として動作する通信装置であって、スキャン結果テーブルに記録されていない通信装置から漏れ信号を受信したとき、カウンタ値をインクリメントする。 According to the communication device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the communication device according to one of the first to sixth aspects has the following configuration. The communication device further includes a memory that stores a scan result table that records the communication quality of each network associated with each communication device of each network. The control circuit receives a beacon signal returned from each communication device of each network in response to the scan request signal by the communication circuit. This beacon signal includes the communication quality of the network in which the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal is associated with the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal. When the control circuit receives the beacon signal by the communication circuit, the control circuit records the communication quality of the network in which the communication device of the beacon signal has entered in the scan result table in association with the communication device of the beacon signal transmission source. To do. The control circuit is a communication device that operates as a management device that manages a plurality of communication devices of other networks in each time interval, and receives a leakage signal from a communication device that is not recorded in the scan result table. Increment the value.
　本発明の第８の態様に係る通信装置によれば、第１～第７のうちの１つの態様に係る通信装置において、制御回路は、各時間区間において、漏れ信号を受信し、漏れ信号の受信品質が第２のしきい値を超えるとき、カウンタ値をインクリメントする。 According to the communication device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to one of the first to seventh aspects, the control circuit receives the leakage signal in each time interval, and When the reception quality exceeds the second threshold value, the counter value is incremented.
　本発明の第９の態様に係る通信装置によれば、第１～第８のうちの１つの態様に係る通信装置において、制御回路は、各時間区間において、第３のしきい値を超える個数の漏れ信号を受信したとき、カウンタ値をインクリメントする。 According to the communication device of the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to one of the first to eighth aspects, the control circuit includes a number exceeding the third threshold value in each time interval. When the leak signal is received, the counter value is incremented.
　本発明の第１０の態様に係る通信システムによれば、第１～第９のうちの１つの態様に係る通信装置としてそれぞれ動作する複数の第１の通信装置と、前記複数の第１の通信装置を管理する管理装置として動作する少なくとも１つの第２の通信装置とを含む。 According to the communication system according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of first communication devices each operating as a communication device according to one of the first to ninth aspects, and the plurality of first communications And at least one second communication device that operates as a management device that manages the device.
　本発明の第１１の態様に係る通信方法によれば、複数の通信装置をそれぞれ含む複数のネットワークのうちの１つに含まれる通信装置のための通信方法が提供される。通信装置は、通信回路、タイマ、カウンタ、及び制御回路を備える。通信回路は、他の通信装置と通信する。タイマは、時間信号を生成する。カウンタは、通信装置が複数のネットワークのうちの第１のネットワークに参入しているとき、複数のネットワークのうちの他のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置間の通信に係る漏れ信号を通信回路により受信した回数を示すカウンタ値を格納する。制御回路は、以下のステップを実行し、通信装置を制御する。通信方法は、時間信号に基づいて、通信装置が第１のネットワークに参入してから開始して反復される、複数の時間区間を生成するステップを含む。通信方法は、各時間区間において、漏れ信号を受信したとき、カウンタ値をインクリメントするステップを含む。通信方法は、ある時間区間において、カウンタ値が第１のしきい値以上になるとき、通信回路によりスキャン要求信号をブロードキャストするステップを含む。通信方法は、複数のネットワークのうちの第２のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置から、スキャン要求信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号であって、第２のネットワークの通信品質を含むビーコン信号を通信回路により受信するステップを含む。通信方法は、第２のネットワークの通信品質を第１のネットワークの通信品質に対して比較するステップを含む。 The communication method according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention provides a communication method for a communication device included in one of a plurality of networks each including a plurality of communication devices. The communication device includes a communication circuit, a timer, a counter, and a control circuit. The communication circuit communicates with other communication devices. The timer generates a time signal. When the communication device enters the first network of the plurality of networks, the counter communicates a leak signal related to communication between other communication devices that have entered the other network of the plurality of networks. A counter value indicating the number of times received by the circuit is stored. The control circuit executes the following steps to control the communication device. The communication method includes generating, based on the time signal, a plurality of time intervals that are started and repeated after the communication device enters the first network. The communication method includes a step of incrementing a counter value when a leak signal is received in each time interval. The communication method includes a step of broadcasting a scan request signal by the communication circuit when the counter value becomes equal to or larger than the first threshold value in a certain time interval. The communication method is a beacon signal returned to a scan request signal from another communication device that has joined the second network among a plurality of networks, and includes a communication quality of the second network. Receiving the signal by the communication circuit. The communication method includes the step of comparing the communication quality of the second network with the communication quality of the first network.
　本発明の第１２の態様に係るプログラムによれば、複数の通信装置をそれぞれ含む複数のネットワークのうちの１つに含まれる通信装置のためのプログラムが提供される。通信装置は、通信回路、タイマ、カウンタ、及び制御回路を備える。通信回路は、他の通信装置と通信する。タイマは、時間信号を生成する。カウンタは、通信装置が複数のネットワークのうちの第１のネットワークに参入しているとき、複数のネットワークのうちの他のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置間の通信に係る漏れ信号を通信回路により受信した回数を示すカウンタ値を格納する。制御回路は、以下のステップを実行し、通信装置を制御する。プログラムは、時間信号に基づいて、通信装置が第１のネットワークに参入してから開始して反復される、複数の時間区間を生成するステップを含む。プログラムは、各時間区間において、漏れ信号を受信したとき、カウンタ値をインクリメントするステップを含む。プログラムは、ある時間区間において、カウンタ値が第１のしきい値以上になるとき、通信回路によりスキャン要求信号をブロードキャストするステップを含む。プログラムは、複数のネットワークのうちの第２のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置から、スキャン要求信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号であって、第２のネットワークの通信品質を含むビーコン信号を通信回路により受信するステップを含む。プログラムは、第２のネットワークの通信品質を第１のネットワークの通信品質に対して比較するステップを含む。 According to the program according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, a program for a communication device included in one of a plurality of networks each including a plurality of communication devices is provided. The communication device includes a communication circuit, a timer, a counter, and a control circuit. The communication circuit communicates with other communication devices. The timer generates a time signal. When the communication device enters the first network of the plurality of networks, the counter communicates a leak signal related to communication between other communication devices that have entered the other network of the plurality of networks. A counter value indicating the number of times received by the circuit is stored. The control circuit executes the following steps to control the communication device. The program includes generating, based on the time signal, a plurality of time intervals that are repeated after the communication device enters the first network. The program includes incrementing a counter value when a leak signal is received in each time interval. The program includes a step of broadcasting a scan request signal by the communication circuit when the counter value becomes equal to or greater than the first threshold value in a certain time interval. The program is a beacon signal returned to the scan request signal from another communication device participating in the second network among the plurality of networks, and includes a communication quality of the second network. Is received by the communication circuit. The program includes comparing the communication quality of the second network against the communication quality of the first network.
　本発明によれば、複数のネットワークのうちのいずれか１つに参入しているとき、より良好な通信品質を有する他のネットワークを探索して参入することができる通信装置を提供することができる。 ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when it has entered into any one of several networks, the communication apparatus which can search and enter the other network which has better communication quality can be provided. .
図１は、実施の形態１に係る通信システムを示すブロック図である。FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a communication system according to the first embodiment. 図２は、図１の管理装置の構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the management apparatus of FIG. 図３は、図１の検針装置の構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the meter-reading apparatus of FIG. 図４は、図１のネットワークに検針装置が参入するときの比較例の動作を示すシーケンス図である。FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the comparative example when the meter-reading device enters the network of FIG. 図５は、図１のネットワークに検針装置が参入するときの動作を示すシーケンス図である。FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an operation when the meter-reading device enters the network of FIG. 図６は、検針装置の制御回路によって実行される第１のアクティブスキャン処理を示すフローチャートである。FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a first active scan process executed by the control circuit of the meter-reading apparatus. 図７は、検針装置の制御回路によって実行される第２のアクティブスキャン処理を示すフローチャートである。FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second active scan process executed by the control circuit of the meter-reading apparatus. 図８は、検針装置の制御回路によって実行される第３のアクティブスキャン処理を示すフローチャートである。FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a third active scan process executed by the control circuit of the meter-reading apparatus. 図９は、実施の形態２において、検針装置のメモリに格納されるスキャン結果テーブルを示す図である。FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a scan result table stored in the memory of the meter-reading device in the second embodiment.
　以下では、本発明の実施の形態に係る通信システム等について、図面を用いて詳細に説明する。なお、本発明の実施の形態に係る通信システムは、通信方法又はプログラムとして実現されることも可能である。 Hereinafter, a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention can also be realized as a communication method or a program.
　なお、以下に説明する実施の形態は、いずれも本発明の好ましい一具体例を示すものである。したがって、以下の実施の形態で示される数値、形状、材料、構成要素、構成要素の配置及び接続形態などは、一例であり、本発明を限定する趣旨ではない。よって、以下の実施の形態における構成要素のうち、本発明の最上位概念を示す独立請求項に記載されていない構成要素については、任意の構成要素として説明される。 Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a preferred specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangements, connection forms, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims showing the highest concept of the present invention are described as optional constituent elements.
　また、各図は、模式図であり、必ずしも厳密に図示されたものではない。また、各図において、同じ構成部材については同じ符号を付している。 Each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily shown strictly. Moreover, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same structural member.
　以下、図面を参照して、本発明の実施の形態について説明する。各図面において、同様の構成要素は、同じ参照番号により示す。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.
　（実施の形態１）
　図１は、本実施の形態に係る通信システムを示すブロック図である。図１の通信システムは、複数の検針装置３－１～３－９と、これらの検針装置３－１～３－９を管理する管理装置２Ａ～２Ｃとを含む、複数の通信装置を含む。本明細書において、検針装置３－１～３－９を「第１の通信装置」ともいい、管理装置２Ａ～２Ｃを「第２の通信装置」ともいう。図１の通信システムは、例えば、遠隔検針システムである。各検針装置３－１～３－９は、電力会社設備１から電力線１１を介して電力供給を受けて、各住宅又は住戸の宅内機器（図示せず）に供給する。宅内機器は、分電盤又は他の電力管理装置などである。各検針装置３－１～３－９及び各管理装置２Ａ～２Ｃは、無線通信の機能を有する。各管理装置２Ａ～２Ｃは、それらの管理下の１つ又は複数の検針装置とともに、無線通信を行う別個のパーソナルエリアネットワークであるネットワーク１００Ａ～１００Ｃをそれぞれ構成する。ネットワーク１００Ａは、管理装置２Ａ及び検針装置３－１～３－３を含む。ネットワーク１００Ｂは、管理装置２Ｂ及び検針装置３－４、３－５、３－７を含む。ネットワーク１００Ｃは、管理装置２Ｃ及び検針装置３－６、３－８、３－９を含む。各管理装置２Ａ～２Ｃは、それらの管理下の検針装置と直接に通信してもよく、マルチホップにより通信してもよい。各管理装置２Ａ～２Ｃは、ネットワーク１００Ａ～１００Ｃのコーディネータとしてそれぞれ動作する。各管理装置２Ａ～２Ｃは、通信線１２Ａ～１２Ｃを介して電力会社設備１とそれぞれ通信し、各検針装置で測定された消費電力量の情報などを電力会社に通知する。 (Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a communication system according to the present embodiment. The communication system of FIG. 1 includes a plurality of communication devices including a plurality of meter reading devices 3-1 to 3-9 and management devices 2A to 2C that manage these meter reading devices 3-1 to 3-9. In this specification, the meter-reading devices 3-1 to 3-9 are also referred to as “first communication devices”, and the management devices 2A to 2C are also referred to as “second communication devices”. The communication system in FIG. 1 is, for example, a remote meter reading system. Each of the meter-reading devices 3-1 to 3-9 receives power supply from the power company facility 1 through the power line 11, and supplies it to the home equipment (not shown) of each house or dwelling unit. Home appliances are distribution boards or other power management devices. Each of the meter reading devices 3-1 to 3-9 and each of the management devices 2A to 2C has a wireless communication function. Each of the management devices 2A to 2C constitutes a network 100A to 100C, which is a separate personal area network that performs wireless communication, together with one or more meter-reading devices under their management. The network 100A includes a management device 2A and meter reading devices 3-1 to 3-3. The network 100B includes a management device 2B and meter-reading devices 3-4, 3-5, 3-7. The network 100C includes a management device 2C and meter-reading devices 3-6, 3-8, 3-9. Each of the management devices 2A to 2C may communicate directly with the meter-reading device under their management, or may communicate by multi-hop. Each of the management apparatuses 2A to 2C operates as a coordinator of the networks 100A to 100C. Each of the management devices 2A to 2C communicates with the power company facility 1 via the communication lines 12A to 12C, respectively, and notifies the power company of information on the amount of power consumption measured by each meter-reading device.
　図２は、図１の管理装置２Ａの構成を示すブロック図である。管理装置２Ａは、制御回路２１、メモリ２２、第１の通信回路２３、アンテナ２３ａ、及び第２の通信回路２４を備える。第１の通信回路２３は無線通信回路である。第２の通信回路２４は、例えば、電話回線、光回線、ケーブルテレビ線などを介して通信する通信回路である。制御回路２１は、第１の通信回路２３を用いて検針装置３－１～３－９の少なくとも一部と通信し、第２の通信回路２４を用いて電力会社設備１と通信する。 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management apparatus 2A shown in FIG. The management apparatus 2A includes a control circuit 21, a memory 22, a first communication circuit 23, an antenna 23a, and a second communication circuit 24. The first communication circuit 23 is a wireless communication circuit. The second communication circuit 24 is a communication circuit that performs communication via, for example, a telephone line, an optical line, a cable TV line, or the like. The control circuit 21 communicates with at least a part of the meter reading devices 3-1 to 3-9 using the first communication circuit 23, and communicates with the power company facility 1 using the second communication circuit 24.
　図１の管理装置２Ｂ及び２Ｃもまた、図２の管理装置２Ａと同様に構成される。 The management devices 2B and 2C in FIG. 1 are also configured similarly to the management device 2A in FIG.
　図３は、図１の検針装置３－１の構成を示すブロック図である。検針装置３－１は、制御回路３１、メモリ３２、タイマ３３、カウンタ３４、第３の通信回路３５、アンテナ３５ａ、及び電力量計３６を備える。本明細書において、第３の通信回路３５を「通信回路」ともいう。第３の通信回路３５は無線通信回路である。制御回路３１は、検針装置３－１全体の動作を制御する。第３の通信回路３５は、制御回路３１の制御下で、他の通信装置の少なくとも一部、すなわち、検針装置３－２～３－９の少なくとも一部及び管理装置２Ａ～２Ｃの少なくとも一部と通信する。図１の例では、検針装置３－１は管理装置２Ａのネットワーク１００Ａに参入し、第３の通信回路３５は、制御回路３１の制御下で、他の検針装置３－２～３－３及び管理装置２Ａと通信する。メモリ３２は、検針装置３－１の動作に必要な情報を格納する。タイマ３３は、時間信号を生成する。制御回路３１は、時間信号に基づいて、検針装置３－１がネットワーク１００Ａに参入してから開始して反復される、複数の時間区間を生成する。カウンタ３４は、検針装置３－１がネットワーク１００Ａに参入しているとき、他のネットワーク１００Ｂ又は１００Ｃに参入している他の通信装置間の通信に係る漏れ信号を第３の通信回路３５により受信した回数を示すカウンタ値を格納する。電力量計３６は、宅内機器（図示せず）の消費電力量を測定する。制御回路３１は、測定した消費電力量を、第３の通信回路３５を用いて管理装置２Ａに通知する。 FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the meter reading device 3-1 in FIG. The meter-reading device 3-1 includes a control circuit 31, a memory 32, a timer 33, a counter 34, a third communication circuit 35, an antenna 35 a, and a watt hour meter 36. In the present specification, the third communication circuit 35 is also referred to as a “communication circuit”. The third communication circuit 35 is a wireless communication circuit. The control circuit 31 controls the overall operation of the meter reading device 3-1. Under the control of the control circuit 31, the third communication circuit 35 is at least a part of other communication devices, that is, at least a part of the meter reading devices 3-2 to 3-9 and at least a part of the management devices 2A to 2C. Communicate with. In the example of FIG. 1, the meter-reading device 3-1 enters the network 100A of the management device 2A, and the third communication circuit 35 is controlled by the control circuit 31 with the other meter-reading devices 3-2 to 3-3 and It communicates with the management apparatus 2A. The memory 32 stores information necessary for the operation of the meter reading device 3-1. The timer 33 generates a time signal. Based on the time signal, the control circuit 31 generates a plurality of time intervals that are started and repeated after the meter reading device 3-1 enters the network 100A. When the meter-reading device 3-1 enters the network 100A, the counter 34 receives a leakage signal related to communication between other communication devices entering the other network 100B or 100C by the third communication circuit 35. Stores a counter value indicating the number of times the data has been processed. The watt-hour meter 36 measures the amount of power consumption of a home device (not shown). The control circuit 31 notifies the management device 2 </ b> A of the measured power consumption amount using the third communication circuit 35.
　図１の検針装置３－２～３－９もまた、図２の検針装置３－１と同様に構成される。 1 is also configured in the same manner as the meter reading device 3-1 in FIG.
　次に、図４及び図５を参照して、図１の通信システムの動作について説明する。 Next, the operation of the communication system of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
　図４は、図１のネットワーク１００Ａに検針装置３－３が参入するときの比較例の動作を示すシーケンス図である。検針装置３－３は、あるネットワークに参入又は再参入するとき、スキャン要求信号を送信し、これに対して返信されたビーコン信号を受信することで、参入又は再参入しようとしているネットワークの情報を取得する。検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、ネットワーク１００Ａに参入するために、第３の通信回路３５によりスキャン要求信号をブロードキャストする（アクティブスキャン）。本明細書において、ネットワーク１００Ａを「第１のネットワーク」ともいう。検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、ネットワーク１００Ａに参入している他の通信装置（検針装置３－１、３－２、及び／又は管理装置２Ａ）から、スキャン要求信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号を第３の通信回路３５により受信する。ビーコン信号は、その送信元の通信装置に関連付けられた、ネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質を含む。ネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質は、例えば、ビーコン信号の送信元の検針装置３－１又は３－２から管理装置２Ａまでのルートコストを含む。ネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質は、ルートコストに限らず、検針装置３－３がビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置を介してネットワーク１００Ａに参入するときの通信品質を表す他の任意のパラメータであってもよい。ビーコン信号に含まれたネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質が予め決められた基準を満たすとき、検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置に第３の通信回路３５により参入要求信号を送信する。複数のネットワークからビーコン信号が返信された場合には、検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、最も高い通信品質を有するネットワークの通信装置に第３の通信回路３５により参入要求信号を送信してもよい。検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、参入要求信号に対して返信された参入許可信号を第３の通信回路３５により受信して、ネットワーク１００Ａに参入する（時刻ｔ０）。 FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the comparative example when the meter reading device 3-3 enters the network 100A of FIG. When entering or re-entering a certain network, the meter-reading device 3-3 transmits a scan request signal and receives a beacon signal returned in response to this, thereby obtaining information on the network that is about to enter or re-enter. get. The control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 broadcasts a scan request signal by the third communication circuit 35 in order to enter the network 100A (active scan). In this specification, the network 100A is also referred to as a “first network”. The control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 returns a response to the scan request signal from another communication device (the meter-reading device 3-1, 3-2 and / or the management device 2A) that has entered the network 100A. The third beacon signal is received by the third communication circuit 35. The beacon signal includes the communication quality of the network 100A associated with the transmission source communication device. The communication quality of the network 100A includes, for example, the route cost from the meter-reading device 3-1 or 3-2 that is the transmission source of the beacon signal to the management device 2A. The communication quality of the network 100A is not limited to the route cost, and may be any other parameter indicating the communication quality when the meter reading device 3-3 enters the network 100A via the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal. Good. When the communication quality of the network 100A included in the beacon signal satisfies a predetermined criterion, the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 requests the communication device that transmitted the beacon signal by the third communication circuit 35 to enter the communication device. Send a signal. When beacon signals are returned from a plurality of networks, the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 transmits an entry request signal to the network communication device having the highest communication quality by the third communication circuit 35. Also good. The control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 receives the entry permission signal returned in response to the entry request signal by the third communication circuit 35 and enters the network 100A (time t0).
　検針装置３－３がネットワーク１００Ａに参入した後で、ネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質が低下することがある。また、ネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質が低下しなくても、ネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質よりも高い通信品質を有する他のネットワークが存在している可能性がある。これらの場合、検針装置３－３は、ネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質よりも高い通信品質を有する他のネットワークを探索して参入できることが望ましい。このため、例えば図４に示すように、一定の期間Ｔ１ごとにアクティブスキャンを実行することが考えられる。時刻ｔ０から期間Ｔ１が経過したとき（時刻ｔ１）、検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、第３の通信回路３５によりスキャン要求信号をブロードキャストする（アクティブスキャン）。図４の例では、ネットワーク１００Ａの他のネットワークからビーコン信号が返信されないので、検針装置３－３は他のネットワークに再参入することはできない。時刻ｔ１から期間Ｔ１が経過したとき（時刻ｔ２）、検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、第３の通信回路３５によりスキャン要求信号をブロードキャストする。図４の例では、ネットワーク１００Ｂの通信装置（検針装置３－４、３－５、３－７及び管理装置２Ｂ）からビーコン信号が返信されるが、ネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質よりも高い通信品質を含むビーコン信号はない。本明細書において、ネットワーク１００Ｂを「第２のネットワーク」ともいう。ネットワーク１００Ｂの通信品質はネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質より高くないので、検針装置３－３はネットワーク１００Ｂに再参入することはない。時刻ｔ２から期間Ｔ１が経過したとき（時刻ｔ３）、検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、第３の通信回路３５によりスキャン要求信号をブロードキャストする。図４の例では、ネットワーク１００Ｂの通信装置からビーコン信号が返信され、ネットワーク１００Ｂの通信品質はネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質より高い。従って、検針装置３－３は、ネットワーク１００Ａから離脱してネットワーク１００Ｂに再参入する。 After the meter reading device 3-3 has entered the network 100A, the communication quality of the network 100A may deteriorate. Even if the communication quality of the network 100A does not deteriorate, there may be another network having a communication quality higher than the communication quality of the network 100A. In these cases, it is desirable that the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 can search and enter another network having communication quality higher than that of the network 100A. For this reason, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, it is conceivable that an active scan is performed every certain period T1. When the period T1 has elapsed from time t0 (time t1), the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 broadcasts a scan request signal by the third communication circuit 35 (active scan). In the example of FIG. 4, since the beacon signal is not returned from the other network of the network 100A, the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 cannot re-enter the other network. When the period T1 has elapsed from time t1 (time t2), the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 broadcasts a scan request signal through the third communication circuit 35. In the example of FIG. 4, beacon signals are returned from the communication devices (meter reading devices 3-4, 3-5, 3-7 and management device 2B) of the network 100B, but communication quality higher than the communication quality of the network 100A is obtained. There are no beacon signals to include. In this specification, the network 100B is also referred to as a “second network”. Since the communication quality of the network 100B is not higher than the communication quality of the network 100A, the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 does not re-enter the network 100B. When the period T1 has elapsed from time t2 (time t3), the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 broadcasts a scan request signal through the third communication circuit 35. In the example of FIG. 4, a beacon signal is returned from the communication device of the network 100B, and the communication quality of the network 100B is higher than the communication quality of the network 100A. Accordingly, the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 leaves the network 100A and re-enters the network 100B.
　図４の動作では、ネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質より高い通信品質を有する他のネットワークが存在していなくても、アクティブスキャンを定期的に実行している。アクティブスキャンを高頻度で行うと、通信トラフィックが大きくなり、本来のデータ通信に影響する可能性がある。特に、他のネットワークと通信可能ではないときにアクティブスキャンを実行すると、無駄が大きい。また、アクティブスキャンを行う頻度を下げると、ネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質よりも高い通信品質を有する他のネットワークを探索して再参入するまでに時間がかかる。従って、通信トラフィックの増大を抑えながら、より良好な通信品質を有する他のネットワークを効率的に探索して参入できることが望ましい。 In the operation of FIG. 4, the active scan is periodically executed even when there is no other network having a communication quality higher than that of the network 100A. If active scanning is performed at a high frequency, communication traffic increases, which may affect original data communication. In particular, if active scanning is executed when communication with other networks is not possible, waste is significant. Moreover, if the frequency of performing active scanning is lowered, it takes time to search for another network having communication quality higher than the communication quality of the network 100A and re-enter. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to efficiently search for and enter other networks having better communication quality while suppressing an increase in communication traffic.
　図５は、図１のネットワーク１００Ａに検針装置３－３が参入するときの動作を示すシーケンス図である。検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、図４の動作と同様にアクティブスキャンを行ってネットワーク１００Ａに参入する（時刻ｔ１０）。検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、検針装置３－３がネットワーク１００Ａに参入してから開始して反復される、複数の時間区間ｔ１０～ｔ１１、ｔ１１～ｔ１２、…を生成する。各時間区間は、例えば一定の期間Ｔ１（例えば３０分）を有する。検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、各時間区間の最初に、カウンタ３４のカウンタ値に基づいて、アクティブスキャンの要否を判断する。前述のように、カウンタ値は、検針装置３－１がネットワーク１００Ａに参入しているとき、他のネットワーク１００Ｂ又は１００Ｃに参入している他の通信装置間の通信に係る漏れ信号を第３の通信回路３５により受信した回数を示す。検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、各時間区間において、漏れ信号を受信したとき、カウンタ値をインクリメントする。検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、ある時間区間において、当該時間区間に先行する予め決められた個数の時間区間にわたって予め決められた個数の漏れ信号を受信したとき、第３の通信回路３５からスキャン要求信号をブロードキャストする（アクティブスキャン）。予め決められた個数の時間区間は、例えば、カウンタ３４を起動してから、又はリセットしてから、現在の時間区間までの全時間区間であってもよい。図５の例では、時刻ｔ１０からの時間区間では漏れ信号を受信していないので、時刻ｔ１１からの時間区間ではアクティブスキャンを実行しない。図５の例では、時刻ｔ１１からの時間区間で漏れ信号を受信しているので、時刻ｔ１２からの時間区間でアクティブスキャンを実行する。検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、ネットワーク１００Ｂに参入している他の通信装置から、スキャン要求信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号であって、ネットワーク１００Ｂの通信品質を含むビーコン信号を第３の通信回路３５により受信する。このとき、検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、ネットワーク１００Ｂの通信品質をネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質に対して比較する。検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、ネットワーク１００Ｂの通信品質がネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質よりも高いとき、検針装置３－３をネットワーク１００Ａから離脱してネットワーク１００Ｂに参入させるように制御する。 FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an operation when the meter reading device 3-3 enters the network 100A of FIG. The control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 enters the network 100A by performing an active scan similarly to the operation of FIG. 4 (time t10). The control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 generates a plurality of time intervals t10 to t11, t11 to t12,... That are repeated after the meter-reading device 3-3 enters the network 100A. Each time interval has a certain period T1 (for example, 30 minutes), for example. The control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 determines whether or not an active scan is necessary based on the counter value of the counter 34 at the beginning of each time interval. As described above, when the meter reading device 3-1 enters the network 100A, the counter value indicates the third leakage signal related to communication between other communication devices entering the other network 100B or 100C. The number of times received by the communication circuit 35 is shown. The control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 increments the counter value when a leak signal is received in each time interval. When the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 receives a predetermined number of leak signals over a predetermined number of time intervals preceding the time interval in a certain time interval, the third communication circuit 35 Broadcasts a scan request signal from (active scan). The predetermined number of time intervals may be, for example, the entire time interval from the activation of the counter 34 or the reset to the current time interval. In the example of FIG. 5, no leak signal is received in the time interval from time t10, so active scan is not executed in the time interval from time t11. In the example of FIG. 5, since the leakage signal is received in the time interval from time t11, the active scan is executed in the time interval from time t12. The control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 receives a beacon signal returned from another communication device that has entered the network 100B in response to the scan request signal and includes the communication quality of the network 100B. 3 communication circuit 35. At this time, the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 compares the communication quality of the network 100B with the communication quality of the network 100A. When the communication quality of the network 100B is higher than the communication quality of the network 100A, the control circuit 31 of the meter reading device 3-3 controls the meter reading device 3-3 to leave the network 100A and enter the network 100B.
　図５の動作によれば、検針装置３－３と通信可能な他のネットワークが存在しないときに、無駄なアクティブスキャンを行うことを抑制することができる。従って、通信トラフィックの増大を抑えながら、より良好な通信品質を有する他のネットワークを効率的に探索して参入することができる。 According to the operation of FIG. 5, it is possible to suppress performing a useless active scan when there is no other network capable of communicating with the meter-reading device 3-3. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently search for and enter other networks having better communication quality while suppressing an increase in communication traffic.
　カウンタ値は、図５に示すようにネットワーク１００Ｂに参入している他の通信装置間の通信に係る漏れ信号だけでなく、他のネットワーク１００Ｃ（又はその他）に参入している他の通信装置間の通信に係る漏れ信号を受信した回数を示してもよい。カウンタ値は、漏れ信号の送信元のネットワークを区別しても、区別しなくてもよい。漏れ信号の送信元のネットワークを区別しない場合であっても、複数の他のネットワークから漏れ信号を頻繁に受信していれば、他のネットワークのいずれかに再参入可能であることが期待される。 As shown in FIG. 5, the counter value is not only a leakage signal related to communication between other communication devices that have entered the network 100B, but also between other communication devices that have entered the other network 100C (or other). The number of times of reception of the leak signal related to the communication may be indicated. The counter value may or may not distinguish the network from which the leakage signal is transmitted. Even if it does not distinguish the network from which the leak signal is sent, it is expected that it can re-enter one of the other networks as long as leak signals are frequently received from multiple other networks. .
　検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、アクティブスキャンの要否を判断するために、各時間区間において、図６～図８のいずれかのアクティブスキャン処理を実行してもよい。 The control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 may execute any one of the active scan processes of FIGS. 6 to 8 in each time interval in order to determine whether or not an active scan is necessary.
　図６は、検針装置３－３の制御回路３１によって実行される第１のアクティブスキャン処理を示すフローチャートである。図６のステップＳ１において、制御回路３１は、カウンタ値が予め決められたしきい値（第１のしきい値）以上になるか否かを判断し、ＹＥＳのときはステップＳ２に進み、ＮＯのときはステップＳ３に進む。ステップＳ２において、制御回路３１は、第３の通信回路３５によりスキャン要求信号をブロードキャストする（アクティブスキャン）。ステップＳ３において、制御回路３１は、現在の時間区間において漏れ信号を受信したか否かを判断し、ＹＥＳのときはステップＳ４に進み、ＮＯのときはステップＳ５に進む。ステップＳ４において、制御回路３１は、カウンタ値を例えば１だけインクリメントする。ステップＳ５において、制御回路３１は、現在の時間区間の期間Ｔ１が経過したか否かを判断し、ＹＥＳのときはステップＳ１に戻り（次の時間区間）、ＮＯのときはステップＳ３に戻る。 FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a first active scan process executed by the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3. In step S1 of FIG. 6, the control circuit 31 determines whether or not the counter value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (first threshold value). If YES, the process proceeds to step S2, and NO In step S3, the process proceeds to step S3. In step S2, the control circuit 31 broadcasts a scan request signal by the third communication circuit 35 (active scan). In step S3, the control circuit 31 determines whether or not a leak signal has been received in the current time interval. If YES, the control circuit 31 proceeds to step S4. If NO, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S4, the control circuit 31 increments the counter value by 1, for example. In step S5, the control circuit 31 determines whether or not the period T1 of the current time interval has elapsed. If YES, the control circuit 31 returns to step S1 (next time interval), and if NO, returns to step S3.
　カウンタ値は、予め決められた個数の時間区間ごとにリセットしてもよい。例えば、図６のステップＳ１の後で、カウンタ値をリセットしてもよい。このとき、検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、ある時間区間において、当該時間区間の直前の時間区間で漏れ信号を少なくとも１回受信してカウンタ値をインクリメントしたとき、第３の通信回路３５によりスキャン要求信号をブロードキャストしてもよい。 The counter value may be reset every predetermined number of time intervals. For example, the counter value may be reset after step S1 in FIG. At this time, when the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3 receives a leakage signal at least once in a time interval immediately before the time interval and increments the counter value, the third communication circuit 35 May scan the scan request signal.
　図６のアクティブスキャン処理によれば、カウンタ値がしきい値以上になるときのみ、すなわち、ネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質より高い通信品質を有する他のネットワークが存在すると期待されるときのみ、アクティブスキャンを実行することができる。従って、ネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質より高い通信品質を有する他のネットワークが存在しないときに、無駄なアクティブスキャンを行うことを抑制することができる。 According to the active scan process of FIG. 6, the active scan is performed only when the counter value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, that is, only when it is expected that another network having a communication quality higher than the communication quality of the network 100A exists. Can be executed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress performing a useless active scan when there is no other network having a communication quality higher than the communication quality of the network 100A.
　図７は、検針装置３－３の制御回路３１によって実行される第２のアクティブスキャン処理を示すフローチャートである。図７のステップＳ１１において、制御回路３１は、カウンタ値が予め決められたしきい値以上になるか否かを判断し、ＹＥＳのときはステップＳ１２に進み、ＮＯのときはステップＳ１３に進む。ステップＳ１２において、制御回路３１は、第３の通信回路３５によりスキャン要求信号をブロードキャストする（アクティブスキャン）。ステップＳ１３において、制御回路３１は、現在の時間区間において漏れ信号を受信したか否かを判断し、ＹＥＳのときはステップＳ１４に進み、ＮＯのときはステップＳ１５に進む。ステップＳ１４において、制御回路３１は、カウンタ値を例えば１だけインクリメントする。ステップＳ１５において、制御回路３１は、カウンタ値を例えば１だけデクリメントする。ステップＳ１６において、制御回路３１は、現在の時間区間の期間Ｔ１が経過したか否かを判断し、ＹＥＳのときはステップＳ１１に戻り（次の時間区間）、ＮＯのときはステップＳ１３に戻る。 FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second active scan process executed by the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-3. In step S11 of FIG. 7, the control circuit 31 determines whether or not the counter value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. If YES, the process proceeds to step S12, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S12, the control circuit 31 broadcasts a scan request signal by the third communication circuit 35 (active scan). In step S13, the control circuit 31 determines whether or not a leak signal has been received in the current time interval. If YES, the process proceeds to step S14, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S15. In step S14, the control circuit 31 increments the counter value by 1, for example. In step S15, the control circuit 31 decrements the counter value by 1, for example. In step S16, the control circuit 31 determines whether or not the period T1 of the current time interval has elapsed. If YES, the control circuit 31 returns to step S11 (next time interval), and if NO, returns to step S13.
　カウンタ値は、予め決められた個数の時間区間ごとにリセットしてもよい。 The counter value may be reset every predetermined number of time intervals.
　図７のアクティブスキャン処理によれば、漏れ信号を受信しなかったときカウンタ値をデクリメントするので、検針装置３－３と通信可能な他のネットワークが存在しないときに、無駄なアクティブスキャンを行うことを抑制することができる。 According to the active scan process of FIG. 7, the counter value is decremented when a leak signal is not received, so that a useless active scan is performed when there is no other network capable of communicating with the meter reading device 3-3. Can be suppressed.
　図８は、検針装置３－３の制御回路３１によって実行される第３のアクティブスキャン処理を示すフローチャートである。図８のステップＳ２１において、制御回路３１は、現在の時間区間に先行する予め決められた個数（例えば２つ）の連続した時間区間で漏れ信号をそれぞれ受信したか否かを判断し、ＹＥＳのときはステップＳ２２に進み、ＮＯのときはステップＳ２３に進む。ステップＳ２２において、制御回路３１は、第３の通信回路３５によりスキャン要求信号をブロードキャストする（アクティブスキャン）。ステップＳ２３において、制御回路３１は、現在の時間区間において漏れ信号を受信したか否かを判断し、ＹＥＳのときはステップＳ２４に進み、ＮＯのときはステップＳ２５に進む。ステップＳ２４において、制御回路３１は、カウンタ値を例えば１だけインクリメントする。ステップＳ２５において、制御回路３１は、カウンタ値をリセットする。ステップＳ２６において、制御回路３１は、現在の時間区間の期間Ｔ１が経過したか否かを判断し、ＹＥＳのときはステップＳ２１に戻り（次の時間区間）、ＮＯのときはステップＳ２６を繰り返す。 FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a third active scan process executed by the control circuit 31 of the meter reading device 3-3. In step S21 of FIG. 8, the control circuit 31 determines whether or not each of the leak signals has been received in a predetermined number (for example, two) of continuous time intervals preceding the current time interval, and YES. If so, the process proceeds to step S22. If NO, the process proceeds to step S23. In step S22, the control circuit 31 broadcasts a scan request signal by the third communication circuit 35 (active scan). In step S23, the control circuit 31 determines whether or not a leak signal has been received in the current time interval. If YES, the process proceeds to step S24, and if NO, the process proceeds to step S25. In step S24, the control circuit 31 increments the counter value by 1, for example. In step S25, the control circuit 31 resets the counter value. In step S26, the control circuit 31 determines whether or not the period T1 of the current time interval has elapsed. If YES, the control circuit 31 returns to step S21 (next time interval), and if NO, repeats step S26.
　図８のステップＳ２１では、カウンタ値が予め決められた連続した時間区間の個数（例えば２つ）に等しいとき、現在の時間区間に先行する予め決められた個数の連続した時間区間で漏れ信号をそれぞれ受信したと判断する。検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、各時間区間で漏れ信号を受信した回数を示す第１のカウンタ値と、漏れ信号を受信した連続した時間区間の個数を示す第２のカウンタ値とを別個に計数してもよい。このとき、制御回路は、ある時間区間において、当該時間区間に先行する予め決められた個数の連続した時間区間で漏れ信号をそれぞれ受信してカウンタ値をそれぞれインクリメントしたとき、通信回路によりスキャン要求信号をブロードキャストしてもよい。 In step S21 of FIG. 8, when the counter value is equal to a predetermined number of consecutive time intervals (for example, two), a leak signal is generated in a predetermined number of consecutive time intervals preceding the current time interval. It is determined that each has been received. The control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 obtains a first counter value indicating the number of times the leak signal has been received in each time interval, and a second counter value indicating the number of consecutive time intervals in which the leak signal has been received. You may count separately. At this time, when the control circuit receives the leakage signal in a predetermined number of consecutive time intervals preceding the time interval and increments the counter value in a certain time interval, the communication circuit scans the scan request signal. May be broadcast.
　図８のアクティブスキャン処理によれば、連続した時間区間で漏れ信号を受信したときのみ、すなわち、ネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質より高い通信品質を有する他のネットワークが存在すると期待されるときのみ、アクティブスキャンを実行することができる。従って、ネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質より高い通信品質を有する他のネットワークが存在しないときに、無駄なアクティブスキャンを行うことを抑制することができる。 According to the active scan process of FIG. 8, the active scan is performed only when a leak signal is received in continuous time intervals, that is, only when it is expected that there is another network having a communication quality higher than the communication quality of the network 100A. Can be executed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress performing a useless active scan when there is no other network having a communication quality higher than the communication quality of the network 100A.
　検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、各時間区間において、以下の条件が満たされるとき、カウンタ値をインクリメントしてもよい（すなわち、漏れ信号を受信したと判断してもよい）。検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、各時間区間において、漏れ信号を第３の通信回路３５により受信し、漏れ信号の受信品質が予め決められたしきい値（第２のしきい値）を超えるとき、カウンタ値をインクリメントしてもよい。また、検針装置３－３の制御回路３１は、各時間区間において、予め決められたしきい値（第３のしきい値）を超える個数の漏れ信号を受信したとき、カウンタ値をインクリメントしてもよい。 The control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 may increment the counter value (that is, determine that a leak signal has been received) when the following conditions are satisfied in each time interval. The control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 receives the leak signal by the third communication circuit 35 in each time interval, and the reception quality of the leak signal is a predetermined threshold (second threshold). When the value exceeds, the counter value may be incremented. The control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-3 increments the counter value when receiving a number of leakage signals exceeding a predetermined threshold value (third threshold value) in each time interval. Also good.
　（実施の形態２）
　図９は、本実施の形態において、検針装置３－１のメモリ３２に格納されるスキャン結果テーブルを示す図である。スキャン結果テーブルは、各ネットワーク１００Ａ～１００Ｃの各通信装置（検針装置３－１～３－９及び管理装置２Ａ～２Ｃ）に関連付けられた各ネットワークの通信品質を記録する。ネットワークの通信品質は、例えば、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置から、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置が参入しているネットワークの管理装置までのルートコストを含む。ネットワークの通信品質は、ルートコストに限らず、検針装置３－１がビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置を介してネットワークに参入又は再参入するときの通信品質を表す他の任意のパラメータであってもよい。検針装置３－１の制御回路３１は、各ネットワークの各通信装置から、検針装置３－１が送信したスキャン要求信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号を第３の通信回路３５により受信する。このビーコン信号は、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置に関連付けられた、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置が参入しているネットワークの通信品質を含む。検針装置３－１の制御回路３１は、このビーコン信号を第３の通信回路３５により受信したとき、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置に関連付けて、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置が参入しているネットワークの通信品質をスキャン結果テーブルに記録する。 (Embodiment 2)
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a scan result table stored in the memory 32 of the meter-reading apparatus 3-1 in the present embodiment. The scan result table records the communication quality of each network associated with each communication device (meter reading devices 3-1 to 3-9 and management devices 2A to 2C) of each network 100A to 100C. The communication quality of the network includes, for example, the route cost from the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal to the management device of the network in which the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal is participating. The communication quality of the network is not limited to the route cost, and is any other parameter that represents the communication quality when the meter-reading device 3-1 enters or re-enters the network via the communication device that transmitted the beacon signal. Also good. The control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-1 receives the beacon signal returned from each communication device of each network in response to the scan request signal transmitted by the meter-reading device 3-1 by the third communication circuit 35. This beacon signal includes the communication quality of the network in which the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal is associated with the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal. When the beacon signal is received by the third communication circuit 35, the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-1 associates with the communication device that transmitted the beacon signal and the communication device that transmitted the beacon signal has entered. Record the communication quality of the existing network in the scan result table.
　図９の例では、スキャン結果テーブルは、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置が参入しているネットワークのＩＤと、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置のＩＤと、ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置のルートコストとを記録する。 In the example of FIG. 9, the scan result table includes the ID of the network in which the communication device that transmitted the beacon signal has entered, the ID of the communication device that transmitted the beacon signal, and the communication device that transmitted the beacon signal. Record the root cost.
　検針装置３－１の制御回路３１は、スキャン結果テーブルに基づいて、以下の条件に従ってカウンタ値をインクリメントしてもよい。 The control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-1 may increment the counter value according to the following conditions based on the scan result table.
　制御回路３１は、各時間区間において、スキャン結果テーブルに記録された通信装置のうちの、ネットワーク１００Ａの各通信装置よりも高い通信品質を有する他のネットワークの他の通信装置から漏れ信号を受信したとき、カウンタ値をインクリメントしてもよい。これにより、検針装置３－１は、高い通信品質を有するネットワークでありながら現在参入していないネットワークに再参入するために、アクティブスキャンを実行することができる。 In each time interval, the control circuit 31 receives a leakage signal from another communication device of another network having higher communication quality than the communication devices of the network 100A among the communication devices recorded in the scan result table. In some cases, the counter value may be incremented. Thereby, the meter-reading apparatus 3-1 can perform an active scan in order to re-enter a network that has a high communication quality but has not yet entered.
　制御回路３１は、各時間区間において、スキャン結果テーブルに記録されていない他のネットワーク（例えばネットワーク１００Ｃ）に参入している他の通信装置から漏れ信号を受信したとき、カウンタ値をインクリメントしてもよい。スキャン結果テーブルに記録されていないネットワークから漏れ信号が来たとき、現在参入しているネットワークよりも高い通信品質を有するネットワークである可能性がある。従って、ネットワーク１００Ａ及びスキャン結果テーブルに記録された他のネットワークの通信品質より高い通信品質を有する他のネットワークが存在すると期待されるとき、アクティブスキャンを実行することができる。 When the control circuit 31 receives a leakage signal from another communication device that has entered another network (for example, the network 100C) not recorded in the scan result table in each time interval, the control circuit 31 may increment the counter value. Good. When a leak signal comes from a network that is not recorded in the scan result table, there is a possibility that the network has higher communication quality than the network that is currently entered. Therefore, when it is expected that there is another network having communication quality higher than that of the network 100A and other networks recorded in the scan result table, the active scan can be executed.
　制御回路３１は、各時間区間において、他のネットワークの複数の検針装置を管理する管理装置であって、スキャン結果テーブルに記録されていない管理装置から漏れ信号を受信したとき、カウンタ値をインクリメントしてもよい。ネットワークの管理装置と直接に通信することができるのであれば、良好な通信品質が期待される。従って、良好な通信品質を有する他のネットワークが存在すると期待されるとき、アクティブスキャンを実行することができる。 The control circuit 31 is a management device that manages a plurality of meter reading devices in other networks in each time interval, and increments a counter value when a leakage signal is received from a management device that is not recorded in the scan result table. May be. If communication can be performed directly with a network management device, good communication quality is expected. Therefore, active scanning can be performed when other networks with good communication quality are expected to exist.
　カウンタ値をインクリメントするか否かを判断するとき、これらの条件を組み合わせてもよい。 These conditions may be combined when determining whether or not to increment the counter value.
　本実施の形態で説明したスキャン結果テーブルに基づく動作は、実施の形態１で説明した動作と組み合わせてもよい。 The operation based on the scan result table described in the present embodiment may be combined with the operation described in the first embodiment.
　（変形例）
　検針装置３－１の制御回路３１は、各時間区間において、受信した漏れ信号の個数に応じて、カウンタ値をインクリメントするステップ幅を変化させてもよい。例えば、ある時間区間（又は、所定個数の連続した時間区間）において多数の漏れ信号を受信しているときには、早くアクティブスキャンを実行することが好ましい可能性がある。このため、ある時間区間において受信した漏れ信号の個数が予め決められたしきい値を超えるとき、カウンタ値をインクリメントするステップ幅を予め決められた量だけ増大させてもよい。 (Modification)
The control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-1 may change the step width for incrementing the counter value in each time interval according to the number of received leak signals. For example, when a large number of leak signals are received in a certain time interval (or a predetermined number of continuous time intervals), it may be preferable to execute the active scan earlier. For this reason, when the number of leak signals received in a certain time interval exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the step width for incrementing the counter value may be increased by a predetermined amount.
　また、以上の説明では、カウンタ値は時間区間ごとにインクリメント（又はデクリメント）されたが、予め決められた個数の連続した時間区間にわたって漏れ信号をそれぞれ受信したときに、カウンタ値をインクリメントしてもよい。これによれば、連続した時間区間で漏れ信号を受信したときのみ、すなわち、参入しているネットワークの通信品質より高い通信品質を有する他のネットワークが存在すると期待されるときのみ、カウンタ値をインクリメントすることができる。従って、参入しているネットワークの通信品質より高い通信品質を有する他のネットワークが存在しないときに、カウンタ値の無駄なインクリメントを抑制し、結果として、無駄なアクティブスキャンを行うことを抑制することができる。 In the above description, the counter value is incremented (or decremented) for each time interval. However, when the leakage signal is received over a predetermined number of consecutive time intervals, the counter value may be incremented. Good. According to this, the counter value is incremented only when a leak signal is received in continuous time intervals, that is, only when it is expected that there is another network having a communication quality higher than the communication quality of the network in which it has entered. can do. Therefore, when there is no other network having communication quality higher than the communication quality of the network in which it has entered, it is possible to suppress unnecessary increment of the counter value and, as a result, suppress performing unnecessary active scan. it can.
　また、検針装置３－１の制御回路３１は、最初にネットワーク１００Ａに参入したときに、管理装置２Ａまでのルートコストが予め決められたしきい値を超える場合には、その後、漏れ信号を受信した回数をカウントしなくてもよい。ネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質が良好であれば、他のネットワークに再参入しなくてもよいと期待されるので、アクティブスキャンを実行することも不要であると考えられる。もし、ネットワーク１００Ａの通信品質が悪化したときには、検針装置３－１の制御回路３１は、予め決められた時間が経過したときに自動でリセットしてもよい。それに代わって、通信システムの管理者（ユーザ）が検針装置３－１を手動でリセットしてもよい。 In addition, when the control circuit 31 of the meter-reading device 3-1 first enters the network 100A, if the route cost to the management device 2A exceeds a predetermined threshold value, it then receives a leak signal. It is not necessary to count the number of times. If the communication quality of the network 100A is good, it is expected that it is not necessary to re-enter another network, so that it is considered unnecessary to perform an active scan. If the communication quality of the network 100A deteriorates, the control circuit 31 of the meter reading device 3-1 may be automatically reset when a predetermined time has elapsed. Alternatively, the administrator (user) of the communication system may manually reset the meter reading device 3-1.
　また、実施の形態１及び２に係る通信システムにおいて、各検針装置３－１～３－９及び各管理装置２Ａ～２Ｃは、無線通信に代えてＧ３－ＰＬＣなどの電力線通信を使用してもよい。この場合、管理装置２Ａ～２Ｃの第１の通信回路２３及び検針装置３－１～３－９の第３の通信回路３５は、電力線通信回路である。各検針装置３－１～３－９及び各管理装置２Ａ～２Ｃは、１つの電力線１１又は複数の電力線（図示せず）を介して互いに接続され、当該電力線上で電力線通信を行う。 In the communication systems according to Embodiments 1 and 2, each meter reading device 3-1 to 3-9 and each management device 2A to 2C may use power line communication such as G3-PLC instead of wireless communication. Good. In this case, the first communication circuit 23 of the management devices 2A to 2C and the third communication circuit 35 of the meter reading devices 3-1 to 3-9 are power line communication circuits. The meter-reading devices 3-1 to 3-9 and the management devices 2A to 2C are connected to each other via one power line 11 or a plurality of power lines (not shown), and perform power line communication on the power lines.
　また、実施の形態１及び２で説明した各ステップは、検針装置３－１～３－９及び管理装置２Ａ～２Ｃのハードウェアとして実施されてもよく、それらの制御回路によって実行されるプログラムとして実施されてもよい。 Further, each step described in the first and second embodiments may be implemented as hardware of the meter-reading devices 3-1 to 3-9 and the management devices 2A to 2C, and as a program executed by the control circuit thereof. May be implemented.
　また、図３の検針装置３－１は、電力量計３６と他の回路とが一体型の構成を示すが、電力量計３６と他の回路とは、別個のモジュールとして提供されてもよい。 3 shows a configuration in which the watt hour meter 36 and other circuits are integrated, the watt hour meter 36 and other circuits may be provided as separate modules. .
　また、実施の形態１及び２に係る通信システムにおいて、検針装置は、電力量の検針装置に限らず、電力線通信及び無線通信などを含む少なくとも１つの通信方式で動作可能な、ガス、水道、その他の検針装置であってもよい。 Further, in the communication system according to the first and second embodiments, the meter reading device is not limited to the power meter reading device, and can operate with at least one communication method including power line communication and wireless communication, gas, water supply, and the like. The meter reading device may be used.
　また、実施の形態１及び２に係る通信システムは、検針装置以外の他の複数の通信装置及びその管理装置から構成されてもよく、遠隔検針システム以外の通信システムであってもよい。 Further, the communication system according to the first and second embodiments may be composed of a plurality of communication devices other than the meter-reading device and its management device, or may be a communication system other than the remote meter-reading system.
　なお、上記実施の形態に係る包括的又は具体的な態様は、システム、方法、集積回路、コンピュータプログラム又はコンピュータ読み取り可能なＣＤ－ＲＯＭなどの記録媒体で実現されてもよく、システム、方法、集積回路、コンピュータプログラム又は記録媒体の任意の組み合わせで実現されてもよい。 The comprehensive or specific aspect according to the above embodiment may be realized by a recording medium such as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable CD-ROM. You may implement | achieve in arbitrary combinations of a circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium.
　その他、各実施の形態に対して当業者が思いつく各種変形を施して得られる形態や、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲で各実施の形態における構成要素及び機能を任意に組み合わせることで実現される形態も本発明に含まれる。 In addition, the embodiment can be realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in each embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention, or a form obtained by subjecting each embodiment to various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art. Forms are also included in the present invention.
　　１　　電力会社設備
　　２Ａ～２Ｃ　　管理装置
　　３－１～３－９　　検針装置
　　１１　　電力線
　　１２Ａ～１２Ｃ　　通信線
　　２１、３１　　制御回路
　　２２、３２　　メモリ
　　２３　　第１の通信回路
　　２３ａ、３５ａ　　アンテナ
　　２４　　第２の通信回路
　　３３　　タイマ
　　３４　　カウンタ
　　３５　　第３の通信回路
　　３６　　電力量計
　　１００Ａ～１００Ｃ　　ネットワーク DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electric power company equipment 2A-2C Management apparatus 3-1-3-9 Meter-reading apparatus 11 Power line 12A- 12C Communication line 21, 31 Control circuit 22, 32 Memory 23 1st communication circuit 23a, 35a Antenna 24 2nd communication circuit 33 timer 34 counter 35 third communication circuit 36 watt-hour meter 100A to 100C network

Claims (11)

  1. 　複数の通信装置をそれぞれ含む複数のネットワークのうちの１つに含まれる通信装置において、前記通信装置は、
    　他の通信装置と通信する通信回路と、
    　時間信号を生成するタイマと、
    　前記通信装置が前記複数のネットワークのうちの第１のネットワークに参入しているとき、前記複数のネットワークのうちの他のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置間の通信に係る漏れ信号を前記通信回路により受信した回数を示すカウンタ値を格納するカウンタと、
    　前記通信装置を制御する制御回路とを備え、
    　前記制御回路は、
    　前記時間信号に基づいて、前記通信装置が前記第１のネットワークに参入してから開始して反復される、複数の時間区間を生成し、
    　前記各時間区間において、前記漏れ信号を受信したとき、前記カウンタ値をインクリメントし、
    　ある時間区間において、前記カウンタ値が第１のしきい値以上になるとき、前記通信回路によりスキャン要求信号をブロードキャストし、
    　前記複数のネットワークのうちの第２のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置から、前記スキャン要求信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号であって、前記第２のネットワークの通信品質を含むビーコン信号を前記通信回路により受信したとき、前記第２のネットワークの通信品質を前記第１のネットワークの通信品質に対して比較する
    　通信装置。     In a communication device included in one of a plurality of networks each including a plurality of communication devices, the communication device includes:
    A communication circuit for communicating with other communication devices;
    A timer for generating a time signal;
    When the communication device has entered the first network of the plurality of networks, the leakage signal related to communication between other communication devices entering the other network of the plurality of networks A counter for storing a counter value indicating the number of times received by the communication circuit;
    A control circuit for controlling the communication device,
    The control circuit includes:
    Based on the time signal, generating a plurality of time intervals that are repeated starting with the communication device entering the first network;
    In each time interval, when the leakage signal is received, the counter value is incremented,
    When the counter value is equal to or greater than a first threshold value in a certain time interval, the communication circuit broadcasts a scan request signal,
    A beacon signal returned to the scan request signal from another communication device participating in the second network of the plurality of networks, the beacon signal including the communication quality of the second network When the communication circuit receives the communication quality, the communication device compares the communication quality of the second network with the communication quality of the first network.
  2. 　前記制御回路は、前記各時間区間において、前記漏れ信号を受信しなかったとき、前記カウンタ値をデクリメントする
    　請求項１記載の通信装置。     The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit decrements the counter value when the leakage signal is not received in each time interval.
  3. 　複数の通信装置をそれぞれ含む複数のネットワークのうちの１つに含まれる通信装置において、前記通信装置は、
    　他の通信装置と通信する通信回路と、
    　時間信号を生成するタイマと、
    　前記通信装置が前記複数のネットワークのうちの第１のネットワークに参入しているとき、前記複数のネットワークのうちの他のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置間の通信に係る漏れ信号を前記通信回路により受信した回数を示すカウンタ値を格納するカウンタと、
    　前記通信装置を制御する制御回路とを備え、
    　前記制御回路は、
    　前記時間信号に基づいて、前記通信装置が前記第１のネットワークに参入してから開始して反復される、複数の時間区間を生成し、
    　前記各時間区間において、前記漏れ信号を受信したとき、前記カウンタ値をインクリメントし、
    　前記制御回路は、ある時間区間において、当該時間区間の直前の時間区間で前記漏れ信号を受信して前記カウンタ値をインクリメントしたとき、前記通信回路によりスキャン要求信号をブロードキャストし、
    　前記複数のネットワークのうちの第２のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置から、前記スキャン要求信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号であって、前記第２のネットワークの通信品質を含むビーコン信号を前記通信回路により受信したとき、前記第２のネットワークの通信品質を前記第１のネットワークの通信品質に対して比較する
    　通信装置。     In a communication device included in one of a plurality of networks each including a plurality of communication devices, the communication device includes:
    A communication circuit for communicating with other communication devices;
    A timer for generating a time signal;
    When the communication device has entered the first network of the plurality of networks, the leakage signal related to communication between other communication devices entering the other network of the plurality of networks A counter for storing a counter value indicating the number of times received by the communication circuit;
    A control circuit for controlling the communication device,
    The control circuit includes:
    Based on the time signal, generating a plurality of time intervals that are repeated starting with the communication device entering the first network;
    In each time interval, when the leakage signal is received, the counter value is incremented,
    The control circuit broadcasts a scan request signal by the communication circuit when the leakage signal is received and incremented in the time interval immediately before the time interval in a certain time interval,
    A beacon signal returned to the scan request signal from another communication device participating in the second network of the plurality of networks, the beacon signal including the communication quality of the second network When the communication circuit receives the communication quality, the communication device compares the communication quality of the second network with the communication quality of the first network.
  4. 　複数の通信装置をそれぞれ含む複数のネットワークのうちの１つに含まれる通信装置において、前記通信装置は、
    　他の通信装置と通信する通信回路と、
    　時間信号を生成するタイマと、
    　前記通信装置が前記複数のネットワークのうちの第１のネットワークに参入しているとき、前記複数のネットワークのうちの他のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置間の通信に係る漏れ信号を前記通信回路により受信した回数を示すカウンタ値を格納するカウンタと、
    　前記通信装置を制御する制御回路とを備え、
    　前記制御回路は、
    　前記時間信号に基づいて、前記通信装置が前記第１のネットワークに参入してから開始して反復される、複数の時間区間を生成し、
    　前記各時間区間において、前記漏れ信号を受信したとき、前記カウンタ値をインクリメントし、
    　前記制御回路は、ある時間区間において、当該時間区間に先行する予め決められた個数の連続した時間区間で前記漏れ信号をそれぞれ受信して前記カウンタ値をそれぞれインクリメントしたとき、前記通信回路によりスキャン要求信号をブロードキャストし、
    　前記複数のネットワークのうちの第２のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置から、前記スキャン要求信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号であって、前記第２のネットワークの通信品質を含むビーコン信号を前記通信回路により受信したとき、前記第２のネットワークの通信品質を前記第１のネットワークの通信品質に対して比較する
    　通信装置。     In a communication device included in one of a plurality of networks each including a plurality of communication devices, the communication device includes:
    A communication circuit for communicating with other communication devices;
    A timer for generating a time signal;
    When the communication device has entered the first network of the plurality of networks, the leakage signal related to communication between other communication devices entering the other network of the plurality of networks A counter for storing a counter value indicating the number of times received by the communication circuit;
    A control circuit for controlling the communication device,
    The control circuit includes:
    Based on the time signal, generating a plurality of time intervals that are repeated starting with the communication device entering the first network;
    In each time interval, when the leakage signal is received, the counter value is incremented,
    When the control circuit receives the leakage signal in a predetermined number of consecutive time intervals preceding the time interval and increments the counter value in a certain time interval, a scan request is issued by the communication circuit. Broadcast signal,
    A beacon signal returned to the scan request signal from another communication device participating in the second network of the plurality of networks, the beacon signal including the communication quality of the second network When the communication circuit receives the communication quality, the communication device compares the communication quality of the second network with the communication quality of the first network.
  5. 　前記通信装置は、前記各ネットワークの各通信装置に関連付けられた前記各ネットワークの通信品質を記録するスキャン結果テーブルを格納するメモリをさらに備え、
    　前記制御回路は、
    　前記各ネットワークの各通信装置から、前記スキャン要求信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号であって、前記ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置に関連付けられた、前記ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置が参入しているネットワークの通信品質を含むビーコン信号を前記通信回路により受信したとき、前記ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置に関連付けて、前記ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置が参入しているネットワークの通信品質を前記スキャン結果テーブルに記録し、
    　前記各時間区間において、前記スキャン結果テーブルに記録された通信装置のうちの、前記第１のネットワークの各通信装置の通信品質よりも高い通信品質を有する他のネットワークの他の通信装置から前記漏れ信号を受信したとき、前記カウンタ値をインクリメントする
    　請求項１～４のいずれか１項に記載の通信装置。     The communication device further includes a memory that stores a scan result table that records the communication quality of each network associated with each communication device of each network;
    The control circuit includes:
    A beacon signal returned from each communication device of each network in response to the scan request signal, which is associated with the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal, enters the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal. When a beacon signal including the communication quality of the network being received is received by the communication circuit, the communication of the network in which the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal is associated with the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal Record the quality in the scan result table,
    Among the communication devices recorded in the scan result table in each time interval, the leakage from other communication devices of other networks having communication quality higher than the communication quality of each communication device of the first network. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the counter value is incremented when a signal is received.
  6. 　前記通信装置は、前記各ネットワークの各通信装置に関連付けられた前記各ネットワークの通信品質を記録するスキャン結果テーブルを格納するメモリをさらに備え、
    　前記制御回路は、
    　前記各ネットワークの各通信装置から、前記スキャン要求信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号であって、前記ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置に関連付けられた、前記ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置が参入しているネットワークの通信品質を含むビーコン信号を前記通信回路により受信したとき、前記ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置に関連付けて、前記ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置が参入しているネットワークの通信品質を前記スキャン結果テーブルに記録し、
    　前記各時間区間において、前記スキャン結果テーブルに記録されていない他のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置から前記漏れ信号を受信したとき、前記カウンタ値をインクリメントする
    　請求項１～５のいずれか１項に記載の通信装置。     The communication device further includes a memory that stores a scan result table that records the communication quality of each network associated with each communication device of each network;
    The control circuit includes:
    A beacon signal returned from each communication device of each network in response to the scan request signal, which is associated with the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal, enters the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal. When a beacon signal including the communication quality of the network being received is received by the communication circuit, the communication of the network in which the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal is associated with the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal Record the quality in the scan result table,
    6. The counter value is incremented when the leakage signal is received from another communication device that has entered another network that is not recorded in the scan result table in each time interval. Item 1. The communication device according to item 1.
  7. 　前記通信装置は、前記各ネットワークの各通信装置に関連付けられた前記各ネットワークの通信品質を記録するスキャン結果テーブルを格納するメモリをさらに備え、
    　前記制御回路は、
    　前記各ネットワークの各通信装置から、前記スキャン要求信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号であって、前記ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置に関連付けられた、前記ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置が参入しているネットワークの通信品質を含むビーコン信号を前記通信回路により受信したとき、前記ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置に関連付けて、前記ビーコン信号の送信元の通信装置が参入しているネットワークの通信品質を前記スキャン結果テーブルに記録し、
    　前記各時間区間において、前記複数のネットワークのうちの他のネットワークの複数の通信装置を管理する管理装置として動作する通信装置であって、前記スキャン結果テーブルに記録されていない通信装置から前記漏れ信号を受信したとき、前記カウンタ値をインクリメントする
    　請求項１～６のいずれか１項に記載の通信装置。     The communication device further includes a memory that stores a scan result table that records the communication quality of each network associated with each communication device of each network;
    The control circuit includes:
    A beacon signal returned from each communication device of each network in response to the scan request signal, which is associated with the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal, enters the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal. When a beacon signal including the communication quality of the network being received is received by the communication circuit, the communication of the network in which the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal is associated with the communication device that is the transmission source of the beacon signal Record the quality in the scan result table,
    The leakage signal from a communication device that operates as a management device that manages a plurality of communication devices of another network among the plurality of networks in each time interval, and is not recorded in the scan result table The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the counter value is incremented when received.
  8. 　前記制御回路は、前記各時間区間において、前記漏れ信号を受信し、前記漏れ信号の受信品質が第２のしきい値を超えるとき、前記カウンタ値をインクリメントする
    　請求項１～７のいずれか１項に記載の通信装置。     The control circuit receives the leakage signal in each time interval, and increments the counter value when a reception quality of the leakage signal exceeds a second threshold value. The communication device according to item.
  9. 　前記制御回路は、前記各時間区間において、第３のしきい値を超える個数の前記漏れ信号を受信したとき、前記カウンタ値をインクリメントする
    　請求項１～８のいずれか１項に記載の通信装置。     The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control circuit increments the counter value when the number of leakage signals exceeding a third threshold value is received in each time interval. .
  10. 　請求項１～９のいずれか１項に記載の通信装置としてそれぞれ動作する複数の第１の通信装置と、
    　前記複数の第１の通信装置を管理する管理装置として動作する少なくとも１つの第２の通信装置とを含む
    　通信システム。     A plurality of first communication devices each operating as the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
    A communication system including at least one second communication device that operates as a management device that manages the plurality of first communication devices.
  11. 　複数の通信装置をそれぞれ含む複数のネットワークのうちの１つに含まれる通信装置のための通信方法であって、
    　通信装置は、
    　他の通信装置と通信する通信回路と、
    　時間信号を生成するタイマと、
    　前記通信装置が前記複数のネットワークのうちの第１のネットワークに参入しているとき、前記複数のネットワークのうちの他のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置間の通信に係る漏れ信号を前記通信回路により受信した回数を示すカウンタ値を格納するカウンタと、
    　前記通信方法を実行することで前記通信装置を制御する制御回路とを備え、
    　前記通信方法は、
    　前記時間信号に基づいて、前記通信装置が前記第１のネットワークに参入してから開始して反復される、複数の時間区間を生成するステップと、
    　前記各時間区間において、前記漏れ信号を受信したとき、前記カウンタ値をインクリメントするステップと、
    　ある時間区間において、前記カウンタ値が第１のしきい値以上になるとき、前記通信回路によりスキャン要求信号をブロードキャストするステップと、
    　前記複数のネットワークのうちの第２のネットワークに参入している他の通信装置から、前記スキャン要求信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号であって、前記第２のネットワークの通信品質を含むビーコン信号を前記通信回路により受信したとき、前記第２のネットワークの通信品質を前記第１のネットワークの通信品質に対して比較するステップとを含む
    　通信方法。     A communication method for a communication device included in one of a plurality of networks each including a plurality of communication devices,
    The communication device
    A communication circuit for communicating with other communication devices;
    A timer for generating a time signal;
    When the communication device has entered the first network of the plurality of networks, the leakage signal related to communication between other communication devices entering the other network of the plurality of networks A counter for storing a counter value indicating the number of times received by the communication circuit;
    A control circuit for controlling the communication device by executing the communication method,
    The communication method is:
    Generating a plurality of time intervals based on the time signal, the communication device starting and repeating after entering the first network; and
    Incrementing the counter value when the leakage signal is received in each time interval;
    Broadcasting a scan request signal by the communication circuit when the counter value is equal to or greater than a first threshold value in a certain time interval;
    A beacon signal returned to the scan request signal from another communication device participating in the second network of the plurality of networks, the beacon signal including the communication quality of the second network A communication method comprising: comparing communication quality of the second network with communication quality of the first network when the communication circuit receives the communication quality.
PCT/JP2015/001589 2014-04-07 2015-03-20 Communication device, communication system, and communication method WO2015155945A1 (en)

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Citations (3)

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JP2011130451A (en) * 2004-04-15 2011-06-30 Qualcomm Inc Methods and apparatus for selecting between multiple carriers based on signal energy measurements
JP2013211815A (en) * 2012-02-29 2013-10-10 Panasonic Corp Measurement information collecting system, radio node, and radio node communication method and program

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6584189B1 (en) * 1998-07-01 2003-06-24 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) Call routing data management
JP2011130451A (en) * 2004-04-15 2011-06-30 Qualcomm Inc Methods and apparatus for selecting between multiple carriers based on signal energy measurements
JP2013211815A (en) * 2012-02-29 2013-10-10 Panasonic Corp Measurement information collecting system, radio node, and radio node communication method and program

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