WO2018207262A1 - Measurement unit and information management system - Google Patents

Abstract

This measurement unit is provided with a target measurement device and a body. The target measurement device is one of N measurement devices for collecting M types of measurement information. The body has a communication interface for communicating with a management device for storing information relating to the N measurement devices, a measurement interface for connecting to L measurement devices from among the N measurement devices such that communication is possible, a body memory, and a control unit. In a specific case where the target measurement device is connected to the measurement interface, the control unit carries out measurement preparation processing for acquiring target measurement information from the target measurement device through the measurement interface. After the measurement preparation processing is carried out, the control unit uses the setting information stored in the body memory to acquire, through the measurement interface, the target measurement information from the target measurement device that has been connected to the measurement interface, and transmits the acquired target measurement information to the management device through the communication interface.

Description

Measurement unit and information management system

The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a measurement unit that collects measurement information and an information management system that manages measurement information.

For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2002-6937 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) discloses a situation grasping device incorporating a sensor for grasping the state of a device to be managed, and a relay device that acquires information from the situation grasping device. And a database that acquires and stores information from the relay device, and a server that transmits the information to the service provider by displaying at least a part of the information stored in the database.

In the technique of Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to a case where information of a type different from information measurable by a sensor built in the situation grasping device is to be measured. Therefore, according to the technique of Patent Document 1, in such a case, the user himself / herself needs to newly incorporate a sensor different from the sensor already incorporated in the situation grasping apparatus, and information measured by the sensor. It is necessary to make settings necessary for processing the situation grasping device in advance, and there is a possibility that the user's work load is large.

This specification discloses a technique that can reduce the user's workload in a situation where a measurement unit for collecting target measurement information should be prepared, compared to the conventional case.

The measurement unit disclosed in this specification includes a target measurement device and a main body. The target measuring device is one of N measuring devices (N is an integer equal to or greater than M) that collects M types (M is an integer equal to or greater than 1) of measurement information. The main body includes a communication interface for performing communication with a management apparatus that stores information related to the N measurement devices, and L of the N measurement devices (L is an integer of 1 to N) ), A measurement interface for connecting to the measurement device in a communicable manner, a main body memory, and a control unit. The control unit is a measurement preparation process for acquiring target measurement information from the target measurement device via the measurement interface when the target measurement device is connected to the measurement interface. (A) obtaining identification information of an object for identifying the measurement apparatus of the object from the measurement apparatus of the object via the measurement interface; and (b) acquiring the identification information of the object via the communication interface. Transmitting a request signal including identification information to the management device; and (c) after the transmission of the request signal, setting required for processing the target measurement information from the management device via the communication interface. Receiving the relevant setting information; and (d) storing the received setting information in the main body memory. After the measurement preparation process is executed, the setting information stored in the main body memory is used to transmit the target measurement device connected to the measurement interface via the measurement interface. The measurement information of the target is acquired, and the acquired measurement information of the target is transmitted to the management apparatus via the communication interface.

Here, the “setting information related to the setting necessary for processing the target measurement information” means, for example, the data type of the target measurement information (eg, temperature, humidity, ph value, etc.), data size, data delimiter position, Contains information related to various settings such as data acquisition address. The “management device” may be configured as a single device or a combination of a plurality of devices. For example, the “management device” may be configured as one server. Further, the “management device” may include a relay device for relaying communication between the server and the main body. Further, the “management device” includes a storage device (that is, a database) for storing measurement information, a setting information server for storing information related to N measuring devices including each setting information, and a measurement in the storage device. You may be comprised by the display apparatus which can display at least one part of information. In addition, “connecting in a manner capable of communicating with L measuring devices” means directly connecting via a connector, connecting in a manner capable of wired communication via a wired communication interface, and wireless communication. Connecting in a manner capable of wireless communication via an interface.

According to the above configuration, the control unit of the main body performs the measurement preparation process in a specific case where the target measurement device is connected to the measurement interface. By performing the measurement preparation process, the setting information is stored in the main body memory. Thereafter, the control unit can acquire the measurement information of the target via the measurement interface from the target measurement device connected to the measurement interface using the setting information, and the acquired measurement information of the target Can be transmitted to the management device via the communication interface. That is, in a situation where a measurement unit for collecting target measurement information is to be prepared, if the user connects the target measurement device to the measurement interface, the user does not have to perform other setting operations themselves. A measurement unit for collecting target measurement information is constructed. Compared with the conventional configuration in which the user needs to perform the setting operation by himself / herself, the workload of the user in a situation where a measurement unit for collecting target measurement information is to be prepared can be reduced as compared with the conventional configuration.

The control unit executes the measurement preparation process in the specific case where the setting information is not stored in the main body memory when the target measurement device is connected to the measurement interface. When the setting information is already stored in the main body memory when the target measuring device is connected to the measurement interface, the setting information is stored in the main body memory without executing the measurement preparation process. The measurement information of the target may be acquired via the measurement interface from the target measurement device connected to the measurement interface using the set information.

According to this configuration, for example, after the target measurement device and the measurement interface are connected in the past, the measurement preparation process is performed in the past and the setting information is stored in the main body memory, and then the target measurement device and the measurement interface are connected. In the case where the target measuring device is connected to the measurement interface again after that, the control unit does not execute the measurement preparation process again, and the setting information already stored in the main body memory is displayed. The measurement information of the object can be acquired by using it. The processing load on the control unit can be reduced as compared with the case where the configuration in which the measurement preparation process is executed each time the target measurement device is connected to the measurement interface is adopted.

The measurement interface may include L connectors. Each of the L connectors may be directly connectable to each of the L measuring devices.

According to this configuration, if the user performs an operation of connecting the target measurement device to any of the L connectors, the measurement for collecting the measurement information of the target can be performed without performing other operations. Units can be built. Moreover, since the same measurement unit can be constructed even if the target measuring device is connected to any of the L connectors, the degree of freedom of connection is high.

The control unit may further store the target measurement information in the main body memory.

According to this configuration, the main body, even when a situation where communication between the main body and the management apparatus cannot be executed due to factors such as deterioration of the communication environment between the main body and the management apparatus occurs. Measurement information can be stored in the main memory. When a situation in which communication between the main body and the management apparatus cannot be performed occurs, it is possible to prevent a situation in which target measurement information is lost.

The target measuring device may include a device memory, and the target measurement information may be stored in the device memory.

According to this configuration, the target measurement device is in a state where the target measurement device and the main body cannot communicate with each other due to factors such as deterioration in the connection status between the target measurement device and the main body, or the main body and the management. Target measurement information can be stored in the device memory in the event that communication between the main unit and the management device cannot be performed due to factors such as deterioration of the communication environment with the device. . The administrator of the management apparatus can acquire the target measurement information while communication cannot be performed by reading the target measurement information in the device memory.

The main body may further include a measurement unit that collects specific measurement information of a type different from the N types of measurement information collected by the N measurement devices. The control unit may acquire the specific measurement information collected by the measurement unit from the measurement unit.

According to this configuration, the main body can acquire specific measurement information even when a measurement device is not connected to the measurement interface.

The main body may further include a power supply unit for supplying power to each part of the main body. The power supply unit may supply power to the target measurement device via the measurement interface when the target measurement device is connected to the measurement interface.

According to this configuration, the target measuring device can collect the target measurement information using the power supplied from the main body even when the target measuring device does not have a power supply.

The target measuring device only needs to include a sensor for executing measurement processing and acquiring at least a part of the target measurement information.

According to this configuration, the target measurement device itself can perform measurement processing and collect target measurement information.

The target measurement device may include an input unit to which an external sensor for executing a measurement process and acquiring at least a part of the target measurement information can be connected.

According to this configuration, the target measurement device can collect target measurement information by causing the external sensor connected to the input unit to execute the measurement process.

The target measuring device may include an output unit that outputs a control signal for controlling an external device.

According to this configuration, the target measurement device can control the external device according to the collection status of the target measurement device, for example. Here, the “external device” includes a device capable of on / off control such as a light, a buzzer, a door lock, and the like.

Note that a control method, a computer program, and a computer-readable medium storing the computer program for realizing the main body, the target measuring device, and the management apparatus are also new and useful. An information management system including the measurement unit and the management device is also new and useful.

The structure of an information management system is shown. A block diagram of the main body is shown. A block diagram of the measuring device is shown. The sequence diagram of the specific example of operation | movement when a measuring instrument is connected to a main body is shown.

(First embodiment)
(Configuration of information management system 2; FIG. 1)
An information management system 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for measuring information indicating the status of a device or facility to be managed, collecting the measured information, and managing the collected information. The information management system 2 includes a main body 10, measuring devices 50 </ b> A, 50 </ b> B, 50 </ b> C, and 50 </ b> D, a relay device 100, and a server 200. The main body 10 and the repeater 100 can perform wireless communication with each other. Further, the repeater 100 and the server 200 can execute wireless communication with each other. That is, the main body 10 and the server 200 can execute wireless communication with each other via the relay device 100. In the example of FIG. 1, only four measuring devices 50A to 50D are shown around the main body 10, but the actual information management system 2 may include other measuring devices. In the example of FIG. 1, the measuring device 50 </ b> A is connected to the connector 40 </ b> A of the main body 10. Hereinafter, the combination of the main body 10 and the measuring device 50 </ b> A connected to the main body 10 may be referred to as the measurement unit 4. In the following description, when the four measuring devices 50A to 50D are called without distinction, they may be simply referred to as “measuring device 50”.

(Configuration of the main body 10; FIGS. 1 and 2)
A main body 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus provided in the vicinity of a device or facility to be managed (hereinafter referred to as “managed device”). The main body 10 functions as a measurement device that collects information indicating the status of the management target device (specifically, for example, temperature and humidity, illuminance, acceleration, door opening / closing, etc.), and transmits the collected information to the server 200. It also functions as a communication device. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 10 includes a wireless communication interface 12, a power supply unit 14, a temperature / humidity sensor 20, an acceleration sensor 22, an illuminance sensor 24, a magnetic sensor 26, a control unit 30, and a memory 32. And three connectors 40A, 40B, and 40C. Hereinafter, the interface is described as “I / F”. Further, when the three connectors 40A to 40C are called without distinction, they are simply described as “connector 40”. As shown in FIG. 2, the elements 12 to 40 of the main body 10 are electrically connected to each other by bus lines.

The wireless communication I / F 12 is an I / F for performing wireless communication with the repeater 100. Here, the wireless communication performed between the main body 10 and the repeater 100 is, for example, Sub-GHz wireless communication (wireless communication using a 920 MHz band). In another example, other wireless communication (for example, wireless communication using another frequency band, Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, LTE communication, or the like) may be performed between the main body 10 and the repeater 100.

The power supply unit 14 is a battery for supplying power to each unit of the main body 10 and the measuring device 50 connected via the connector 40.

The temperature / humidity sensor 20 is a sensor for measuring the temperature and humidity around the managed device. The acceleration sensor 22 is a sensor for measuring the acceleration of the managed device. The acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 22 can be used to detect the attitude and motion of the managed device. The illuminance sensor 24 is a sensor for measuring the illuminance around the managed device or the like. The magnetic sensor 26 is a so-called AMR (Anisotropic Magnet Resistive) sensor. The value of magnetism measured by the magnetic sensor 26 can be used, for example, for detection of opening / closing of a door near the management target device. Hereinafter, information measured by the sensors 20 to 26 provided in the main body 10 may be collectively referred to as “main body measurement information”. Identification information indicating the types of information that can be collected by the sensors is assigned to the sensors 20 to 26 in advance. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the temperature / humidity sensor 20, the acceleration sensor 22, the illuminance sensor 24, and the magnetic sensor 26 have identification information “SID20”, “SID22”, “SID24”, and “SID26”, respectively. Is assigned.

The control unit 30 executes various processes according to the program 34 stored in the memory 32. The memory 32 has a measurement information storage area 36 and a setting information storage area 38 in addition to the program 34. The measurement information storage area 36 includes measurement information measured by the sensors 20 to 26 in the main body 10 (that is, main body measurement information), and measurement information acquired from the measurement device 50 via the connector 40 (hereinafter referred to as “device”). It may be referred to as “measurement information”). The setting information storage area 38 is connected to the connector 40 and setting information (see I20 to I26 in FIG. 2) related to settings necessary for processing measurement information measured by the sensors 20 to 26 in the main body 10. This is an area for storing setting information (see I50A in FIG. 2) related to settings necessary for processing of measurement information acquired from the measuring device 50.

In the example of FIG. 2, the setting information storage area 38 stores setting information I20 to I26 for the sensors 20 to 26 in the main body 10 and setting information I50A for the measuring device 50A.

For example, the setting information I20 includes various types of information necessary for processing the measurement information collected by the temperature / humidity sensor 20. Specifically, the setting information I20 includes identification information “SID20” assigned to the temperature / humidity sensor 20, information indicating a data type (“temperature / humidity”), information indicating a data size, and information indicating a data delimiter. And information indicating an address for data acquisition. The setting information I20 may include other information (for example, information indicating the data output type (detection output or periodic output)). Similarly, the setting information I22 includes identification information “SID22” assigned to the acceleration sensor 22, information indicating a data type (“acceleration”), information indicating a data size, information indicating a data delimiter, and data acquisition Information indicating an address for. The setting information I24 and I26 also includes the same type of information as the setting information I20 and I22. The setting information I50A includes identification information “SID50A” assigned to the measuring device 50A connected to the connector 40A, information indicating the data type (“atmospheric pressure”), information indicating the data size, and data delimiters. And information indicating an address for data acquisition (see FIG. 1).

The setting information I20 to I26 for the sensors 20 to 26 in the main body 10 is stored in advance in the setting information storage area 38 by the vendor before the main body 10 is shipped. Further, the setting information I50A for the measuring device 50A existing outside the main body 10 is not stored in the setting information storage area 38 at the time of shipment. When the measuring device 50A is newly connected to the connector 40, the setting information I50A is stored in the setting information storage area 38 when the control unit 30 performs measurement preparation processing (see S16 to S24 in FIG. 4) described later. Is done.

Since the setting information I20 to I26 is stored in the setting information storage area 38, the control unit 30 can acquire the main body measurement information from each of the sensors 20 to 26 in the main body 10 (that is, process the main body measurement information). Is possible). Similarly, the setting information I50A is stored in the setting information storage area 38, so that the control unit 30 can acquire device measurement information from the measurement device 50A connected to the connector 40A (that is, device measurement). Information can be processed).

The connectors 40A to 40C are all interfaces for directly connecting the control unit 30 and the measuring device 50 in a communicable manner. The connectors 40A to 40C are all connectors having the same configuration. One measuring device 50 can be connected to each connector 40. That is, in this embodiment, a maximum of three measuring devices 50 can be connected to the main body 10 at the same time. When the measuring device 50 is connected to any of the connectors 40A to 40C, the control unit 30 can execute communication with the measuring device 50 via the connector 40. Then, the control unit 30 can acquire measurement information measured by the measurement device 50 from the measurement device 50 via the connector 40. In the example of FIG. 1, a state in which the measuring device 50A is connected to the connector 40A is shown, but the control unit 30 performs communication with the measuring device 50A in the same way regardless of which connector the measuring device 50A is connected to. Is possible. That is, no difference in processing occurs regardless of which connector 40 the measuring device 50 is connected to.

(Configuration of measuring instruments 50A to 50D; FIGS. 1 and 3)
Each of the measurement devices 50A to 50D is a device for collecting measurement information of a type different from the measurement information measured by the sensors 20 to 26 provided in the main body 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the measuring instruments 50A to 50D have substantially the same configuration except that they include sensors (see reference numerals 54A to 54D) that measure different information.

The measuring device 50A is a device that measures the atmospheric pressure around the managed device. The measuring device 50A includes a connector 52A, an atmospheric pressure sensor 54A, a control unit 56A, and a memory 58A. In FIG. 3, the input unit 60A and the output unit 62A are shown by broken lines, but the measuring instrument 50A of this embodiment does not include the input unit 60A and the output unit 62A. The input unit 60A and the output unit 62A will be described in a second embodiment described later. The same applies to the measuring instruments 50B to 50D.

The connector 52A is a connector that can be directly connected to the connector 40 of the main body 10. When the connector 52A is connected to the connector 40 of the main body 10, the state is switched to a state where communication can be performed between the control unit 30 of the main body 10 and the control unit 56A of the measuring instrument 50A. The atmospheric pressure sensor 54A is a sensor for measuring the atmospheric pressure around the management target device. The control unit 56A executes various processes in accordance with programs stored in the memory 58A. In addition to the program, the memory 58A has a measurement information storage area in which measurement information measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 54A can be stored. Further, identification information “SID50A” preliminarily assigned to the measuring device 50A is stored in the memory 58A.

The measuring device 50B is a device that measures ph of the soil around the managed device. The measuring device 50B includes a connector 52B, a soil ph sensor 54B, a control unit 56B, and a memory 58B. The soil ph sensor 54B is a sensor for measuring the ph of the soil around the management target device. Since the connector 52B, the control unit 56B, and the memory 58B are the same as the connector 52A, the control unit 56A, and the memory 58A of the measuring instrument 50A, detailed description thereof is omitted. However, the memory 58B stores identification information “SID50B” pre-assigned to the measuring device 50B.

The measuring device 50C is a device that measures the CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentration around the device to be managed. The measuring device 50C includes a connector 52C, a CO2 sensor 54C, a control unit 56C, and a memory 58C. The CO2 sensor 54C is a sensor for measuring the CO2 concentration around the management target device. Since the connector 52C, the control unit 56C, and the memory 58C are the same as the connector 52A, the control unit 56A, and the memory 58A of the measuring instrument 50A, detailed description thereof is omitted. However, identification information “SID50C” preliminarily assigned to the measuring device 50C is stored in the memory 58C.

The measuring device 50D is a device that measures the volume of sound generated around the managed device. The measuring device 50D includes a connector 52D, a sound sensor 54D, a control unit 56D, and a memory 58D. The sound sensor 54D is a sensor for measuring the volume of sound around the management target device. Since the connector 52D, the control unit 56D, and the memory 58D are the same as the connector 52A, the control unit 56A, and the memory 58A of the measuring instrument 50A, detailed description thereof is omitted. However, the memory 58D stores identification information “SID50D” pre-assigned to the measuring device 50D.

(Configuration of repeater 100; FIG. 1)
The relay device 100 is a device that relays transmission and reception of various types of information between the main body 10 and the server 200. The repeater 100 is installed in the vicinity of the management target device (for example, in the same building) by the administrator of the information management system 2. As described above, the repeater 100 can perform wireless communication (for example, Sub-GHz communication) with the main body 10 and wireless communication with the server 200 (for example, 3G communication, LTE communication, Wi-). Fi communication etc.) can be executed.

(Configuration of server 200; FIG. 1)
The server 200 is a server for storing and managing measurement information received from the main body 10 via the repeater 100. The server 200 includes a control unit, a storage unit, a display unit, an operation unit, and the like (not shown). In the present embodiment, the server 200 is configured as one server. In another example, instead of the server 200, for example, a storage device (database) for storing measurement information, a setting information server for storing each setting information, and at least a part of the measurement information in the storage device can be displayed. And a management device configured by a plurality of devices including a display device.

In this embodiment, the server 200 is installed by an administrator of the information management system 2. Further, the server 200 stores setting information I50A, I50B, I50C, and I50D related to settings necessary for processing measurement information acquired from each of the measuring devices 50A to 50D. The setting information I50A is as described above (see FIG. 1). The setting information I50B to I50D also includes the same type of information as the setting information I50A. The setting information I50A to I50D is downloaded from the vendor server and stored in the server 200 when the server 200 accesses the vendor server (not shown) of the measuring devices 50A to 50D. In another example, the server 200 may store the setting information I50A to I50D by reading a recording medium distributed by the vendor (for example, a CD-ROM on which the setting information I50A to I50D is recorded).

(Specific example: FIG. 4)
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a specific example of each device operation when the measuring device 50 </ b> A is connected to the main body 10 in the information management system 2 of the present embodiment will be described. In the following description, the process executed by the control unit 30 of the main body 10 will be described as simply the process of the main body 10, and the process executed by the control unit 56A of the measurement apparatus 50A will be described simply as the process of the measurement apparatus 50A. . In addition, all the wireless communication between the main body 10 and the server 200 in FIG. 4 is performed via the relay device 100, but the description “through the relay device 100” is omitted below.

In S10, the user of the main body 10 and the measuring device 50A connects the connector 52A of the measuring device 50A to any one of the connectors 40A to 40C of the main body 10. As a result, the measuring device 50 </ b> A is connected to the main body 10. Hereinafter, an example in which the connector 52A of the measuring device 50A is connected to the connector 40A of the main body 10 will be described.

In S12, the main body 10 detects that the measuring device 50A is connected to the connector 40A. In subsequent S14, the main body 10 supplies an ID request signal to the measuring device 50A via the connector 40A. The ID request signal is a signal for requesting the measurement device 50A connected to the main body 10 to transmit identification information.

When the measuring device 50A obtains the ID request signal (S14) from the main body 10, the measuring device 50A supplies its own identification information “SID50A” stored in the memory 58A to the main body 10.

In S16, the main body 10 acquires the identification information “SID50A” from the measuring device 50A via the connector 40A. In subsequent S18, the main body 10 determines whether or not the setting information including the identification information “SID50A” acquired in S16 has been stored. Specifically, in S18, the main body 10 refers to the setting information storage area 38 of the memory 32, and determines whether or not setting information including the identification information “SID50A” acquired in S16 exists. When the setting information including the identification information “SID50A” is not yet stored in the setting information storage area 38 (that is, when there is no record that the measuring device 50A has been connected to the main body 10 in the past), the main body 10 is in S18. It is judged as NO and proceeds to S20. On the other hand, when the setting information including the identification information “SID50A” is already stored in the setting information storage area 38 (that is, when there is a track record in which the measuring device 50A is connected to the main body 10 in the past, When the setting information including the identification information “SID50A” has already been stored in the setting information storage area 38 from the time of shipment), the main body 10 determines YES in S18 and skips the processes of S20 to S24. Proceed to S26.

In S20, the main body 10 transmits an information request signal including the identification information “SID50A” of the measuring device 50A acquired in S16 to the server 200 via the wireless communication I / F 12. The information request signal is a signal for requesting the server 200 to transmit the setting information I50A of the measuring device 50A corresponding to the identification information “SID50A”.

When the server 200 receives the information request signal (S20) from the main body 10, the server 200 refers to the memory (not shown) of the server 200 and sets the setting information I50A (see FIG. 1) including the identification information “SID50A” included in the information request signal. Is identified. Then, the server 200 transmits the specified setting information I50A to the main body 10.

In S22, the main body 10 receives the setting information I50A from the server 200 via the wireless communication I / F 12. In subsequent S 24, the main body 10 stores the setting information I 50 A received in S 22 in the setting information storage area 38 of the memory 32. Hereinafter, the processes of S20 to S24 may be collectively referred to as “measurement preparation process”.

In S26, the main body 10 supplies a data request signal to the measuring device 50A via the connector 40A. The data request signal is a signal for requesting the measurement device 50A to start supplying device measurement information.

When the measurement device 50A obtains the setting completion notification and the data request signal (S26) from the main body 10, the measurement information (that is, the value of the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 54A) is transmitted to the main body 10 at every predetermined timing. To supply.

In S28, the main body 10 acquires device measurement information from the measurement device 50A via the connector 40A. In S30, the main body 10 acquires main body measurement information (ie, temperature / humidity value, acceleration value, illuminance value, magnetic value) collected by the sensors 20 to 26 of the own device.

In subsequent S32, the main body 10 generates measurement information including the instrument measurement information acquired in S28 and the main body measurement information acquired in S30, and stores the generated measurement information in the measurement information storage area 36 of the memory 32. .

In subsequent S34, the main body 10 transmits the measurement information stored in the measurement information storage area 36 in S32 to the server 200 via the wireless communication I / F 12. When the measurement information is successfully transmitted (S34), the main body 10 adds an OK flag indicating that the transmission is successful to the measurement information stored in the measurement information storage area 36 in S32 (that is, the measurement information transmitted in S34). Store them in association with each other.

When the server 200 receives the measurement information from the main body 10, the server 200 stores the received measurement information. The server 200 can display at least a part of the received measurement information on a display unit (not shown). At this time, the server 200 notifies that the measurement information received from the main body 10 includes newly connected device measurement information (information indicating “atmospheric pressure” in this example) (message or the like). Can be displayed on the display unit, and information indicating the measured value of the atmospheric pressure can be displayed. Note that when the server 200 displays information indicating the value of the measured atmospheric pressure, the server 200 uses setting information I50A stored in advance. For example, the server 200 can display information using the number of significant digits and the unit set in the setting information I50A. Thereafter, the main body 10 repeatedly executes the processes of S28, S30, and S32.

On the other hand, there may be a situation in which wireless communication between the main body 10 and the server 200 cannot be performed due to factors such as deterioration of the communication environment. In that case, the main body 10 cannot transmit the measurement information to the server 200. Specifically, in S34, the main body 10 attempts to transmit at least a part of the measurement information to the server 200, and monitors whether an ACK (that is, a reception confirmation notification) is received from the server 200 within a predetermined time. To do. When the situation in which the ACK cannot be received from the server 200 within a predetermined time after the measurement information is transmitted to the server 200 is repeated a predetermined number of times or more, the main body 10 performs wireless communication with the server 200. Judged to be infeasible. In such a case, the main body 10 executes the following processes of S40 to S46 instead of the processes of S34 and S36. Note that a method for determining whether or not the main body 10 is unable to perform wireless communication with the server 200 is not limited to the above. The main body 10 may determine whether or not a situation has occurred in which wireless communication with the server 200 cannot be performed by any method.

In S40, the main body 10 stores the measurement information stored in the measurement information storage area 36 in S32 (that is, measurement information failed in transmission) in association with an NG flag indicating that transmission failed. The main body 10 repeatedly executes the processes of S28, S30, S32, and S40 until the wireless communication between the main body 10 and the server 200 returns to a state where it can be executed. That is, the measurement information associated with the NG flag is sequentially stored in the measurement information storage area 36 of the memory 32.

After that, when the wireless communication between the main body 10 and the server 200 returns to a state where the wireless communication can be executed, the main body 10 returns to the state where the wireless communication between the main body 10 and the server 200 can be executed in S42. To detect. Specifically, for example, after determining that the wireless communication with the server 200 is impossible, the main body 10 periodically tries to transmit a communication confirmation signal to the server 200, and the ACK (I.e., reception confirmation information) is monitored. When the main body 10 receives an ACK from the server 200, the main body 10 determines that the wireless communication with the server 200 has been restored (S42). However, the method for determining whether or not the main body 10 has returned to a state in which wireless communication with the server 200 can be performed is not limited to the above. The main body 10 may determine whether or not the wireless communication with the server 200 has been restored to an executable state by any method.

In subsequent S44, the main body 10 stores the measurement information stored in the measurement information storage area 36 of the memory 32 while the measurement information associated with the NG flag (that is, while wireless communication cannot be performed). Transmitted measurement information) is transmitted to the server 200 via the wireless communication I / F 12. In subsequent S46, the main body 10 transmits the measurement information associated with the NG flag to the server 200, and then changes the NG flag associated with the measurement information transmitted in S44 to an OK flag. Thereafter, the main body 10 repeatedly executes the processes of S28, S30, S32, and S34.

The configuration and operation of the information management system 2 of the present embodiment have been described above. In the present embodiment, by connecting the measuring device 50 to the main body 10, it is possible to construct the measurement unit 4 for collecting types of measurement information that cannot be collected only by the main body 10. Therefore, the user can construct | assemble the arbitrary measurement units 4 which can collect the measurement information of the kind which a user desires by selecting the measurement apparatus 50 connected to the main body 10. FIG.

In this embodiment, the connectors 40A to 40C of the main body 10 have the same configuration. Regardless of which measurement device 50 is connected to which connector 40, the control unit 30 can similarly perform communication with the measurement device 50 connected to the connector 40. The user can construct the desired measurement unit 4 by connecting the measurement device 50 to an arbitrary connector 40 without being limited to which measurement device 50 should be connected to which connector 40.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 30 of the main body 10 is configured when the setting information I50A is not stored in the memory 32 when the measuring device 50A is connected to the connector 40A (S18). NO) and measurement preparation processing (S20 to S24) is performed. By performing the measurement preparation process, the main body 10 can acquire device measurement information from the measurement device 50A connected to the connector 40A via the connector 40A (S28), and the acquired device measurement information is obtained. Then, it can be transmitted to the server 200 via the wireless communication I / F 12 (S32). That is, in a situation where the measurement unit 4 for collecting desired types of measurement information is to be prepared, if the user connects the measurement device 50A to the connector 40A, the user does not have to perform other setting operations or the like. In addition, a measurement unit 4 for collecting desired types of measurement information is constructed. The user can construct the measurement unit 4 for collecting desired types of measurement information by a simple operation.

In this embodiment, the control unit 30 of the main body 10 prepares for measurement when the measurement device 50A is connected to the connector 40A and the setting information I50A is already stored in the memory 32 (YES in S18). Without performing the processing (S20 to S24), the device measurement information is acquired from the measurement device 50A via the connector 40A (S28). Therefore, the processing load on the main body 10 can be reduced as compared with the case where the measurement preparation process is executed each time the measuring device 50A is connected to the connector 40A.

In the present embodiment, the main body 10 can store the measurement information in the measurement information storage area 36 of the memory 32 (S32). Therefore, for example, even when a situation in which wireless communication between the main body 10 and the server 200 cannot be performed due to factors such as deterioration of the communication environment between the main body 10 and the server 200, the measurement information between them is Occurrence of a lost situation can be prevented. When the wireless communication between the main body 10 and the server 200 is restored to a state where wireless communication can be performed, the main body 10 is stored in the measurement information storage area 36 of the memory 32 while the wireless communication cannot be performed. The measurement information (that is, the measurement information associated with the NG flag) can be transmitted to the server 200 via the wireless communication I / F 12 (S42, S44). Alternatively, an administrator of the server 200, a user of another terminal (hereinafter referred to as “an administrator of the server 200”, etc.) reads the measurement information in the measurement information storage area 36 of the memory 32, thereby storing the measurement information. Measurement information stored in the region 36 can also be acquired.

In this embodiment, the main body 10 includes sensors 20 to 26. The main body measurement information collected by the sensors 20 to 26 is a different type of measurement information from the device measurement information collected by the measurement device 50. According to the present embodiment, even if the measuring device 50 is not connected to the connector 40, the main body 10 can collect main body measurement information measured by the sensors 20 to 26. That is, the main body 10 can collect a certain type of measurement information even if the measuring device 50 is not connected.

In the present embodiment, the main body 10 includes a power supply unit 14 that supplies power to each unit of the main body 10. The power supply unit 14 can also supply power to the measuring device 50 connected to the connector 40 via the connector 40. Therefore, the measuring device 50 can collect measurement information using the power supplied from the main body 10 even if it does not have a power supply.

The measuring device 50A is an example of “target measuring device”. A combination of the relay device 100 and the server 200 is an example of a “management device”. The case of NO in S18 of FIG. 4 is an example of “specific case”. The connectors 40A to 40C are examples of the “measurement interface”. The sensors 20 to 26 are examples of the “measurement unit”.

(Second embodiment)
The information management system of the second embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the measuring device 50A includes an input unit 60A and an output unit 62A. The input unit 60A is an external interface to which an external sensor (not shown) (for example, a sensor for measuring PM2.5) different from the atmospheric pressure sensor 54A can be connected. In the present embodiment, by connecting an external sensor to the input unit 60A, the measuring device 50A can also function as a device that can measure other values in addition to atmospheric pressure. In another example of the present embodiment, the measurement device 50A may not include the atmospheric pressure sensor 54A but may include only the input unit 60A.

The output unit 62A is an external interface for outputting a control signal for controlling an external device. Here, the external device includes various devices capable of on / off control, such as an electric lamp, a buzzer, and a door lock. The control signal is an on / off signal. That is, in this embodiment, the measuring device 50A controls the on / off of the external device according to the value of the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 54A or the value measured by the external sensor connected to the input unit 60A. It also functions as a control device.

In this embodiment, the measuring device 50B is similarly provided with an input unit 60B and an output unit 62B. The measuring device 50C also includes an input unit 60C and an output unit 62C. The measuring device 50D also includes an input unit 60D and an output unit 62D.

(Third embodiment)
The information management system according to the third embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the measuring device 50A stores device measurement information in the memory 58A. Then, the measurement device 50A is in a state where both the communication between the measurement device 50A and the main body 10 and the communication between the main body 10 and the server 200 are executable (that is, the device measurement information is transmitted to the main body 10 and the main body 10). If it can be transmitted to the server 200), the device measurement information associated with the OK flag is stored in the memory 58A. On the other hand, when the measurement device 50A and the main body 10 cannot communicate with each other due to factors such as the deterioration of the connection status between the measurement device 50A and the main body 10, or the communication environment between the main body 10 and the server 200 is deteriorated. When the situation in which wireless communication between the main body 10 and the server 200 cannot be performed due to the above factors (that is, when the device measurement information cannot be transmitted to the main body 10 and the server 200), the measurement device 50A Then, the device measurement information associated with the NG flag is stored in the memory 58A. In that case, the measuring device 50A returns the NG flag in the memory 58A when the communication between the measuring device 50A and the main body 10 and the communication between the main body 10 and the server 200 return to an executable state. May be supplied to the main body 10. Thereafter, the NG flag in the memory 58A may be changed to an OK flag.

The administrator of the server 200 can also acquire the device measurement information by reading the measurement information in the memory 58A.

Further, according to the present embodiment, even when a communication between the measuring device 50A and the main body 10 or a communication between the main body 10 and the server 200 occurs, the measurement information between them is lost. Can be prevented.

In this embodiment, the measuring devices 50B to 50D operate in the same manner as the measuring device 50A.

(Fourth embodiment)
The information management system of the fourth embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the main body 10 periodically receives each setting information I50A stored in the server 200 from the server 200 via the wireless communication I / F 12 and stores it in the setting information storage area 38 of the memory 32. This is different from the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, every time new setting information is stored in the server 200, wireless communication is performed between the main body 10 and the server 200, and the main body 10 receives new setting information from the server 200. Therefore, various setting information including the latest setting information is always stored in the memory 32 of the main body 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, for example, even when the measuring device 50A is connected to the connector 40A of the main body 10, the main body 10 acquires the device measurement information from the measuring device 50A without executing the measurement preparation process. be able to.

According to the present embodiment, the main body 10 does not need to execute the measurement preparation process when the measuring device 50 is connected. Therefore, after the measuring device 50 is connected, the main body 10 starts to acquire device measurement information immediately. Can do.

As mentioned above, although the Example was described in detail, these are only illustrations and do not limit a claim. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above. For example, the following modifications are included.

(Modification 1) The main body 10 may be provided with a plurality of wired communication I / Fs. In this modification, the connector 40 may be omitted. In this modified example, the main body 10 and the measuring device 50 may be connected in a wired communication manner through a wired communication I / F and a communication cable. The wired communication I / F in this modified example is also an example of “measurement interface”.

(Modification 2) Moreover, the main body 10 and the measuring device 50 may be wirelessly connected in a manner capable of wireless communication via the wireless communication I / F 12. In this modification, the connector 40 may be omitted. The wireless communication I / F 12 in this modified example is also an example of “measurement interface”. In this modification, a device wireless communication I / F different from the wireless communication I / F 12 may be provided separately. In that case, the main body 10 and the measuring device 50 may be wirelessly connected in a manner capable of wireless communication via the device wireless communication I / F.

(Modification 3) The sensor provided in the main body 10 and the sensor provided in each measuring device 50 are not limited to the above. Any sensor may be provided in any of the main body 10 and each measuring device 50. For example, human sensor, body temperature sensor, pulse sensor, GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, radio wave intensity sensor, precipitation sensor, traffic sensor, pollen sensor, PM2.5 sensor, radiation sensor, battery level sensor, etc. It may be provided.

(Modification 4) The number of connectors provided in the main body 10 is not limited to three, and may be arbitrary. Therefore, for example, the number may be two or four or more.

(Modification 5) The sensors 20 to 26 of the main body 10 may be omitted. In that case, the main body 10 may transmit only the device measurement information acquired from the measurement device 50 connected to the connector 40 to the server 200.

(Modification 6) At least one of communication between the main body 10 and the relay device 100 and communication between the relay device 100 and the server 200 may be wired communication. Generally speaking, it is sufficient that the main body and the management apparatus can communicate with each other.

(Modification 7) The main body 10 and the server 200 may directly perform wireless communication with each other without using the relay device 100. In the case of this modification, the server 200 is an example of a “management device”.

(Modification 8) In S34 of FIG. 4, when the control unit 30 of the main body 10 successfully transmits the measurement information to the server 200 via the wireless communication I / F 12, the measurement information that has been successfully transmitted is stored in the memory 32. It may be deleted from the measurement information storage area 36. In that case, when the control unit 30 of the main body 10 fails to transmit the measurement information to the server 200 via the wireless communication I / F 12, the control information that has failed to be transmitted is deleted from the measurement information storage area 36 of the memory 32. You may make it maintain without.

(Modification 9) Similarly, in the third embodiment, when the measurement instrument 50A succeeds in supplying the instrument measurement information to the main body 10, the instrument measurement information that has been successfully supplied may be deleted from the memory 58A. Good. In that case, the measurement device 50A is configured so that the measurement device 50A and the main body 10 cannot communicate with each other, or the communication between the main body 10 and the server 200 is caused by factors such as deterioration of the communication environment between the main body 10 and the server 200 When a situation where wireless communication cannot be performed occurs, the device measurement information that has failed to be supplied may be maintained without being deleted from the memory 58A.

(Modification 10) The memory 32 of the main body 10 may not include the measurement information storage area 36. Similarly, the memory 58 of the measuring device 50 may be configured not to store measurement information.

(Modification 11) The power supply unit 14 of the main body 10 may be a commercial power supply.

(Modification 12) The power supply unit 14 of the main body 10 may be configured not to supply power to the measuring device 50 connected via the connector 40. In that case, the measurement device 50 may include a power supply unit for supplying power to each unit of the measurement device 50.

(Modification 13) In each of the above embodiments, the server 200 stores the setting information I50A to I50D. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and relay apparatus 100 may store setting information I50A to I50D. In that case, a measurement preparation process (see S20 to S24 in FIG. 4) may be executed between the main body 10 and the repeater 100.

(Modification 14) Instead of the server 200 in each of the above embodiments, a storage device (database) for storing measurement information, a setting information server for storing each setting information, and at least measurement information in the storage device A management device configured by a plurality of devices including a display device capable of displaying a part of the display device may be provided. In this case, the apparatuses are connected so as to communicate with each other. In this modification, the storage device and the setting information server may be installed by the vendors of the measuring devices 50A to 50D, and the display device may be installed by the user. In other words, the management device may be configured by a plurality of devices that are separately installed by a plurality of entities.

(Modification 15) In each of the above embodiments, it is assumed that three of the measuring devices 50A to 50D for collecting different types of measurement information are connected to the connectors 40A to 40C of the main body 10. Has been. The measurement device for collecting the same kind of measurement information may be connected to two or all of the connectors 40A to 40C of the main body 10 without being limited thereto. In that case, each measurement device has unique unique information (for example, serial number, etc.) unique to each measurement device in addition to identification information (for example, “SID50A” or the like) for identifying information collected by each measurement device. ). Then, the control unit 30 of the main body 10 may identify the same type of measurement devices connected to each connector based on the unique information. The control unit 30 may associate the unique information with the same type of device measurement information and generate measurement information including the device measurement information associated with the unique information (S32 in FIG. 4). Thereby, the server 200 can identify which measurement device collects the same type of device measurement information. In another example, the control unit 30 of the main body 10 may identify the same type of measurement devices connected to each connector based on the connector number indicating the connector to which the measurement device is connected. . In that case, the control unit 30 may associate the connector number with the same type of device measurement information and generate measurement information including the device measurement information associated with the connector number (S32 in FIG. 4). Generally speaking, the target measuring device may be one of N measuring devices (N is an integer equal to or greater than M) that collects M types (M is an integer equal to or greater than 1) of measurement information. .

(Modification 16) The main body 10 may operate in a power saving mode. When the main body 10 operates in the power saving mode, for example, the control unit 30 of the main body 10 acquires the measurement frequency of the main body measurement information from the sensors 20 to 26 and the equipment measurement from the measurement equipment connected to the connectors 40A to 40C. The information acquisition frequency may be lower than that in the normal mode. In the power saving mode, the control unit 30 may lower the transmission frequency of the measurement information to the server 200 as compared to the normal mode. When operating in the power saving mode, the power consumption in the power supply unit 14 can be reduced as compared to operating in the normal mode.

(Modification 17) Even if the control unit 30 of the main body 10 performs processing for changing the operation settings (for example, setting of the measurement cycle, setting of the sleep mode transition period, etc.) of the measuring devices connected to the connectors 40A to 40C. Good. The memory 32 of the main body 10 may store a program for executing such operation setting change processing. Further, such a program may be supplied from the server 200.

(Introduction of information management system usage examples)
An example in which the information management system 2 disclosed in this specification is used will be introduced.

(Usage example 1) For example, the information management system 2 may be used for managing the biological state of a player in the game store (the presence or absence of the player, the body temperature of the player, the pulse, etc.). In that case, the measurement unit 4 may be arranged in the vicinity of the gaming machine. The main body 10 can be connected to a measuring device incorporating a human sensor, a measuring device incorporating a body temperature sensor, and a measuring device incorporating a pulse sensor. The presence or absence of the player can be determined by monitoring the detection value of the human sensor. Further, by monitoring the detection value of the body temperature sensor and the detection value of the pulse sensor, it is possible to grasp the player's health condition.

(Use Example 2) The measurement unit 4 may be connected to a measurement device with a built-in battery remaining amount sensor and a measurement device with a built-in GPS sensor to monitor the life and death of the measurement unit 4 and detect theft. By monitoring the detection value of the battery remaining amount sensor, it is possible to determine whether the main body 10 is alive or dead. Further, by monitoring the detection value of the GPS sensor, it is possible to grasp the position of the main body 10 and determine whether or not the main body 10 is stolen.

(Other Examples of Use) In addition, the information management system 2 can be used in the following situations by appropriately selecting the sensors incorporated in the main body 10 and the measuring device.
(1) Monitoring and management of the state of crops, livestock, environment, etc. in agriculture, livestock industry, etc.
(2) Safety management by detecting the open / closed state of doors and intruders.
(3) Construction of an expansion unit by connecting to an external sensor.
(4) Monitoring and management of the status of care recipients (for example, health status, presence of wrinkles, etc.) in the fields of nursing and nursing.
(5) Safety confirmation management for the elderly etc. by detecting the operating state of home appliances.
(6) Monitoring and management of various states of various objects other than the above.

The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

Claims (11)

The target measuring device,
The body,
A measuring unit comprising:
The target measuring device is one of N measuring devices (N is an integer equal to or greater than M) that collects M types (M is an integer equal to or greater than 1) of measurement information,
The body is
A communication interface for executing communication with a management device that stores information related to the N measuring devices;
A measurement interface for connecting in a manner communicable with L measurement devices (L is an integer of 1 or more and N or less) among the N measurement devices;
Main unit memory,
And a control unit,
The controller is
A measurement preparation process for acquiring measurement information of a target from the target measurement device via the measurement interface when the target measurement device is connected to the measurement interface, and (a) Obtaining identification information of the object for identifying the measurement apparatus of the object from the measurement apparatus of the object via the measurement interface; and (b) a request including the identification information of the object via the communication interface. Transmitting a signal to the management device; and (c) after transmitting the request signal, setting information related to settings necessary for processing the measurement information of the target from the management device via the communication interface. Receiving the measurement preparation process, and (d) storing the received setting information in the main body memory ,
After the measurement preparation process is executed, the setting information stored in the main body memory is used to obtain the measurement information of the target from the target measuring device connected to the measurement interface via the measurement interface. Acquired,
Transmitting the acquired measurement information of the object to the management device via the communication interface;
Measuring unit. The controller is
When the target measurement device is connected to the measurement interface, the measurement preparation process is executed in the specific case where the setting information is not stored in the main body memory,
When the target measurement device is connected to the measurement interface, if the setting information is already stored in the main body memory, it is stored in the main body memory without executing the measurement preparation process. The measurement information of the target is acquired via the measurement interface from the measurement device of the target connected to the measurement interface using the setting information.
The measurement unit according to claim 1. The measurement interface includes L connectors,
Each of the L connectors can be directly connected to each of the L measuring instruments.
The measurement unit according to claim 1 or 2. The control unit further stores the measurement information of the object in the main body memory,
The measurement unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The target measuring device includes a device memory, and stores the measurement information of the target in the device memory.
The measurement unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The main body further includes a measurement unit that collects specific measurement information of a type different from the N types of measurement information collected by the N measurement devices,
The control unit acquires the specific measurement information collected by the measurement unit from the measurement unit.
The measurement unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The main body further includes a power supply unit for supplying power to each part of the main body,
The power supply unit supplies power to the target measurement device via the measurement interface when the target measurement device is connected to the measurement interface.
The measurement unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The target measuring device includes a sensor for executing a measurement process and acquiring at least a part of the target measurement information.
The measurement unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The target measuring device includes an input unit capable of connecting an external sensor for executing measurement processing and acquiring at least a part of the target measurement information.
The measurement unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The target measuring device includes an output unit that outputs a control signal for controlling an external device.
The measurement unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A measurement unit;
A management device that is communicably connected to the measurement unit and stores information related to N (N is an integer greater than or equal to M) measurement devices that collect M types of measurement information (M is an integer greater than or equal to 1) And comprising
The measurement unit is
The target measuring device,
A main body,
The target measuring device is one of the N measuring devices,
The body is
A communication interface for executing communication with the management device;
A measurement interface for connecting in a manner communicable with L measurement devices (L is an integer of 1 or more and N or less) among the N measurement devices;
Main unit memory,
And a control unit,
The controller is
A measurement preparation process for acquiring measurement information of a target from the target measurement device via the measurement interface when the target measurement device is connected to the measurement interface, and (a) Obtaining identification information of the object for identifying the measurement apparatus of the object from the measurement apparatus of the object via the measurement interface; and (b) a request including the identification information of the object via the communication interface. Transmitting a signal to the management device; and (c) after transmitting the request signal, setting information related to settings necessary for processing the measurement information of the target from the management device via the communication interface. Receiving the measurement preparation process, and (d) storing the received setting information in the main body memory ,
After the measurement preparation process is executed, the setting information stored in the main body memory is used to obtain the measurement information of the target from the target measuring device connected to the measurement interface via the measurement interface. Acquired,
Sending the acquired measurement information of the object to the management device via the communication interface,
The management device
When receiving the request signal from the main body, the setting information of the information related to the N measuring devices is transmitted to the main body.
Information management system.

Images