WO2015087500A1 - Meter reader and communication system - Google Patents

Meter reader and communication system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015087500A1
WO2015087500A1 PCT/JP2014/005870 JP2014005870W WO2015087500A1 WO 2015087500 A1 WO2015087500 A1 WO 2015087500A1 JP 2014005870 W JP2014005870 W JP 2014005870W WO 2015087500 A1 WO2015087500 A1 WO 2015087500A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
network
meter
management device
reading
reading device
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PCT/JP2014/005870
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
貴之 佐々木
岡田　幸夫
光央 上村
Original Assignee
パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
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Publication of WO2015087500A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015087500A1/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
    • H04Q2209/30—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems using a wired architecture
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a meter reading device having a communication function.
  • the present invention also relates to a communication method and program for a meter-reading device.
  • the present invention also relates to a management device that manages at least one meter-reading device.
  • the present invention also relates to a communication system including at least one meter-reading device and a management device that manages the meter-reading device.
  • a metering device for electric energy (so-called “smart meter”) having a communication function is being introduced (see Patent Documents 1 to 5).
  • the communication path between the meter-reading device and the electric power company is called “A route”.
  • the direct communication path between the meter-reading device and the home device is called “B route”.
  • a communication path between the meter-reading device and the in-home device, and a communication path via an external network such as the Internet is called a “C route”.
  • Home appliances are distribution boards or other power management devices.
  • the meter reading device communicates with an electric power company using power line communication (PLC) or wireless as a communication medium.
  • PLC power line communication
  • a management device Concentrator
  • the management device collects the power consumption of the home where the meter-reading device is provided from a plurality of meter-reading devices and sends it to the electric power company.
  • JP 2013-187849 A JP 2013-118621 A JP 2013-021516 A JP 2012-191617 A JP 2012-175688 A
  • the upper limit of the number of meter-reading devices that can be managed by one management device is determined by conditions such as the bandwidth between the management device and the meter-reading device, and the memory capacity of the management device. When the number of meter-reading devices exceeds this upper limit, the communication reliability between the meter-reading device and the management device decreases. Therefore, if a meter-reading device can communicate with a plurality of management devices, it is desirable for the meter-reading device to automatically select and communicate with a management device having a margin according to the number of meter-reading devices that can be managed.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a meter-reading device that automatically selects a management device to be communicated so as to prevent a decrease in communication reliability when the meter-reading device can communicate with a plurality of management devices. . Moreover, the objective of this invention is providing the communication method and program of such a meter-reading apparatus. Moreover, the objective of this invention is providing the management apparatus which manages such at least 1 meter-reading apparatus. Another object of the present invention is to provide a communication system including at least one meter-reading device and a management device that manages the meter-reading device.
  • the meter-reading device concerning one mode of the present invention is the meter-reading device provided with the communication function, and is provided with the following composition.
  • the meter-reading device includes a power line communication circuit that communicates with a first management device that manages a plurality of meter-reading devices, a wireless communication circuit that communicates with a second management device that manages the plurality of meter-reading devices, a power line communication circuit, and wireless communication And a control circuit for controlling the circuit.
  • a 1st management apparatus comprises the 1st network which performs power line communication with the meter-reading apparatus under management of a 1st management apparatus.
  • a 2nd management apparatus comprises the 2nd network which performs radio
  • the control circuit acquires information on the free capacity of the first network from at least one other meter-reading device or first management device included in the first network, using the power line communication circuit.
  • the control circuit acquires information on the free capacity of the second network from at least one other meter-reading device or second management device included in the second network, using the wireless communication circuit.
  • the control circuit compares the free capacity of the first network and the free capacity of the second network, and selects a network having a larger free capacity from the first and second networks.
  • the control circuit enters the selected first or second network using the power line communication circuit or the wireless communication circuit.
  • a communication system has the following configuration.
  • the communication system includes a meter-reading device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, a first management device, and a second management device.
  • the first management device includes a power line communication circuit that communicates with a plurality of meter-reading devices, and manages at least one of the plurality of meter-reading devices.
  • the second management device includes a wireless communication circuit that communicates with the plurality of meter-reading devices, and manages at least one of the plurality of meter-reading devices.
  • a communication method is a communication method for a meter-reading apparatus having a communication function, and has the following configuration.
  • the meter-reading device includes a power line communication circuit that communicates with a first management device that manages a plurality of meter-reading devices, a wireless communication circuit that communicates with a second management device that manages the plurality of meter-reading devices, a power line communication circuit, and wireless communication And a control circuit for controlling the circuit.
  • a 1st management apparatus comprises the 1st network which performs power line communication with the meter-reading apparatus under management of a 1st management apparatus.
  • a 2nd management apparatus comprises the 2nd network which performs radio
  • the communication method includes a step of acquiring information on the free capacity of the first network from at least one other meter-reading device or first management device included in the first network using a power line communication circuit.
  • the communication method includes a step of acquiring information on the free capacity of the second network from at least one other meter-reading device or second management device included in the second network using a wireless communication circuit.
  • the communication method includes a step of comparing the free capacity of the first network and the free capacity of the second network with each other and selecting a network having a larger free capacity from the first and second networks.
  • the communication method includes entering the selected first or second network using a power line communication circuit or a wireless communication circuit.
  • a program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program for a meter-reading apparatus having a communication function, and has the following configuration.
  • the meter-reading device includes a power line communication circuit that communicates with a first management device that manages a plurality of meter-reading devices, a wireless communication circuit that communicates with a second management device that manages the plurality of meter-reading devices, a power line communication circuit, and wireless communication And a control circuit for controlling the circuit.
  • a 1st management apparatus comprises the 1st network which performs power line communication with the meter-reading apparatus under management of a 1st management apparatus.
  • a 2nd management apparatus comprises the 2nd network which performs radio
  • the program includes the following steps executed by the control circuit.
  • the program includes a step of acquiring information on the free capacity of the first network from at least one other meter-reading device or first management device included in the first network using the power line communication circuit.
  • the program includes a step of acquiring information on the free capacity of the second network from at least one other meter-reading device or second management device included in the second network using a wireless communication circuit.
  • the program includes a step of comparing the free capacity of the first network and the free capacity of the second network with each other and selecting a network having a larger free capacity from the first and second networks.
  • the program includes entering the selected first or second network using a power line communication circuit or a wireless communication circuit.
  • the meter-reading apparatus when a meter-reading apparatus can communicate with several management apparatus, the meter-reading apparatus which selects the management apparatus of communication object automatically so that a communication reliability fall may be provided can be provided. .
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a meter reading device 10-1 in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of 20 A of PLC management apparatuses of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the radio
  • wireless management apparatus 20B of FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing an operation when the meter-reading device 10-N enters the communication system of FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing an operation when the meter-reading apparatus 10-N enters the communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • 14 is a timing chart showing an operation when the meter-reading apparatus 10-N leaves the wireless network 100B and enters the PLC network 100A in the communication system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 14 is a timing chart showing an operation when the meter-reading apparatus 10-N leaves the wireless network 100B and enters the PLC network 100A in the communication system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the communication system of FIG. 1 includes a plurality of meter-reading devices 10-1 to 10-15 that receive power supply from an electric power company facility 30, and a PLC management device (first device) Management device) 20A and wireless management device (second management device) 20B.
  • Each of the meter reading devices 10-1 to 10-15 receives power supply from the power company facility 30 via the power lines 41 and 42.
  • Each of the meter-reading apparatuses 10-1 to 10-15 has a function of power line communication and wireless communication.
  • the PLC management device 20A is provided on the power lines 41 and 42 and is communicably connected to the meter reading devices 10-1 to 10-15 by power line communication, and includes at least one meter reading device (in FIG.
  • the PLC management device 20A may communicate directly with the meter-reading devices 10-1 to 10-15, or may communicate by multi-hop.
  • the wireless management device 20B is communicably connected to a plurality of meter-reading devices 10-1 to 10-15 by wireless communication, and includes at least one meter-reading device (in FIG. 1, meter-reading devices 10-8, 10-9, 10-11). 10-15) are managed.
  • the wireless management device 20B may directly communicate with the meter-reading devices 10-1 to 10-15, or may communicate by multi-hop.
  • the PLC management device 20A together with the meter-reading device under the control of the PLC management device 20A, constitutes a PLC network (first network) 100A that is a personal area network that performs power line communication.
  • the PLC management device 20A operates as a coordinator of the PLC network 100A.
  • the wireless management device 20B together with the meter-reading device managed by the wireless management device 20B, configures a wireless network (second network) 1100B that is a personal area network that performs wireless communication.
  • the radio management apparatus 20B operates as a coordinator of the radio network 100B.
  • the PLC management device 20A communicates with the power company facility 30 via the communication line 43 and notifies the power company of information on the amount of power consumption measured by each meter-reading device.
  • the wireless management device 20B communicates with the power company facility 30 via the communication line 44 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 meter reading device 10-1 of FIG.
  • the meter-reading apparatus 10-1 includes a power measuring instrument 11, a control circuit 12, a PLC circuit 13, and a wireless communication circuit 14.
  • the power measuring device 11 measures the power consumption of a home device (not shown).
  • the PLC circuit 13 communicates with other meter-reading devices and the PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A under the control of the control circuit 12.
  • the wireless communication circuit 14 communicates with other meter-reading devices and the wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B under the control of the control circuit 12.
  • the control circuit 12 notifies the PLC management device 20A of the measured power consumption amount using the PLC circuit 13, or notifies the wireless management device 20B using the wireless communication circuit 14.
  • the other meter reading devices 10-2 to 10-15 are also configured in the same manner as the meter reading device 10-1.
  • FIG. 2 shows the PLC circuit 13 and the wireless communication circuit 14 as two separate modules, the PLC circuit 13 and the wireless communication circuit 14 may be provided as a single module or chip.
  • FIG. 2 shows a configuration in which the power measuring device 11 and the communication circuit (the PLC circuit 13 and the wireless communication circuit 14) are integrated, but the power measuring device 11 and the communication circuit are provided as separate modules. Also good.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the PLC management device 20A of FIG.
  • the PLC management device 20A includes a PLC communication circuit 21A, a control circuit 22A, and a communication circuit 23A.
  • the control circuit 22A communicates with the meter-reading apparatuses 10-1 to 10-15 using the PLC communication circuit 21A, and communicates with the power company facility 30 using the communication circuit 23A.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the radio management apparatus 20B of FIG.
  • the wireless management device 20B includes a wireless communication circuit 21B, a control circuit 22B, and a communication circuit 23B.
  • the control circuit 22B communicates with the meter-reading devices 10-1 to 10-15 using the wireless communication circuit 21B, and communicates with the power company facility 30 using the communication circuit 23B.
  • each of the meter reading devices 10-1 to 10-15 Since each of the meter reading devices 10-1 to 10-15 has both power line communication and wireless communication functions, it can enter either the PLC network 100A or the wireless network 100B.
  • the PLC network 100A when the number of meter reading devices approaches or exceeds the upper limit of the number of meter reading devices that can be managed by the PLC management device 20A, the meter reading device and the PLC management device 20A
  • the communication reliability during Also in the wireless network 100B when the number of meter reading devices approaches or exceeds the upper limit of the number of meter reading devices that can be managed by the wireless management device 20B, the meter reading device and the wireless management device 20B are caused by an increase in communication traffic. Communication reliability between the two will be reduced.
  • each of the meter-reading devices 10-1 to 10-15 automatically selects and enters the PLC network 100A or the wireless network 100B that has a surplus capacity. .
  • FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an operation when the meter-reading apparatus 10-N enters the communication system of FIG. 5 shows only the meter-reading devices 10-1 and 10-2 among the meter-reading devices included in the PLC network 100A for simplification of the drawing, and the meter-reading device 10 among the meter-reading devices included in the wireless network 100B. Only -13 and 10-14 are shown.
  • the PLC management device 20A transmits a notification signal including information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A periodically or irregularly in the PLC network 100A, and notifies other meter reading devices included in the PLC network 100A.
  • the wireless management device 20B transmits a notification signal including information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B periodically or non-periodically within the wireless network 100B, and notifies other meter-reading devices included in the wireless network 100B.
  • Information on the free capacity of the network includes, for example, the ratio of the number of meter-reading devices that can further enter the network and the maximum number of meter-reading devices that can enter the network, the number of meter-reading devices that can further enter the network, or the network Including the number of meter-reading devices that have already entered the market.
  • the PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B generate free capacity information based on the number of meter-reading devices under management.
  • the notification signal may be, for example, a Hello packet that is periodically broadcast for routing.
  • the Hello packet includes information on the free capacity of the network in addition to the adjacent link information for routing.
  • the notification signal may be any other packet (for example, a packet that is periodically transmitted to notify meter reading information) that is transmitted and received periodically or irregularly in each network.
  • the free space information is inserted into packets transmitted and received in the network so as not to substantially affect the communication band of the network.
  • the meter-reading apparatus 10-N newly enters either the PLC network 100A or the wireless network 100B.
  • the control circuit 12 of the meter-reading apparatus 10-N transmits a scan request signal (first scan request signal) to another meter-reading apparatus and PLC management apparatus 20A included in the PLC network 100A.
  • the control circuit 12 receives a beacon signal (first beacon signal) from at least one other meter-reading device or PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A. At this time, only the one that has received the scan request signal among the other meter reading devices and PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A transmits the beacon signal.
  • Each beacon signal includes information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 to obtain information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from at least one other meter-reading device or PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to transmit a scan request signal (second scan request signal) to another meter-reading device and the wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to receive a beacon signal (second beacon signal) from at least one other meter-reading device or the wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B.
  • a beacon signal second beacon signal
  • the control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to acquire information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B from at least one other meter-reading device or wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B.
  • the control circuit 12 compares the free capacity of the PLC network 100A and the free capacity of the wireless network 100B, and selects a network having a larger free capacity from the PLC network 100A and the wireless network 100B.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 or the wireless communication circuit 14 to enter the selected PLC network 100A or the wireless network 100B.
  • FIG. 5 shows a case where the meter-reading apparatus 10-N enters the PLC network 100A.
  • the meter-reading apparatus 10-N transmits an entry request signal to the PLC management apparatus 20A, receives the entry permission signal returned thereto, and enters the PLC network 100A.
  • an entry permission signal may be transmitted to the meter-reading device closest to the meter-reading device 10-N in the selected network.
  • the communication target management device is automatically set so as to prevent a decrease in communication reliability. Can be selected. As a result, it is possible to reduce the bias in the number of meter-reading devices that have entered the PLC network 100A and the wireless network 100B, and to distribute traffic.
  • the control circuit 12 may be set as a communication method that preferentially uses either power line communication or wireless communication.
  • the control circuit 12 weights or compares the free capacity of the PLC network 100A so as to preferentially select the PLC network 100A.
  • the control circuit 12 weights or compares the available capacity of the wireless network 100B so as to preferentially select the wireless network 100B when using wireless communication preferentially.
  • the meter-reading device 10-n (1 ⁇ n ⁇ 15) according to one aspect of the present invention is configured as follows in a meter-reading device having a communication function.
  • Each meter reading device 10-n includes a PLC circuit 13 that communicates with a PLC management device 20A that manages a plurality of meter reading devices, a wireless communication circuit 14 that communicates with a wireless management device 20B that manages a plurality of meter reading devices, and a PLC circuit 13. And a control circuit 12 for controlling the wireless communication circuit 14.
  • the PLC management device 20A together with the meter-reading device under the control of the PLC management device 20A, constitutes a PLC network 100A that performs power line communication.
  • the wireless management device 20B together with the meter-reading device managed by the wireless management device 20B, configures a wireless network 100B that performs wireless communication.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 to acquire information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from at least one other meter reading device or PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to acquire information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B from at least one other meter-reading device or wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B.
  • the control circuit 12 compares the free capacity of the PLC network 100A and the free capacity of the wireless network 100B, and selects a network having a larger free capacity from the PLC network 100A and the wireless network 100B.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 or the wireless communication circuit 14 to enter the selected PLC network 100A or the wireless network 100B.
  • Information on available network capacity is the ratio of the number of meter reading devices that can enter the network to the maximum number of meter reading devices that can enter the network, the number of meter reading devices that can enter the network, or the network.
  • the number of meter-reading devices that have already been used may be included.
  • the control circuit 12 may be set as a communication method that preferentially uses either power line communication or wireless communication.
  • the control circuit 12 sets the free capacity so that the PLC network 100A is preferentially selected when power line communication is preferentially used. Compare by weight.
  • the control circuit 12 sets the free capacity so that the wireless network 100B is preferentially selected when wireless communication is used preferentially. Compare by weight.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 to transmit a first scan request signal to another meter reading device and PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 to receive a first beacon signal including information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from at least one other meter reading device or PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to transmit a second scan request signal to other meter-reading devices and the wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B.
  • the control circuit 12 receives a second beacon signal including information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B from at least one other meter-reading device or wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B. To do.
  • the meter-reading device 10-n when the meter-reading device 10-n can communicate with the PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B, a reduction in communication reliability is prevented.
  • a management device to be communicated can be automatically selected.
  • the communication system includes a meter reading device 10-n (1 ⁇ n ⁇ 15), a PLC management device 20A, and a wireless management device 20B.
  • the PLC management device 20A includes a PLC circuit 13 that communicates with a plurality of meter-reading devices, and manages at least one of the plurality of meter-reading devices.
  • the wireless management device 20B includes a wireless communication circuit 14 that communicates with a plurality of meter-reading devices, and manages at least one of the plurality of meter-reading devices.
  • the communication target is set to prevent a decrease in communication reliability.
  • a management device can be automatically selected.
  • FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an operation when the meter-reading apparatus 10-N enters the communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • the control circuit 12 of the meter-reading apparatus 10-N acquires information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A and the wireless network 100B from the beacon signal returned in response to the scan request signal.
  • the control circuit 12 of the meter-reading apparatus 10-N uses the free capacity of the PLC network 100A and the wireless network 100B from the notification signal transmitted periodically or irregularly in the PLC network 100A and the wireless network 100B. Get information about.
  • the notification signal may be a Hello packet that is periodically broadcast for routing, or any other packet that is transmitted or received periodically or irregularly in each network.
  • FIG. 6 shows a case where the notification signal is a Hello packet.
  • the control circuit 12 of the meter-reading apparatus 10-N receives a Hello packet periodically broadcast in the PLC network 100A by another meter-reading apparatus included in the PLC network 100A and the PLC management apparatus 20A. To do.
  • Each Hello packet includes information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 to acquire information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from at least one other meter-reading device or PLC radio management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to receive a Hello packet that is periodically broadcast in the wireless network 100B by another meter reading device and the wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B. Each Hello packet includes information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B. As a result, the control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to acquire information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B from at least one other meter-reading device or wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B.
  • the meter-reading device 10-N when the meter-reading device 10-N can communicate with the PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B, the communication is performed so as to prevent a decrease in communication reliability as in the operation of FIG.
  • the target management device can be automatically selected. As a result, it is possible to reduce the bias in the number of meter-reading devices that have entered the PLC network 100A and the wireless network 100B, and to distribute traffic.
  • the meter-reading apparatus 10-n (1 ⁇ n ⁇ 15) is configured as follows.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 to transmit a first notification signal that is periodically or irregularly transmitted in the PLC network 100A by another meter reading device and PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A.
  • the first notification signal is, for example, a Hello packet including information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to transmit a second notification signal that is periodically or irregularly transmitted in the wireless network 100B by another meter reading device and the wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B.
  • the second notification signal is, for example, a Hello packet including information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B.
  • the meter-reading device 10-n when the meter-reading device 10-n can communicate with the PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B, a communication target is used to prevent a decrease in communication reliability.
  • the management device can be automatically selected.
  • FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an operation when the meter-reading apparatus 10-N leaves the wireless network 100B and enters the PLC network 100A in the communication system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • the control circuit 12 of the meter-reading apparatus 10-N may enter the other network with a larger free capacity when the free capacity of the entered network is small.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 to acquire information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from at least one other meter reading device or PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to acquire information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B from at least one other meter-reading device or wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B.
  • the free capacity information is acquired using the Hello packet as in FIG. 6, but the free capacity information is acquired from the beacon signal returned in response to the scan request signal as in FIG. Also good. Instead, free space information may be obtained from other arbitrary packets transmitted and received in each network.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 and the wireless communication circuit 14 to enter the meter-reading device 10-N when the available capacity of the network in which the meter-reading device 10-N has entered is less than a predetermined lower limit. Leave one network and enter another network.
  • FIG. 7 shows a case where the meter-reading apparatus 10-N leaves the wireless network 100B and enters the PLC network 100A.
  • the meter-reading apparatus 10-N transmits a withdrawal request signal to the wireless management apparatus 20B, receives the withdrawal permission signal returned in response thereto, and leaves the wireless network 100B.
  • the meter-reading apparatus 10-N transmits an entry request signal to the PLC management apparatus 20A, receives the entry permission signal returned thereto, and enters the PLC network 100A.
  • the control circuit 12 When the control circuit 12 performs the operation of FIG. 7, if the meter-reading device 10-N is located at the terminal node in the network in which the meter-reading device 10-N has entered, the meter-reading device 10-N has entered. You may leave the network and enter another network. For example, the control circuit 12 determines whether or not there is a lower node based on adjacent link information included in the Hello packet. As a result, when there is a lower node than the meter-reading apparatus 10-N, it is possible to suppress detachment from the network in which it has entered.
  • the number of subordinate nodes of the meter-reading device 10-N is determined in advance in the network in which the meter-reading device 10-N has entered. It may be determined whether it is less than the threshold value.
  • the control circuit 12 Before transmitting the entry request signal, the control circuit 12 transmits a scan request signal in the same manner as in FIG. 5, and reacquires information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from the beacon signal returned in response thereto. Also good. Thereby, even when a plurality of meter-reading apparatuses communicate by multi-hop, the control circuit 12 provides accurate information about the PLC network 100A (for example, which meter-reading apparatus enters the PLC network 100A). You can get it. In addition, when there is another network other than the PLC network 100A and the wireless network 100B, the control circuit 12 acquires information on the free capacity of the network by transmitting a scan request signal before transmitting an entry request signal. it can.
  • the management device to be communicated is automatically set so as to prevent a decrease in communication reliability. Can be changed.
  • the meter-reading apparatus 10-n (1 ⁇ n ⁇ 15) is configured as follows.
  • the control circuit 12 performs the following operations after entering the PLC network 100A or the wireless network 100B.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 to acquire information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from at least one other meter reading device or PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to acquire information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B from at least one other meter-reading device or wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B.
  • the control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 and the wireless communication circuit 14 from the network in which the meter-reading device has entered. Leave and enter another network.
  • the control circuit 12 of the meter-reading device 10-n is configured such that the free capacity of the network in which the meter-reading device is entered is less than a predetermined lower limit, and the meter-reading device is terminated in the network in which the meter-reading device has entered. Determine if it is located at a node. When both conditions are satisfied, the control circuit 12 may leave the network in which the meter-reading device has entered and enter another network using the PLC circuit 13 and the wireless communication circuit 14.
  • meter-reading apparatus 10-n which concerns on the aspect of this invention, when meter-reading apparatus 10-n is communicating with PLC management apparatus 20A or radio
  • the management device can be automatically changed.
  • FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing an operation when the meter-reading apparatus 10-N leaves the wireless network 100B and enters the PLC network 100A in the communication system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • the control circuit 12 of the meter-reading device 10-N has decided to leave the network in which the meter-reading device 10-N has entered and enter another network.
  • the PLC management device 20A or the wireless management device 20B determines to leave the network where the meter-reading device 10-N has entered and enter another network.
  • the PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B obtain information by exchanging information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B and information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A.
  • the PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B exchange and acquire free space information via a server device of the power company facility 30 or a directly connected communication line.
  • the PLC management device 20A determines whether or not the free capacity of the PLC network 100A is less than a predetermined lower limit and the free capacity of the wireless network 100B is equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit. When both conditions are satisfied, the PLC management device 20A instructs the at least one meter-reading device included in the PLC network 100A to leave the PLC network 100A and enter the wireless network 100B.
  • the radio management apparatus 20B determines whether the free capacity of the radio network 100B is less than a predetermined lower limit and whether the free capacity of the PLC network 100A is equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit. When both conditions are satisfied, the radio management apparatus 20B instructs at least one meter-reading apparatus included in the radio network 100B to leave the radio network 100B and enter the PLC network 100A.
  • FIG. 7 shows a case where the meter-reading apparatus 10-N leaves the wireless network 100B and enters the PLC network 100A.
  • the wireless management device 20B transmits to the meter-reading device 10-N an instruction to leave the wireless network 100B and enter the PLC network 100A.
  • the meter-reading device 10-N leaves the wireless network 100B when receiving the leave instruction signal, and then sends an entry request signal to the PLC management device 20A, receives the entry permission signal returned thereto, and receives the PLC network. Enter 100A.
  • the PLC management device 20A may instruct at least one meter-reading device located at the end node in the PLC network 100A to leave the PLC network 100A and enter the wireless network 100B.
  • the radio management apparatus 20B may instruct at least one meter-reading apparatus located at the end node in the radio network 100B to leave the radio network 100B and enter the PLC network 100A.
  • the PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B can suppress the detachment from the network in which the PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B exist when there is a lower node than the meter-reading device 10-N.
  • the number of subordinate nodes of the meter-reading device 10-N is determined in advance in the network in which the meter-reading device 10-N has entered. It may be determined whether it is less than the threshold value.
  • the network can be automatically changed so as to prevent a decrease in communication reliability.
  • the communication system is configured as follows.
  • the PLC management device 20A acquires information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B from the wireless management device 20B.
  • the PLC management device 20A determines whether the free capacity of the PLC network 100A is less than a predetermined lower limit. When this condition is satisfied, the PLC management device 20A instructs at least one meter-reading device included in the PLC network 100A to leave the PLC network 100A and enter the wireless network 100B.
  • the wireless management device 20B acquires information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from the PLC management device 20A.
  • the radio management apparatus 20B determines whether the free capacity of the radio network 100B is less than a predetermined lower limit. When this condition is satisfied, the radio management apparatus 20B instructs at least one meter-reading apparatus included in the radio network 100B to leave the radio network 100B and enter the PLC network 100A.
  • the PLC management device 20A determines whether or not the free capacity of the PLC network 100A is less than a predetermined lower limit. When this condition is satisfied, the PLC management device 20A may instruct at least one meter-reading device located at the end node in the PLC network 100A to leave the PLC network 100A and enter the wireless network 100B. The radio management apparatus 20B determines whether the free capacity of the radio network 100B is less than a predetermined lower limit. When this condition is satisfied, the radio management apparatus 20B may instruct at least one meter-reading apparatus located at the end node in the radio network 100B to leave the radio network 100B and enter the PLC network 100A.
  • the network is automatically changed so as to prevent a decrease in communication reliability. be able to.
  • 5 to 8 may be implemented as hardware of the meter reading device 10-n (1 ⁇ n ⁇ 15), the PLC management device 20A, and the wireless management device 20B, and control circuits thereof. It may be implemented as a program executed by. Further, such a program may be recorded on a recording medium and distributed or distributed.
  • the communication method is configured as follows in the communication method of the meter-reading apparatus 10-n (1 ⁇ n ⁇ 15) having a communication function.
  • Each meter reading device 10-n includes a PLC circuit 13 that communicates with a PLC management device 20A that manages a plurality of meter reading devices, a wireless communication circuit 14 that communicates with a wireless management device 20B that manages a plurality of meter reading devices, and a PLC circuit 13. And a control circuit 12 for controlling the wireless communication circuit 14.
  • the PLC management device 20A together with the meter-reading device under the control of the PLC management device 20A, constitutes a PLC network 100A that performs power line communication.
  • the wireless management device 20B together with the meter-reading device managed by the wireless management device 20B, configures a wireless network 100B that performs wireless communication.
  • the communication method includes a step of acquiring information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from at least one other meter-reading device or PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A using the PLC circuit 13.
  • the communication method includes a step of using the wireless communication circuit 14 to acquire information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B from at least one other meter-reading device or wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B.
  • the communication method includes a step of comparing the free capacity of the PLC network 100A and the free capacity of the wireless network 100B with each other and selecting a network having a larger free capacity from the first and wireless networks 100B.
  • the communication method includes a step of entering the selected first or wireless network 100B using the PLC circuit 13 or the wireless communication circuit 14.
  • the communication target management device when the meter-reading device 10-n can communicate with the PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B, the communication target management device so as to prevent a decrease in communication reliability. Can be selected automatically.
  • the program according to another aspect of the present invention is configured as follows in the program of the meter-reading apparatus 10-n (1 ⁇ n ⁇ 15) having a communication function.
  • Each meter reading device 10-n includes a PLC circuit 13 that communicates with a PLC management device 20A that manages a plurality of meter reading devices, a wireless communication circuit 14 that communicates with a wireless management device 20B that manages a plurality of meter reading devices, and a PLC circuit 13. And a control circuit 12 for controlling the wireless communication circuit 14.
  • the PLC management device 20A together with the meter-reading device under the control of the PLC management device 20A, constitutes a PLC network 100A that performs power line communication.
  • the wireless management device 20B together with the meter-reading device managed by the wireless management device 20B, configures a wireless network 100B that performs wireless communication.
  • the program includes the following steps executed by the control circuit 12.
  • the program includes using the PLC circuit 13 to acquire information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from at least one other meter reading device or PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A.
  • the program includes a step of using the wireless communication circuit 14 to acquire information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B from at least one other meter-reading device or wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B.
  • the program includes a step of comparing the free capacity of the PLC network 100A and the free capacity of the wireless network 100B with each other and selecting a network having a larger free capacity from the first and wireless networks 100B.
  • the program includes entering the selected first or wireless network 100B using the PLC circuit 13 or the wireless communication circuit 14.
  • the communication target management apparatus is set so as to prevent a decrease in communication reliability. Can be selected automatically.
  • the meter reading device is not limited to a metering device for electric energy, but is a gas, water, or other meter reading device that can operate in a plurality of communication methods including power line communication and wireless communication. May be.
  • a gas, water, or other meter reading device that can operate in a plurality of communication methods including power line communication and wireless communication. May be.
  • Existing meter-reading devices that measure other than the amount of electric power often operate on batteries, but by configuring the meter-reading device to perform power line communication, power can also be supplied from the power line.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
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Abstract

A control circuit (12) uses a PLC circuit (13) to obtain, from a PLC management device (20A) or at least one other meter reader in a PLC network (100A), information regarding the amount of unused capacity in said PLC network (100A). The control circuit (12) uses a wireless communication circuit (14) to obtain, from a wireless management device (20B) or at least one other meter reader in a wireless network (100B), information regarding the amount of unused capacity in said wireless network (100B). The control circuit (12) compares the amount of unused capacity in the PLC network (100A) with the amount of unused capacity in the wireless network (100B) and selects the network that has the larger amount of unused capacity. The control circuit (12) uses the power-line communication circuit or the wireless communication circuit to join the selected network.

Description

検針装置及び通信システムMeter reading device and communication system
　本発明は、通信機能を備えた検針装置に関する。本発明はまた、検針装置の通信方法及びプログラムに関する。本発明はまた、少なくとも１つの検針装置を管理する管理装置に関する。本発明はまた、少なくとも１つの検針装置と、検針装置を管理する管理装置とを含む通信システムに関する。 The present invention relates to a meter reading device having a communication function. The present invention also relates to a communication method and program for a meter-reading device. The present invention also relates to a management device that manages at least one meter-reading device. The present invention also relates to a communication system including at least one meter-reading device and a management device that manages the meter-reading device.
　近年、通信機能を備えた電力量の検針装置（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１～５を参照）。検針装置と電力会社との通信経路は「Ａルート」と呼ばれる。検針装置と宅内機器との直接の通信経路は「Ｂルート」と呼ばれる。検針装置と宅内機器との通信経路であって、インターネットなどの外部のネットワークを介した通信経路は「Ｃルート」と呼ばれる。宅内機器は、分電盤又は他の電力管理装置などである。 Recently, a metering device for electric energy (so-called “smart meter”) having a communication function is being introduced (see Patent Documents 1 to 5). The communication path between the meter-reading device and the electric power company is called “A route”. The direct communication path between the meter-reading device and the home device is called “B route”. A communication path between the meter-reading device and the in-home device, and a communication path via an external network such as the Internet is called a “C route”. Home appliances are distribution boards or other power management devices.
　検針装置は、電力線通信（ＰＬＣ）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、複数の検針装置から当該検針装置が設けられた家庭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) 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 collects the power consumption of the home where the meter-reading device is provided from a plurality of meter-reading devices and sends it to the electric power company.
特開２０１３－１８７８４９号公報JP 2013-187849 A 特開２０１３－１１８６２１号公報JP 2013-118621 A 特開２０１３－０２１５１６号公報JP 2013-021516 A 特開２０１２－１９１６１７号公報JP 2012-191617 A 特開２０１２－１７５６８８号公報JP 2012-175688 A
　１つの管理装置によって管理可能な検針装置の個数の上限は、管理装置と検針装置との間の帯域幅、管理装置のメモリの容量、などの条件によって決まる。検針装置の個数がこの上限を越えると、検針装置と管理装置との間の通信信頼性が低下する。従って、ある検針装置が複数の管理装置と通信可能であるならば、検針装置は、管理可能な検針装置の個数により余裕がある管理装置を自動的に選択して通信することが望ましい。 The upper limit of the number of meter-reading devices that can be managed by one management device is determined by conditions such as the bandwidth between the management device and the meter-reading device, and the memory capacity of the management device. When the number of meter-reading devices exceeds this upper limit, the communication reliability between the meter-reading device and the management device decreases. Therefore, if a meter-reading device can communicate with a plurality of management devices, it is desirable for the meter-reading device to automatically select and communicate with a management device having a margin according to the number of meter-reading devices that can be managed.
　本発明の目的は、検針装置が複数の管理装置と通信可能である場合に、通信信頼性の低下を防止するように通信対象の管理装置を自動的に選択する検針装置を提供することにある。また、本発明の目的は、そのような検針装置の通信方法及びプログラムを提供することにある。また、本発明の目的は、そのような少なくとも１つの検針装置を管理する管理装置を提供することにある。また、本発明の目的は、そのような少なくとも１つの検針装置と、検針装置を管理する管理装置と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 meter-reading device that automatically selects a management device to be communicated so as to prevent a decrease in communication reliability when the meter-reading device can communicate with a plurality of management devices. . Moreover, the objective of this invention is providing the communication method and program of such a meter-reading apparatus. Moreover, the objective of this invention is providing the management apparatus which manages such at least 1 meter-reading apparatus. Another object of the present invention is to provide a communication system including at least one meter-reading device and a management device that manages the meter-reading device.
　本発明の１つの態様に係る検針装置は、通信機能を備えた検針装置において、以下の構成を備えたことを特徴とする。検針装置は、複数の検針装置を管理する第１の管理装置と通信する電力線通信回路と、複数の検針装置を管理する第２の管理装置と通信する無線通信回路と、電力線通信回路及び無線通信回路を制御する制御回路とを備える。第１の管理装置は、第１の管理装置の管理下の検針装置とともに、電力線通信を行う第１のネットワークを構成する。第２の管理装置は、第２の管理装置の管理下の検針装置とともに、無線通信を行う第２のネットワークを構成する。制御回路は、電力線通信回路を用いて、第１のネットワークに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は第１の管理装置から、第１のネットワークの空き容量の情報を取得する。制御回路は、無線通信回路を用いて、第２のネットワークに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は第２の管理装置から、第２のネットワークの空き容量の情報を取得する。制御回路は、第１のネットワークの空き容量及び第２のネットワークの空き容量を互いに比較して、第１及び第２のネットワークのうち、より大きな空き容量を有するネットワークを選択する。制御回路は、電力線通信回路又は無線通信回路を用いて、選択された第１又は第２のネットワークに参入する。 The meter-reading device concerning one mode of the present invention is the meter-reading device provided with the communication function, and is provided with the following composition. The meter-reading device includes a power line communication circuit that communicates with a first management device that manages a plurality of meter-reading devices, a wireless communication circuit that communicates with a second management device that manages the plurality of meter-reading devices, a power line communication circuit, and wireless communication And a control circuit for controlling the circuit. A 1st management apparatus comprises the 1st network which performs power line communication with the meter-reading apparatus under management of a 1st management apparatus. A 2nd management apparatus comprises the 2nd network which performs radio | wireless communication with the meter-reading apparatus under the management of a 2nd management apparatus. The control circuit acquires information on the free capacity of the first network from at least one other meter-reading device or first management device included in the first network, using the power line communication circuit. The control circuit acquires information on the free capacity of the second network from at least one other meter-reading device or second management device included in the second network, using the wireless communication circuit. The control circuit compares the free capacity of the first network and the free capacity of the second network, and selects a network having a larger free capacity from the first and second networks. The control circuit enters the selected first or second network using the power line communication circuit or the wireless communication circuit.
　本発明のもう１つの態様に係る通信システムは、以下の構成を備えたことを特徴とする。通信システムは、第１～第７のいずれか１つの態様に係る検針装置と、第１の管理装置と、第２の管理装置とを含む。第１の管理装置は、複数の検針装置と通信する電力線通信回路を備え、複数の検針装置のうちの少なくとも１つを管理する。第２の管理装置は、複数の検針装置と通信する無線通信回路を備え、複数の検針装置のうちの少なくとも１つを管理する。 A communication system according to another aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. The communication system includes a meter-reading device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, a first management device, and a second management device. The first management device includes a power line communication circuit that communicates with a plurality of meter-reading devices, and manages at least one of the plurality of meter-reading devices. The second management device includes a wireless communication circuit that communicates with the plurality of meter-reading devices, and manages at least one of the plurality of meter-reading devices.
　本発明のもう１つの態様に係る通信方法は、通信機能を備えた検針装置の通信方法において、以下の構成を備えたことを特徴とする。検針装置は、複数の検針装置を管理する第１の管理装置と通信する電力線通信回路と、複数の検針装置を管理する第２の管理装置と通信する無線通信回路と、電力線通信回路及び無線通信回路を制御する制御回路とを備える。第１の管理装置は、第１の管理装置の管理下の検針装置とともに、電力線通信を行う第１のネットワークを構成する。第２の管理装置は、第２の管理装置の管理下の検針装置とともに、無線通信を行う第２のネットワークを構成する。通信方法は、電力線通信回路を用いて、第１のネットワークに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は第１の管理装置から、第１のネットワークの空き容量の情報を取得するステップを含む。通信方法は、無線通信回路を用いて、第２のネットワークに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は第２の管理装置から、第２のネットワークの空き容量の情報を取得するステップを含む。通信方法は、第１のネットワークの空き容量及び第２のネットワークの空き容量を互いに比較して、第１及び第２のネットワークのうち、より大きな空き容量を有するネットワークを選択するステップを含む。通信方法は、電力線通信回路又は無線通信回路を用いて、選択された第１又は第２のネットワークに参入するステップを含む。 A communication method according to another aspect of the present invention is a communication method for a meter-reading apparatus having a communication function, and has the following configuration. The meter-reading device includes a power line communication circuit that communicates with a first management device that manages a plurality of meter-reading devices, a wireless communication circuit that communicates with a second management device that manages the plurality of meter-reading devices, a power line communication circuit, and wireless communication And a control circuit for controlling the circuit. A 1st management apparatus comprises the 1st network which performs power line communication with the meter-reading apparatus under management of a 1st management apparatus. A 2nd management apparatus comprises the 2nd network which performs radio | wireless communication with the meter-reading apparatus under the management of a 2nd management apparatus. The communication method includes a step of acquiring information on the free capacity of the first network from at least one other meter-reading device or first management device included in the first network using a power line communication circuit. The communication method includes a step of acquiring information on the free capacity of the second network from at least one other meter-reading device or second management device included in the second network using a wireless communication circuit. The communication method includes a step of comparing the free capacity of the first network and the free capacity of the second network with each other and selecting a network having a larger free capacity from the first and second networks. The communication method includes entering the selected first or second network using a power line communication circuit or a wireless communication circuit.
　本発明のもう１つの態様に係るプログラムは、通信機能を備えた検針装置のプログラムにおいて、以下の構成を備えたことを特徴とする。検針装置は、複数の検針装置を管理する第１の管理装置と通信する電力線通信回路と、複数の検針装置を管理する第２の管理装置と通信する無線通信回路と、電力線通信回路及び無線通信回路を制御する制御回路とを備える。第１の管理装置は、第１の管理装置の管理下の検針装置とともに、電力線通信を行う第１のネットワークを構成する。第２の管理装置は、第２の管理装置の管理下の検針装置とともに、無線通信を行う第２のネットワークを構成する。プログラムは、制御回路によって実行される以下のステップを含む。プログラムは、電力線通信回路を用いて、第１のネットワークに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は第１の管理装置から、第１のネットワークの空き容量の情報を取得するステップを含む。プログラムは、無線通信回路を用いて、第２のネットワークに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は第２の管理装置から、第２のネットワークの空き容量の情報を取得するステップを含む。プログラムは、第１のネットワークの空き容量及び第２のネットワークの空き容量を互いに比較して、第１及び第２のネットワークのうち、より大きな空き容量を有するネットワークを選択するステップを含む。プログラムは、電力線通信回路又は無線通信回路を用いて、選択された第１又は第２のネットワークに参入するステップを含む。 A program according to another aspect of the present invention is a program for a meter-reading apparatus having a communication function, and has the following configuration. The meter-reading device includes a power line communication circuit that communicates with a first management device that manages a plurality of meter-reading devices, a wireless communication circuit that communicates with a second management device that manages the plurality of meter-reading devices, a power line communication circuit, and wireless communication And a control circuit for controlling the circuit. A 1st management apparatus comprises the 1st network which performs power line communication with the meter-reading apparatus under management of a 1st management apparatus. A 2nd management apparatus comprises the 2nd network which performs radio | wireless communication with the meter-reading apparatus under the management of a 2nd management apparatus. The program includes the following steps executed by the control circuit. The program includes a step of acquiring information on the free capacity of the first network from at least one other meter-reading device or first management device included in the first network using the power line communication circuit. The program includes a step of acquiring information on the free capacity of the second network from at least one other meter-reading device or second management device included in the second network using a wireless communication circuit. The program includes a step of comparing the free capacity of the first network and the free capacity of the second network with each other and selecting a network having a larger free capacity from the first and second networks. The program includes entering the selected first or second network using a power line communication circuit or a wireless communication circuit.
　本発明によれば、検針装置が複数の管理装置と通信可能である場合に、通信信頼性の低下を防止するように通信対象の管理装置を自動的に選択する検針装置を提供することができる。 ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when a meter-reading apparatus can communicate with several management apparatus, the meter-reading apparatus which selects the management apparatus of communication object automatically so that a communication reliability fall may be provided can be provided. .
本発明の第１の実施形態に係る通信システムを示すブロック図である。1 is a block diagram showing a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 図１の検針装置１０－１の構成を示すブロック図である。FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a meter reading device 10-1 in FIG. 図１のＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａの構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the structure of 20 A of PLC management apparatuses of FIG. 図１の無線管理装置２０Ｂの構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the radio | wireless management apparatus 20B of FIG. 図１の通信システムに検針装置１０－Ｎが参入するときの動作を示すタイミングチャートである。3 is a timing chart showing an operation when the meter-reading device 10-N enters the communication system of FIG. 本発明の第２の実施形態に係る通信システムに検針装置１０－Ｎが参入するときの動作を示すタイミングチャートである。10 is a timing chart showing an operation when the meter-reading apparatus 10-N enters the communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の第３の実施形態に係る通信システムにおいて、検針装置１０－Ｎが無線ネットワーク１００Ｂから離脱してＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに参入するときの動作を示すタイミングチャートである。14 is a timing chart showing an operation when the meter-reading apparatus 10-N leaves the wireless network 100B and enters the PLC network 100A in the communication system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の第４の実施形態に係る通信システムにおいて、検針装置１０－Ｎが無線ネットワーク１００Ｂから離脱してＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに参入するときの動作を示すタイミングチャートである。14 is a timing chart showing an operation when the meter-reading apparatus 10-N leaves the wireless network 100B and enters the PLC network 100A in the communication system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
　以下、図面を参照して、本発明の実施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.
第１の実施形態．
　図１は、本発明の第１の実施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、電力会社設備３０から電力供給を受ける複数の検針装置１０－１～１０－１５と、これらの検針装置１０－１～１０－１５を管理するＰＬＣ管理装置（第１の管理装置）２０Ａ及び無線管理装置（第２の管理装置）２０Ｂを含む。各検針装置１０－１～１０－１５は、電力線４１，４２を介して、電力会社設備３０から電力供給を受ける。各検針装置１０－１～１０－１５は、電力線通信及び無線通信の機能を有する。ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａは、電力線４１，４２上に設けられ、電力線通信により検針装置１０－１～１０－１５と通信可能に接続され、少なくとも１つの検針装置（図１では、検針装置１０－１～１０－７，１０－１０）を管理する。ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａは、検針装置１０－１～１０－１５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。無線管理装置２０Ｂは、無線通信により複数の検針装置１０－１～１０－１５と通信可能に接続され、少なくとも１つの検針装置（図１では、検針装置１０－８，１０－９，１０－１１～１０－１５）を管理する。無線管理装置２０Ｂは、検針装置１０－１～１０－１５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。ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａは、ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａの管理下の検針装置とともに、電力線通信を行うパーソナルエリアネットワークであるＰＬＣネットワーク（第１のネットワーク）１００Ａを構成する。ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａは、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａのコーディネータとして動作する。無線管理装置２０Ｂは、無線管理装置２０Ｂの管理下の検針装置とともに、無線通信を行うパーソナルエリアネットワークである無線ネットワーク（第２のネットワーク）１１００Ｂを構成する。無線管理装置２０Ｂは、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂのコーディネータとして動作する。ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａは、通信線４３を介して電力会社設備３０と通信し、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。無線管理装置２０Ｂは、通信線４４を介して電力会社設備３０と通信し、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。 First embodiment.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The communication system of FIG. 1 includes a plurality of meter-reading devices 10-1 to 10-15 that receive power supply from an electric power company facility 30, and a PLC management device (first device) Management device) 20A and wireless management device (second management device) 20B. Each of the meter reading devices 10-1 to 10-15 receives power supply from the power company facility 30 via the power lines 41 and 42. Each of the meter-reading apparatuses 10-1 to 10-15 has a function of power line communication and wireless communication. The PLC management device 20A is provided on the power lines 41 and 42 and is communicably connected to the meter reading devices 10-1 to 10-15 by power line communication, and includes at least one meter reading device (in FIG. 1, the meter reading devices 10-1 to 10-15). 10-7, 10-10). The PLC management device 20A may communicate directly with the meter-reading devices 10-1 to 10-15, or may communicate by multi-hop. The wireless management device 20B is communicably connected to a plurality of meter-reading devices 10-1 to 10-15 by wireless communication, and includes at least one meter-reading device (in FIG. 1, meter-reading devices 10-8, 10-9, 10-11). 10-15) are managed. The wireless management device 20B may directly communicate with the meter-reading devices 10-1 to 10-15, or may communicate by multi-hop. The PLC management device 20A, together with the meter-reading device under the control of the PLC management device 20A, constitutes a PLC network (first network) 100A that is a personal area network that performs power line communication. The PLC management device 20A operates as a coordinator of the PLC network 100A. The wireless management device 20B, together with the meter-reading device managed by the wireless management device 20B, configures a wireless network (second network) 1100B that is a personal area network that performs wireless communication. The radio management apparatus 20B operates as a coordinator of the radio network 100B. The PLC management device 20A communicates with the power company facility 30 via the communication line 43 and notifies the power company of information on the amount of power consumption measured by each meter-reading device. The wireless management device 20B communicates with the power company facility 30 via the communication line 44 and notifies the power company of information on the amount of power consumption measured by each meter-reading device.
　図２は、図１の検針装置１０－１の構成を示すブロック図である。検針装置１０－１は、電力測定器１１、制御回路１２、ＰＬＣ回路１３、及び無線通信回路１４を備える。電力測定器１１は、宅内機器（図示せず）の消費電力量を測定する。ＰＬＣ回路１３は、制御回路１２の制御下で、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに含まれる他の検針装置及びＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａと通信する。無線通信回路１４は、制御回路１２の制御下で、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに含まれる他の検針装置及び無線管理装置２０Ｂと通信する。制御回路１２は、測定された消費電力量を、ＰＬＣ回路１３を用いてＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａに通知するか、又は、無線通信回路１４を用いて無線管理装置２０Ｂに通知する。他の検針装置１０－２～１０－１５もまた、検針装置１０－１と同様に構成される。 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the meter reading device 10-1 of FIG. The meter-reading apparatus 10-1 includes a power measuring instrument 11, a control circuit 12, a PLC circuit 13, and a wireless communication circuit 14. The power measuring device 11 measures the power consumption of a home device (not shown). The PLC circuit 13 communicates with other meter-reading devices and the PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A under the control of the control circuit 12. The wireless communication circuit 14 communicates with other meter-reading devices and the wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B under the control of the control circuit 12. The control circuit 12 notifies the PLC management device 20A of the measured power consumption amount using the PLC circuit 13, or notifies the wireless management device 20B using the wireless communication circuit 14. The other meter reading devices 10-2 to 10-15 are also configured in the same manner as the meter reading device 10-1.
　図２は、ＰＬＣ回路１３及び無線通信回路１４を２つの別個のモジュールとして示すが、ＰＬＣ回路１３及び無線通信回路１４は単一のモジュール又はチップとして提供されてもよい。また、図２は、電力測定器１１と通信回路（ＰＬＣ回路１３及び無線通信回路１４）とが一体型の構成を示すが、電力測定器１１と通信回路とは、別個のモジュールとして提供されてもよい。 Although FIG. 2 shows the PLC circuit 13 and the wireless communication circuit 14 as two separate modules, the PLC circuit 13 and the wireless communication circuit 14 may be provided as a single module or chip. FIG. 2 shows a configuration in which the power measuring device 11 and the communication circuit (the PLC circuit 13 and the wireless communication circuit 14) are integrated, but the power measuring device 11 and the communication circuit are provided as separate modules. Also good.
　図３は、図１のＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａの構成を示すブロック図である。ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａは、ＰＬＣ通信回路２１Ａ、制御回路２２Ａ、及び通信回路２３Ａを備える。制御回路２２Ａは、ＰＬＣ通信回路２１Ａを用いて検針装置１０－１～１０－１５と通信し、通信回路２３Ａを用いて電力会社設備３０と通信する。 FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the PLC management device 20A of FIG. The PLC management device 20A includes a PLC communication circuit 21A, a control circuit 22A, and a communication circuit 23A. The control circuit 22A communicates with the meter-reading apparatuses 10-1 to 10-15 using the PLC communication circuit 21A, and communicates with the power company facility 30 using the communication circuit 23A.
　図４は、図１の無線管理装置２０Ｂの構成を示すブロック図である。無線管理装置２０Ｂは、無線通信回路２１Ｂ、制御回路２２Ｂ、及び通信回路２３Ｂを備える。制御回路２２Ｂは、無線通信回路２１Ｂを用いて検針装置１０－１～１０－１５と通信し、通信回路２３Ｂを用いて電力会社設備３０と通信する。 FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the radio management apparatus 20B of FIG. The wireless management device 20B includes a wireless communication circuit 21B, a control circuit 22B, and a communication circuit 23B. The control circuit 22B communicates with the meter-reading devices 10-1 to 10-15 using the wireless communication circuit 21B, and communicates with the power company facility 30 using the communication circuit 23B.
　各検針装置１０－１～１０－１５は、電力線通信及び無線通信の両方の機能を有するので、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ及び無線ネットワーク１００Ｂのいずれかに参入することができる。ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａにおいて、検針装置の個数がＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａによって管理可能な検針装置の個数の上限に近づいたとき又は越えたとき、通信トラフィックの増加に起因して、検針装置とＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａとの間の通信信頼性が低下する。無線ネットワーク１００Ｂにおいても、検針装置の個数が無線管理装置２０Ｂによって管理可能な検針装置の個数の上限に近づいたとき又は越えたとき、通信トラフィックの増加に起因して、検針装置と無線管理装置２０Ｂとの間の通信信頼性が低下する。通信信頼性の低下を防ぐために、図１の通信システムでは、各検針装置１０－１～１０－１５は、空き容量により余裕があるＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ又は無線ネットワーク１００Ｂを自動的に選択して参入する。 Since each of the meter reading devices 10-1 to 10-15 has both power line communication and wireless communication functions, it can enter either the PLC network 100A or the wireless network 100B. In the PLC network 100A, when the number of meter reading devices approaches or exceeds the upper limit of the number of meter reading devices that can be managed by the PLC management device 20A, the meter reading device and the PLC management device 20A The communication reliability during Also in the wireless network 100B, when the number of meter reading devices approaches or exceeds the upper limit of the number of meter reading devices that can be managed by the wireless management device 20B, the meter reading device and the wireless management device 20B are caused by an increase in communication traffic. Communication reliability between the two will be reduced. In order to prevent a decrease in communication reliability, in the communication system of FIG. 1, each of the meter-reading devices 10-1 to 10-15 automatically selects and enters the PLC network 100A or the wireless network 100B that has a surplus capacity. .
　図５は、図１の通信システムに検針装置１０－Ｎが参入するときの動作を示すタイミングチャートである。図５では、図示の簡単化のために、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに含まれる検針装置のうち、検針装置１０－１，１０－２のみを示し、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに含まれる検針装置のうち、検針装置１０－１３，１０－１４のみを示す。ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａは、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量の情報を含む通知信号をＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ内で定期的又は非定期的に送信し、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに含まれる他の検針装置に通知する。無線管理装置２０Ｂは、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量の情報を含む通知信号を無線ネットワーク１００Ｂ内で定期的又は非定期的に送信し、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに含まれる他の検針装置に通知する。ネットワークの空き容量の情報は、例えば、ネットワークにさらに参入可能な検針装置の個数とネットワークに参入可能な検針装置の個数の最大値との比、ネットワークにさらに参入可能な検針装置の個数、又はネットワークに参入済みの検針装置の個数、を含む。ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａ及び無線管理装置２０Ｂは、管理下の検針装置の個数に基づいて空き容量の情報を生成する。 FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an operation when the meter-reading apparatus 10-N enters the communication system of FIG. 5 shows only the meter-reading devices 10-1 and 10-2 among the meter-reading devices included in the PLC network 100A for simplification of the drawing, and the meter-reading device 10 among the meter-reading devices included in the wireless network 100B. Only -13 and 10-14 are shown. The PLC management device 20A transmits a notification signal including information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A periodically or irregularly in the PLC network 100A, and notifies other meter reading devices included in the PLC network 100A. The wireless management device 20B transmits a notification signal including information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B periodically or non-periodically within the wireless network 100B, and notifies other meter-reading devices included in the wireless network 100B. Information on the free capacity of the network includes, for example, the ratio of the number of meter-reading devices that can further enter the network and the maximum number of meter-reading devices that can enter the network, the number of meter-reading devices that can further enter the network, or the network Including the number of meter-reading devices that have already entered the market. The PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B generate free capacity information based on the number of meter-reading devices under management.
　通知信号は、例えば、ルーティングのために定期的にブロードキャストされるＨｅｌｌｏパケットであってもよい。この場合、Ｈｅｌｌｏパケットは、ルーティングのための隣接リンク情報に加えて、ネットワークの空き容量の情報を含む。それに代わって、通知信号は、各ネットワーク内で定期的又は非定期的に送受信される他の任意のパケット（例えば、検針情報を通知するために定期的に送信されるパケット）であってもよい。この場合、空き容量の情報は、ネットワークの通信帯域に実質的に影響を与えないように、ネットワーク内で送受信されるパケットに挿入される。 The notification signal may be, for example, a Hello packet that is periodically broadcast for routing. In this case, the Hello packet includes information on the free capacity of the network in addition to the adjacent link information for routing. Alternatively, the notification signal may be any other packet (for example, a packet that is periodically transmitted to notify meter reading information) that is transmitted and received periodically or irregularly in each network. . In this case, the free space information is inserted into packets transmitted and received in the network so as not to substantially affect the communication band of the network.
　図５を参照すると、検針装置１０－Ｎは、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ及び無線ネットワーク１００Ｂのいずれかに新たに参入する。検針装置１０－Ｎの制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣ回路１３を用いて、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに含まれる他の検針装置及びＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａへ、スキャンリクエスト信号（第１のスキャンリクエスト信号）を送信する。制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣ回路１３を用いて、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又はＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａから、ビーコン信号（第１のビーコン信号）を受信する。このとき、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに含まれる他の検針装置及びＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａのうちで、スキャンリクエスト信号を受信したもののみがビーコン信号を送信する。各ビーコン信号は、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量の情報を含む。これにより、制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣ回路１３を用いて、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又はＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａから、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量の情報を取得する。 Referring to FIG. 5, the meter-reading apparatus 10-N newly enters either the PLC network 100A or the wireless network 100B. Using the PLC circuit 13, the control circuit 12 of the meter-reading apparatus 10-N transmits a scan request signal (first scan request signal) to another meter-reading apparatus and PLC management apparatus 20A included in the PLC network 100A. Using the PLC circuit 13, the control circuit 12 receives a beacon signal (first beacon signal) from at least one other meter-reading device or PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A. At this time, only the one that has received the scan request signal among the other meter reading devices and PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A transmits the beacon signal. Each beacon signal includes information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A. As a result, the control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 to obtain information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from at least one other meter-reading device or PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A.
　同様に、制御回路１２は、無線通信回路１４を用いて、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに含まれる他の検針装置及び無線管理装置２０Ｂへ、スキャンリクエスト信号（第２のスキャンリクエスト信号）を送信する。制御回路１２は、無線通信回路１４を用いて、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は無線管理装置２０Ｂから、ビーコン信号（第２のビーコン信号）を受信する。このとき、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに含まれる他の検針装置及び無線管理装置２０Ｂのうちで、スキャンリクエスト信号を受信したもののみがビーコン信号を送信する。各ビーコン信号は、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量の情報を含む。これにより、制御回路１２は、無線通信回路１４を用いて、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は無線管理装置２０Ｂから、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量の情報を取得する。 Similarly, the control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to transmit a scan request signal (second scan request signal) to another meter-reading device and the wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B. The control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to receive a beacon signal (second beacon signal) from at least one other meter-reading device or the wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B. At this time, only the other meter reading devices and the wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B that have received the scan request signal transmit beacon signals. Each beacon signal includes information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B. As a result, the control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to acquire information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B from at least one other meter-reading device or wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B.
　制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量及び無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量を互いに比較して、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ及び無線ネットワーク１００Ｂのうち、より大きな空き容量を有するネットワークを選択する。制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣ回路１３又は無線通信回路１４を用いて、選択されたＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ又は無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに参入する。図５は、検針装置１０－ＮがＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに参入する場合を示す。検針装置１０－Ｎは、参入要求信号をＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａに送信し、これに返信された参入許可信号を受信して、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに参入する。複数の検針装置がマルチホップにより通信する場合には、選択したネットワークにおいて検針装置１０－Ｎに最も近接した検針装置へ参入許可信号を送信してもよい。 The control circuit 12 compares the free capacity of the PLC network 100A and the free capacity of the wireless network 100B, and selects a network having a larger free capacity from the PLC network 100A and the wireless network 100B. The control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 or the wireless communication circuit 14 to enter the selected PLC network 100A or the wireless network 100B. FIG. 5 shows a case where the meter-reading apparatus 10-N enters the PLC network 100A. The meter-reading apparatus 10-N transmits an entry request signal to the PLC management apparatus 20A, receives the entry permission signal returned thereto, and enters the PLC network 100A. When a plurality of meter-reading devices communicate by multi-hop, an entry permission signal may be transmitted to the meter-reading device closest to the meter-reading device 10-N in the selected network.
　図１の通信システムによれば、検針装置１０－ＮがＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａ及び無線管理装置２０Ｂと通信可能である場合に、通信信頼性の低下を防止するように通信対象の管理装置を自動的に選択することができる。これにより、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ及び無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに参入している検針装置の個数の偏りを低下させ、トラフィックを分散することができる。 According to the communication system of FIG. 1, when the meter-reading device 10-N can communicate with the PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B, the communication target management device is automatically set so as to prevent a decrease in communication reliability. Can be selected. As a result, it is possible to reduce the bias in the number of meter-reading devices that have entered the PLC network 100A and the wireless network 100B, and to distribute traffic.
　制御回路１２は、電力線通信及び無線通信のいずれか一方を優先的に使用する通信方式として設定してもよい。制御回路１２は、電力線通信を優先的に使用する場合にはＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａを優先的に選択するように、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量に重み付けして、又はバイアスをかけて比較する。同様に、制御回路１２は、無線通信を優先的に使用する場合には無線ネットワーク１００Ｂを優先的に選択するように、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量に重み付けして、又はバイアスをかけて比較する。 The control circuit 12 may be set as a communication method that preferentially uses either power line communication or wireless communication. When the power line communication is preferentially used, the control circuit 12 weights or compares the free capacity of the PLC network 100A so as to preferentially select the PLC network 100A. Similarly, the control circuit 12 weights or compares the available capacity of the wireless network 100B so as to preferentially select the wireless network 100B when using wireless communication preferentially.
　以上説明したように、本発明の１つの態様に係る検針装置１０－ｎ（１≦ｎ≦１５）は、通信機能を備えた検針装置において、以下のように構成される。各検針装置１０－ｎは、複数の検針装置を管理するＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａと通信するＰＬＣ回路１３と、複数の検針装置を管理する無線管理装置２０Ｂと通信する無線通信回路１４と、ＰＬＣ回路１３及び無線通信回路１４を制御する制御回路１２とを備える。ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａは、ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａの管理下の検針装置とともに、電力線通信を行うＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａを構成する。無線管理装置２０Ｂは、無線管理装置２０Ｂの管理下の検針装置とともに、無線通信を行う無線ネットワーク１００Ｂを構成する。制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣ回路１３を用いて、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又はＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａから、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量の情報を取得する。制御回路１２は、無線通信回路１４を用いて、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は無線管理装置２０Ｂから、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量の情報を取得する。制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量及び無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量を互いに比較して、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ及び無線ネットワーク１００Ｂのうち、より大きな空き容量を有するネットワークを選択する。制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣ回路１３又は無線通信回路１４を用いて、選択されたＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ又は無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに参入する。 As described above, the meter-reading device 10-n (1 ≦ n ≦ 15) according to one aspect of the present invention is configured as follows in a meter-reading device having a communication function. Each meter reading device 10-n includes a PLC circuit 13 that communicates with a PLC management device 20A that manages a plurality of meter reading devices, a wireless communication circuit 14 that communicates with a wireless management device 20B that manages a plurality of meter reading devices, and a PLC circuit 13. And a control circuit 12 for controlling the wireless communication circuit 14. The PLC management device 20A, together with the meter-reading device under the control of the PLC management device 20A, constitutes a PLC network 100A that performs power line communication. The wireless management device 20B, together with the meter-reading device managed by the wireless management device 20B, configures a wireless network 100B that performs wireless communication. The control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 to acquire information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from at least one other meter reading device or PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A. The control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to acquire information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B from at least one other meter-reading device or wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B. The control circuit 12 compares the free capacity of the PLC network 100A and the free capacity of the wireless network 100B, and selects a network having a larger free capacity from the PLC network 100A and the wireless network 100B. The control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 or the wireless communication circuit 14 to enter the selected PLC network 100A or the wireless network 100B.
　ネットワークの空き容量の情報は、ネットワークにさらに参入可能な検針装置の個数とネットワークに参入可能な検針装置の個数の最大値との比、ネットワークにさらに参入可能な検針装置の個数、又はネットワークに参入済みの検針装置の個数、を含んでもよい。 Information on available network capacity is the ratio of the number of meter reading devices that can enter the network to the maximum number of meter reading devices that can enter the network, the number of meter reading devices that can enter the network, or the network. The number of meter-reading devices that have already been used may be included.
　制御回路１２は、電力線通信及び無線通信のいずれか一方を優先的に使用する通信方式として設定してもよい。制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量及び無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量を互いに比較するとき、電力線通信を優先的に使用する場合にはＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａを優先的に選択するように、空き容量に重み付けして比較する。制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量及び無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量を互いに比較するとき、無線通信を優先的に使用する場合には無線ネットワーク１００Ｂを優先的に選択するように、空き容量に重み付けして比較する。 The control circuit 12 may be set as a communication method that preferentially uses either power line communication or wireless communication. When the free capacity of the PLC network 100A and the free capacity of the wireless network 100B are compared with each other, the control circuit 12 sets the free capacity so that the PLC network 100A is preferentially selected when power line communication is preferentially used. Compare by weight. When comparing the free capacity of the PLC network 100A and the free capacity of the wireless network 100B with each other, the control circuit 12 sets the free capacity so that the wireless network 100B is preferentially selected when wireless communication is used preferentially. Compare by weight.
　制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣ回路１３を用いて、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに含まれる他の検針装置及びＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａへ、第１のスキャンリクエスト信号を送信する。制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣ回路１３を用いて、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又はＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａから、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量の情報を含む第１のビーコン信号を受信する。制御回路１２は、無線通信回路１４を用いて、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに含まれる他の検針装置及び無線管理装置２０Ｂへ、第２のスキャンリクエスト信号を送信する。制御回路１２は、無線通信回路１４を用いて、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は無線管理装置２０Ｂから、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量の情報を含む第２のビーコン信号を受信する。 The control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 to transmit a first scan request signal to another meter reading device and PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A. The control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 to receive a first beacon signal including information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from at least one other meter reading device or PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A. . The control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to transmit a second scan request signal to other meter-reading devices and the wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B. Using the wireless communication circuit 14, the control circuit 12 receives a second beacon signal including information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B from at least one other meter-reading device or wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B. To do.
　本発明の１つの態様に係る検針装置１０－ｎによれば、検針装置１０－ｎがＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａ及び無線管理装置２０Ｂと通信可能である場合に、通信信頼性の低下を防止するように通信対象の管理装置を自動的に選択することができる。 According to the meter-reading device 10-n according to one aspect of the present invention, when the meter-reading device 10-n can communicate with the PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B, a reduction in communication reliability is prevented. A management device to be communicated can be automatically selected.
　本発明の１つの態様に係る通信システムは、以下のように構成される。通信システムは、検針装置１０－ｎ（１≦ｎ≦１５）と、ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａと、無線管理装置２０Ｂとを含む。ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａは、複数の検針装置と通信するＰＬＣ回路１３を備え、複数の検針装置のうちの少なくとも１つを管理する。無線管理装置２０Ｂは、複数の検針装置と通信する無線通信回路１４を備え、複数の検針装置のうちの少なくとも１つを管理する。 The communication system according to one aspect of the present invention is configured as follows. The communication system includes a meter reading device 10-n (1 ≦ n ≦ 15), a PLC management device 20A, and a wireless management device 20B. The PLC management device 20A includes a PLC circuit 13 that communicates with a plurality of meter-reading devices, and manages at least one of the plurality of meter-reading devices. The wireless management device 20B includes a wireless communication circuit 14 that communicates with a plurality of meter-reading devices, and manages at least one of the plurality of meter-reading devices.
　本発明の１つの態様に係る通信システムによれば、検針装置１０－ｎがＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａ及び無線管理装置２０Ｂと通信可能である場合に、通信信頼性の低下を防止するように通信対象の管理装置を自動的に選択することができる。 According to the communication system according to one aspect of the present invention, when the meter-reading device 10-n can communicate with the PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B, the communication target is set to prevent a decrease in communication reliability. A management device can be automatically selected.
第２の実施形態．
　図６は、本発明の第２の実施形態に係る通信システムに検針装置１０－Ｎが参入するときの動作を示すタイミングチャートである。図５では、検針装置１０－Ｎの制御回路１２は、スキャンリクエスト信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号から、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ及び無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量の情報を取得した。一方、図６では、検針装置１０－Ｎの制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ及び無線ネットワーク１００Ｂ内で定期的又は非定期的に送信される通知信号から、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ及び無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量の情報を取得する。 Second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an operation when the meter-reading apparatus 10-N enters the communication system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the control circuit 12 of the meter-reading apparatus 10-N acquires information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A and the wireless network 100B from the beacon signal returned in response to the scan request signal. On the other hand, in FIG. 6, the control circuit 12 of the meter-reading apparatus 10-N uses the free capacity of the PLC network 100A and the wireless network 100B from the notification signal transmitted periodically or irregularly in the PLC network 100A and the wireless network 100B. Get information about.
　通知信号は、前述のように、ルーティングのために定期的にブロードキャストされるＨｅｌｌｏパケット、又は、各ネットワーク内で定期的又は非定期的に送受信される他の任意のパケットであってもよい。図６は、通知信号がＨｅｌｌｏパケットである場合を示す。検針装置１０－Ｎの制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣ回路１３を用いて、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに含まれる他の検針装置及びＰＬＣ管理装置２０ＡによってＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ内で定期的にブロードキャストされる、Ｈｅｌｌｏパケットを受信する。各Ｈｅｌｌｏパケットは、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量の情報を含む。これにより、制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣ回路１３を用いて、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又はＰＬＣ無線管理装置２０Ａから、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量の情報を取得する。制御回路１２は、無線通信回路１４を用いて、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに含まれる他の検針装置及び無線管理装置２０Ｂによって無線ネットワーク１００Ｂ内で定期的にブロードキャストされる、Ｈｅｌｌｏパケットを受信する。各Ｈｅｌｌｏパケットは、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量の情報を含む。これにより、制御回路１２は、無線通信回路１４を用いて、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は無線管理装置２０Ｂから、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量の情報を取得する。 As described above, the notification signal may be a Hello packet that is periodically broadcast for routing, or any other packet that is transmitted or received periodically or irregularly in each network. FIG. 6 shows a case where the notification signal is a Hello packet. Using the PLC circuit 13, the control circuit 12 of the meter-reading apparatus 10-N receives a Hello packet periodically broadcast in the PLC network 100A by another meter-reading apparatus included in the PLC network 100A and the PLC management apparatus 20A. To do. Each Hello packet includes information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A. As a result, the control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 to acquire information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from at least one other meter-reading device or PLC radio management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A. The control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to receive a Hello packet that is periodically broadcast in the wireless network 100B by another meter reading device and the wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B. Each Hello packet includes information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B. As a result, the control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to acquire information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B from at least one other meter-reading device or wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B.
　図６の動作によれば、検針装置１０－ＮがＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａ及び無線管理装置２０Ｂと通信可能である場合に、図５の動作と同様に、通信信頼性の低下を防止するように通信対象の管理装置を自動的に選択することができる。これにより、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ及び無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに参入している検針装置の個数の偏りを低下させ、トラフィックを分散することができる。 According to the operation of FIG. 6, when the meter-reading device 10-N can communicate with the PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B, the communication is performed so as to prevent a decrease in communication reliability as in the operation of FIG. The target management device can be automatically selected. As a result, it is possible to reduce the bias in the number of meter-reading devices that have entered the PLC network 100A and the wireless network 100B, and to distribute traffic.
　以上説明したように、本発明の１つの態様に係る検針装置１０－ｎ（１≦ｎ≦１５）は、以下のように構成される。制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣ回路１３を用いて、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに含まれる他の検針装置及びＰＬＣ管理装置２０ＡによってＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ内で定期的又は非定期的に送信される、第１の通知信号を受信する。第１の通知信号は、例えば、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量の情報を含むＨｅｌｌｏパケットである。制御回路１２は、無線通信回路１４を用いて、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに含まれる他の検針装置及び無線管理装置２０Ｂによって無線ネットワーク１００Ｂ内で定期的又は非定期的に送信される、第２の通知信号を受信する。第２の通知信号は、例えば、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量の情報を含むＨｅｌｌｏパケットである。 As described above, the meter-reading apparatus 10-n (1 ≦ n ≦ 15) according to one aspect of the present invention is configured as follows. The control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 to transmit a first notification signal that is periodically or irregularly transmitted in the PLC network 100A by another meter reading device and PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A. Receive. The first notification signal is, for example, a Hello packet including information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A. The control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to transmit a second notification signal that is periodically or irregularly transmitted in the wireless network 100B by another meter reading device and the wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B. Receive. The second notification signal is, for example, a Hello packet including information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B.
　本発明の態様に係る検針装置１０－ｎによれば、検針装置１０－ｎがＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａ及び無線管理装置２０Ｂと通信可能である場合に、通信信頼性の低下を防止するように通信対象の管理装置を自動的に選択することができる。 According to the meter-reading device 10-n according to the aspect of the present invention, when the meter-reading device 10-n can communicate with the PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B, a communication target is used to prevent a decrease in communication reliability. The management device can be automatically selected.
第３の実施形態．
　図７は、本発明の第３の実施形態に係る通信システムにおいて、検針装置１０－Ｎが無線ネットワーク１００Ｂから離脱してＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに参入するときの動作を示すタイミングチャートである。検針装置１０－Ｎの制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ又は無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに参入した後、参入したネットワークの空き容量が少ない場合には、空き容量が大きい他方のネットワークに参入してもよい。 Third embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an operation when the meter-reading apparatus 10-N leaves the wireless network 100B and enters the PLC network 100A in the communication system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. After entering the PLC network 100A or the wireless network 100B, the control circuit 12 of the meter-reading apparatus 10-N may enter the other network with a larger free capacity when the free capacity of the entered network is small.
　制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣ回路１３を用いて、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又はＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａから、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量の情報を取得する。制御回路１２は、無線通信回路１４を用いて、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は無線管理装置２０Ｂから、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量の情報を取得する。図７では、図６と同様にＨｅｌｌｏパケットを用いて空き容量の情報を取得しているが、図５と同様にスキャンリクエスト信号に対して返信されたビーコン信号から空き容量の情報を取得してもよい。それに代わって、各ネットワーク内で送受信される他の任意のパケットから空き容量の情報を取得してもよい。制御回路１２は、検針装置１０－Ｎが参入しているネットワークの空き容量が予め決められた下限未満である場合、ＰＬＣ回路１３及び無線通信回路１４を用いて、検針装置１０－Ｎが参入しているネットワークから離脱してもう１つのネットワークに参入する。図７は、検針装置１０－Ｎが無線ネットワーク１００Ｂから離脱してＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに参入する場合を示す。検針装置１０－Ｎは、離脱要求信号を無線管理装置２０Ｂに送信し、これに返信された離脱許可信号を受信して、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂから離脱する。次いで、検針装置１０－Ｎは、参入要求信号をＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａに送信し、これに返信された参入許可信号を受信して、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに参入する。 The control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 to acquire information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from at least one other meter reading device or PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A. The control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to acquire information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B from at least one other meter-reading device or wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B. In FIG. 7, the free capacity information is acquired using the Hello packet as in FIG. 6, but the free capacity information is acquired from the beacon signal returned in response to the scan request signal as in FIG. Also good. Instead, free space information may be obtained from other arbitrary packets transmitted and received in each network. The control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 and the wireless communication circuit 14 to enter the meter-reading device 10-N when the available capacity of the network in which the meter-reading device 10-N has entered is less than a predetermined lower limit. Leave one network and enter another network. FIG. 7 shows a case where the meter-reading apparatus 10-N leaves the wireless network 100B and enters the PLC network 100A. The meter-reading apparatus 10-N transmits a withdrawal request signal to the wireless management apparatus 20B, receives the withdrawal permission signal returned in response thereto, and leaves the wireless network 100B. Next, the meter-reading apparatus 10-N transmits an entry request signal to the PLC management apparatus 20A, receives the entry permission signal returned thereto, and enters the PLC network 100A.
　制御回路１２は、図７の動作を行うとき、検針装置１０－Ｎが参入しているネットワークにおいて検針装置１０－Ｎが末端ノードに位置している場合、検針装置１０－Ｎが参入しているネットワークから離脱してもう１つのネットワークに参入してもよい。制御回路１２は、例えばＨｅｌｌｏパケットに含まれる隣接リンク情報に基づいて、下位ノードの有無を判断する。これにより、検針装置１０－Ｎよりも下位のノードが存在するとき、参入しているネットワークからの離脱を抑止することができる。また、検針装置１０－Ｎが末端ノードに位置しているか否かに代えて、検針装置１０－Ｎが参入しているネットワークにおいて、検針装置１０－Ｎの下位ノードの個数が予め決められたしきい値より少ないか否かを判断してもよい。 When the control circuit 12 performs the operation of FIG. 7, if the meter-reading device 10-N is located at the terminal node in the network in which the meter-reading device 10-N has entered, the meter-reading device 10-N has entered. You may leave the network and enter another network. For example, the control circuit 12 determines whether or not there is a lower node based on adjacent link information included in the Hello packet. As a result, when there is a lower node than the meter-reading apparatus 10-N, it is possible to suppress detachment from the network in which it has entered. Further, in place of whether or not the meter-reading device 10-N is located at the terminal node, the number of subordinate nodes of the meter-reading device 10-N is determined in advance in the network in which the meter-reading device 10-N has entered. It may be determined whether it is less than the threshold value.
　制御回路１２は、参入要求信号を送信する前に、図５と同様にスキャンリクエスト信号を送信し、これに対して返信されたビーコン信号から、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量の情報を再取得してもよい。これにより、複数の検針装置がマルチホップにより通信する場合であっても、制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａについての正確な情報（例えば、どの検針装置を介してＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに参入するのか）を取得できる。また、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ及び無線ネットワーク１００Ｂ以外の他のネットワークが存在する場合、制御回路１２は、参入要求信号を送信する前にスキャンリクエスト信号を送信することにより、そのネットワークの空き容量の情報を取得できる。 Before transmitting the entry request signal, the control circuit 12 transmits a scan request signal in the same manner as in FIG. 5, and reacquires information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from the beacon signal returned in response thereto. Also good. Thereby, even when a plurality of meter-reading apparatuses communicate by multi-hop, the control circuit 12 provides accurate information about the PLC network 100A (for example, which meter-reading apparatus enters the PLC network 100A). You can get it. In addition, when there is another network other than the PLC network 100A and the wireless network 100B, the control circuit 12 acquires information on the free capacity of the network by transmitting a scan request signal before transmitting an entry request signal. it can.
　図７の動作によれば、検針装置１０－ＮがＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａ又は無線管理装置２０Ｂと通信している場合に、通信信頼性の低下を防止するように通信対象の管理装置を自動的に変更することができる。 According to the operation of FIG. 7, when the meter-reading device 10-N is communicating with the PLC management device 20A or the wireless management device 20B, the management device to be communicated is automatically set so as to prevent a decrease in communication reliability. Can be changed.
　以上説明したように、本発明の１つの態様に係る検針装置１０－ｎ（１≦ｎ≦１５）は、以下のように構成される。制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ又は無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに参入した後、以下の動作を実行する。制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣ回路１３を用いて、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又はＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａから、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量の情報を取得する。制御回路１２は、無線通信回路１４を用いて、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は無線管理装置２０Ｂから、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量の情報を取得する。制御回路１２は、当該検針装置が参入しているネットワークの空き容量が予め決められた下限未満である場合、ＰＬＣ回路１３及び無線通信回路１４を用いて、当該検針装置が参入しているネットワークから離脱してもう１つのネットワークに参入する。 As described above, the meter-reading apparatus 10-n (1 ≦ n ≦ 15) according to one aspect of the present invention is configured as follows. The control circuit 12 performs the following operations after entering the PLC network 100A or the wireless network 100B. The control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 to acquire information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from at least one other meter reading device or PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A. The control circuit 12 uses the wireless communication circuit 14 to acquire information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B from at least one other meter-reading device or wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B. When the available capacity of the network in which the meter-reading device is entered is less than a predetermined lower limit, the control circuit 12 uses the PLC circuit 13 and the wireless communication circuit 14 from the network in which the meter-reading device has entered. Leave and enter another network.
　検針装置１０－ｎの制御回路１２は、当該検針装置が参入しているネットワークの空き容量が予め決められた下限未満であり、かつ、当該検針装置が参入しているネットワークにおいて当該検針装置が末端ノードに位置しているか否かを判断する。両方の条件を満たす場合、制御回路１２は、ＰＬＣ回路１３及び無線通信回路１４を用いて、当該検針装置が参入しているネットワークから離脱してもう１つのネットワークに参入してもよい。 The control circuit 12 of the meter-reading device 10-n is configured such that the free capacity of the network in which the meter-reading device is entered is less than a predetermined lower limit, and the meter-reading device is terminated in the network in which the meter-reading device has entered. Determine if it is located at a node. When both conditions are satisfied, the control circuit 12 may leave the network in which the meter-reading device has entered and enter another network using the PLC circuit 13 and the wireless communication circuit 14.
　本発明の態様に係る検針装置１０－ｎによれば、検針装置１０－ｎがＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａ又は無線管理装置２０Ｂと通信している場合に、通信信頼性の低下を防止するように通信対象の管理装置を自動的に変更することができる。 According to the meter-reading apparatus 10-n which concerns on the aspect of this invention, when meter-reading apparatus 10-n is communicating with PLC management apparatus 20A or radio | wireless management apparatus 20B, it is communication object so that a communication reliability fall may be prevented. The management device can be automatically changed.
第４の実施形態．
　図８は、本発明の第４の実施形態に係る通信システムにおいて、検針装置１０－Ｎが無線ネットワーク１００Ｂから離脱してＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに参入するときの動作を示すタイミングチャートである。図７では、検針装置１０－Ｎの制御回路１２が、検針装置１０－Ｎが参入しているネットワークから離脱してもう１つのネットワークに参入することを決定した。一方、図８では、ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａ又は無線管理装置２０Ｂにより、検針装置１０－Ｎが参入しているネットワークから離脱してもう１つのネットワークに参入することを決定する。 Fourth embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing an operation when the meter-reading apparatus 10-N leaves the wireless network 100B and enters the PLC network 100A in the communication system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the control circuit 12 of the meter-reading device 10-N has decided to leave the network in which the meter-reading device 10-N has entered and enter another network. On the other hand, in FIG. 8, the PLC management device 20A or the wireless management device 20B determines to leave the network where the meter-reading device 10-N has entered and enter another network.
　図８において、ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａ及び無線管理装置２０Ｂは、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量の情報及びＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量の情報を互いに交換して取得する。ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａ及び無線管理装置２０Ｂは、電力会社設備３０のサーバ装置などを介して、又は直接に接続された通信線を介して、空き容量の情報を互いに交換して取得する。ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａは、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量が予め決められた下限未満であり、かつ、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量が予め決められた下限以上であるか否かを判断する。両方の条件を満たす場合、ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａは、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに含まれる少なくとも１つの検針装置に、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａから離脱して無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに参入するように指示する。無線管理装置２０Ｂは、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量が予め決められた下限未満であり、かつ、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量が予め決められた下限以上であるか否かを判断する。両方の条件を満たす場合、無線管理装置２０Ｂは、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに含まれる少なくとも１つの検針装置に、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂから離脱してＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに参入するように指示する。図７は、検針装置１０－Ｎが無線ネットワーク１００Ｂから離脱してＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに参入する場合を示す。無線管理装置２０Ｂは、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂから離脱してＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに参入するように指示する離脱指示信号を検針装置１０－Ｎに送信する。検針装置１０－Ｎは、離脱指示信号を受信したとき無線ネットワーク１００Ｂから離脱し、次いで、参入要求信号をＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａに送信し、これに返信された参入許可信号を受信して、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに参入する。 In FIG. 8, the PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B obtain information by exchanging information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B and information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A. The PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B exchange and acquire free space information via a server device of the power company facility 30 or a directly connected communication line. The PLC management device 20A determines whether or not the free capacity of the PLC network 100A is less than a predetermined lower limit and the free capacity of the wireless network 100B is equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit. When both conditions are satisfied, the PLC management device 20A instructs the at least one meter-reading device included in the PLC network 100A to leave the PLC network 100A and enter the wireless network 100B. The radio management apparatus 20B determines whether the free capacity of the radio network 100B is less than a predetermined lower limit and whether the free capacity of the PLC network 100A is equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit. When both conditions are satisfied, the radio management apparatus 20B instructs at least one meter-reading apparatus included in the radio network 100B to leave the radio network 100B and enter the PLC network 100A. FIG. 7 shows a case where the meter-reading apparatus 10-N leaves the wireless network 100B and enters the PLC network 100A. The wireless management device 20B transmits to the meter-reading device 10-N an instruction to leave the wireless network 100B and enter the PLC network 100A. The meter-reading device 10-N leaves the wireless network 100B when receiving the leave instruction signal, and then sends an entry request signal to the PLC management device 20A, receives the entry permission signal returned thereto, and receives the PLC network. Enter 100A.
　ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａは、図８の動作を行うとき、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａにおいて末端ノードに位置した少なくとも１つの検針装置に、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａから離脱して無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに参入するように指示してもよい。無線管理装置２０Ｂは、図８の動作を行うとき、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂにおいて末端ノードに位置した少なくとも１つの検針装置に、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂから離脱してＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに参入するように指示してもよい。ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａ及び無線管理装置２０Ｂは、これにより、検針装置１０－Ｎよりも下位のノードが存在するとき、参入しているネットワークからの離脱を抑止することができる。これにより、検針装置１０－Ｎよりも下位のノードが存在するとき、参入しているネットワークからの離脱を抑止することができる。また、検針装置１０－Ｎが末端ノードに位置しているか否かに代えて、検針装置１０－Ｎが参入しているネットワークにおいて、検針装置１０－Ｎの下位ノードの個数が予め決められたしきい値より少ないか否かを判断してもよい。 When performing the operation of FIG. 8, the PLC management device 20A may instruct at least one meter-reading device located at the end node in the PLC network 100A to leave the PLC network 100A and enter the wireless network 100B. . When performing the operation of FIG. 8, the radio management apparatus 20B may instruct at least one meter-reading apparatus located at the end node in the radio network 100B to leave the radio network 100B and enter the PLC network 100A. . As a result, the PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B can suppress the detachment from the network in which the PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B exist when there is a lower node than the meter-reading device 10-N. As a result, when there is a lower node than the meter-reading apparatus 10-N, it is possible to suppress detachment from the network in which it has entered. Further, in place of whether or not the meter-reading device 10-N is located at the terminal node, the number of subordinate nodes of the meter-reading device 10-N is determined in advance in the network in which the meter-reading device 10-N has entered. It may be determined whether it is less than the threshold value.
　図８の動作によれば、検針装置１０－ＮがＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ又は無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに参入している場合に、通信信頼性の低下を防止するようにネットワークを自動的に変更することができる。 8, when the meter-reading apparatus 10-N has entered the PLC network 100A or the wireless network 100B, the network can be automatically changed so as to prevent a decrease in communication reliability.
　本発明の１つの態様に係る通信システムは、以下のように構成される。ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａは、無線管理装置２０Ｂから、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量の情報を取得する。ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａは、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量が予め決められた下限未満であるか否かを判断する。この条件を満たす場合、ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａは、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに含まれる少なくとも１つの検針装置に、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａから離脱して無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに参入するように指示する。無線管理装置２０Ｂは、ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａから、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量の情報を取得する。無線管理装置２０Ｂは、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量が予め決められた下限未満であるか否かを判断する。この条件を満たす場合、無線管理装置２０Ｂは、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに含まれる少なくとも１つの検針装置に、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂから離脱してＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに参入するように指示する。 The communication system according to one aspect of the present invention is configured as follows. The PLC management device 20A acquires information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B from the wireless management device 20B. The PLC management device 20A determines whether the free capacity of the PLC network 100A is less than a predetermined lower limit. When this condition is satisfied, the PLC management device 20A instructs at least one meter-reading device included in the PLC network 100A to leave the PLC network 100A and enter the wireless network 100B. The wireless management device 20B acquires information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from the PLC management device 20A. The radio management apparatus 20B determines whether the free capacity of the radio network 100B is less than a predetermined lower limit. When this condition is satisfied, the radio management apparatus 20B instructs at least one meter-reading apparatus included in the radio network 100B to leave the radio network 100B and enter the PLC network 100A.
　ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａは、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量が予め決められた下限未満であるか否かを判断する。この条件を満たす場合、ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａは、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａにおいて末端ノードに位置した少なくとも１つの検針装置に、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａから離脱して無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに参入するように指示してもよい。無線管理装置２０Ｂは、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量が予め決められた下限未満であるか否かを判断する。この条件を満たす場合、無線管理装置２０Ｂは、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂにおいて末端ノードに位置した少なくとも１つの検針装置に、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂから離脱してＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに参入するように指示してもよい。 The PLC management device 20A determines whether or not the free capacity of the PLC network 100A is less than a predetermined lower limit. When this condition is satisfied, the PLC management device 20A may instruct at least one meter-reading device located at the end node in the PLC network 100A to leave the PLC network 100A and enter the wireless network 100B. The radio management apparatus 20B determines whether the free capacity of the radio network 100B is less than a predetermined lower limit. When this condition is satisfied, the radio management apparatus 20B may instruct at least one meter-reading apparatus located at the end node in the radio network 100B to leave the radio network 100B and enter the PLC network 100A.
　本発明の態様に係る通信システムによれば、検針装置１０－ｎがＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａ又は無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに参入している場合に、通信信頼性の低下を防止するようにネットワークを自動的に変更することができる。 According to the communication system according to the aspect of the present invention, when the meter-reading apparatus 10-n has entered the PLC network 100A or the wireless network 100B, the network is automatically changed so as to prevent a decrease in communication reliability. be able to.
　図５～図８の動作に係る各ステップは、検針装置１０－ｎ（１≦ｎ≦１５）、ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａ、及び無線管理装置２０Ｂ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。また、そのようなプログラムを記録媒体に記録して頒布又は流通させてもよい。 5 to 8 may be implemented as hardware of the meter reading device 10-n (1 ≦ n ≦ 15), the PLC management device 20A, and the wireless management device 20B, and control circuits thereof. It may be implemented as a program executed by. Further, such a program may be recorded on a recording medium and distributed or distributed.
　本発明の１つの態様に係る通信方法は、通信機能を備えた検針装置１０－ｎ（１≦ｎ≦１５）の通信方法において、以下のように構成される。各検針装置１０－ｎは、複数の検針装置を管理するＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａと通信するＰＬＣ回路１３と、複数の検針装置を管理する無線管理装置２０Ｂと通信する無線通信回路１４と、ＰＬＣ回路１３及び無線通信回路１４を制御する制御回路１２とを備える。ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａは、ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａの管理下の検針装置とともに、電力線通信を行うＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａを構成する。無線管理装置２０Ｂは、無線管理装置２０Ｂの管理下の検針装置とともに、無線通信を行う無線ネットワーク１００Ｂを構成する。通信方法は、ＰＬＣ回路１３を用いて、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又はＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａから、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量の情報を取得するステップを含む。通信方法は、無線通信回路１４を用いて、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は無線管理装置２０Ｂから、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量の情報を取得するステップを含む。通信方法は、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量及び無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量を互いに比較して、第１及び無線ネットワーク１００Ｂのうち、より大きな空き容量を有するネットワークを選択するステップを含む。通信方法は、ＰＬＣ回路１３又は無線通信回路１４を用いて、選択された第１又は無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに参入するステップを含む。 The communication method according to one aspect of the present invention is configured as follows in the communication method of the meter-reading apparatus 10-n (1 ≦ n ≦ 15) having a communication function. Each meter reading device 10-n includes a PLC circuit 13 that communicates with a PLC management device 20A that manages a plurality of meter reading devices, a wireless communication circuit 14 that communicates with a wireless management device 20B that manages a plurality of meter reading devices, and a PLC circuit 13. And a control circuit 12 for controlling the wireless communication circuit 14. The PLC management device 20A, together with the meter-reading device under the control of the PLC management device 20A, constitutes a PLC network 100A that performs power line communication. The wireless management device 20B, together with the meter-reading device managed by the wireless management device 20B, configures a wireless network 100B that performs wireless communication. The communication method includes a step of acquiring information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from at least one other meter-reading device or PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A using the PLC circuit 13. The communication method includes a step of using the wireless communication circuit 14 to acquire information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B from at least one other meter-reading device or wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B. The communication method includes a step of comparing the free capacity of the PLC network 100A and the free capacity of the wireless network 100B with each other and selecting a network having a larger free capacity from the first and wireless networks 100B. The communication method includes a step of entering the selected first or wireless network 100B using the PLC circuit 13 or the wireless communication circuit 14.
　本発明の態様に係る通信方法によれば、検針装置１０－ｎがＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａ及び無線管理装置２０Ｂと通信可能である場合に、通信信頼性の低下を防止するように通信対象の管理装置を自動的に選択することができる。 According to the communication method according to the aspect of the present invention, when the meter-reading device 10-n can communicate with the PLC management device 20A and the wireless management device 20B, the communication target management device so as to prevent a decrease in communication reliability. Can be selected automatically.
　本発明のもう１つの態様に係るプログラムは、通信機能を備えた検針装置１０－ｎ（１≦ｎ≦１５）のプログラムにおいて、以下のように構成される。各検針装置１０－ｎは、複数の検針装置を管理するＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａと通信するＰＬＣ回路１３と、複数の検針装置を管理する無線管理装置２０Ｂと通信する無線通信回路１４と、ＰＬＣ回路１３及び無線通信回路１４を制御する制御回路１２とを備える。ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａは、ＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａの管理下の検針装置とともに、電力線通信を行うＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａを構成する。無線管理装置２０Ｂは、無線管理装置２０Ｂの管理下の検針装置とともに、無線通信を行う無線ネットワーク１００Ｂを構成する。プログラムは、制御回路１２によって実行される以下のステップを含む。プログラムは、ＰＬＣ回路１３を用いて、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又はＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａから、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量の情報を取得するステップを含む。プログラムは、無線通信回路１４を用いて、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は無線管理装置２０Ｂから、無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量の情報を取得するステップを含む。プログラムは、ＰＬＣネットワーク１００Ａの空き容量及び無線ネットワーク１００Ｂの空き容量を互いに比較して、第１及び無線ネットワーク１００Ｂのうち、より大きな空き容量を有するネットワークを選択するステップを含む。プログラムは、ＰＬＣ回路１３又は無線通信回路１４を用いて、選択された第１又は無線ネットワーク１００Ｂに参入するステップを含む。 The program according to another aspect of the present invention is configured as follows in the program of the meter-reading apparatus 10-n (1 ≦ n ≦ 15) having a communication function. Each meter reading device 10-n includes a PLC circuit 13 that communicates with a PLC management device 20A that manages a plurality of meter reading devices, a wireless communication circuit 14 that communicates with a wireless management device 20B that manages a plurality of meter reading devices, and a PLC circuit 13. And a control circuit 12 for controlling the wireless communication circuit 14. The PLC management device 20A, together with the meter-reading device under the control of the PLC management device 20A, constitutes a PLC network 100A that performs power line communication. The wireless management device 20B, together with the meter-reading device managed by the wireless management device 20B, configures a wireless network 100B that performs wireless communication. The program includes the following steps executed by the control circuit 12. The program includes using the PLC circuit 13 to acquire information on the free capacity of the PLC network 100A from at least one other meter reading device or PLC management device 20A included in the PLC network 100A. The program includes a step of using the wireless communication circuit 14 to acquire information on the free capacity of the wireless network 100B from at least one other meter-reading device or wireless management device 20B included in the wireless network 100B. The program includes a step of comparing the free capacity of the PLC network 100A and the free capacity of the wireless network 100B with each other and selecting a network having a larger free capacity from the first and wireless networks 100B. The program includes entering the selected first or wireless network 100B using the PLC circuit 13 or the wireless communication circuit 14.
　本発明の態様に係るプログラムによれば、検針装置１０－ｎがＰＬＣ管理装置２０Ａ及び無線管理装置２０Ｂと通信可能である場合に、通信信頼性の低下を防止するように通信対象の管理装置を自動的に選択することができる。 According to the program according to the aspect of the present invention, when the meter-reading apparatus 10-n can communicate with the PLC management apparatus 20A and the wireless management apparatus 20B, the communication target management apparatus is set so as to prevent a decrease in communication reliability. Can be selected automatically.
　本発明の実施形態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を含む複数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。電力量以外を測定する既存の検針装置は電池で動作する場合が多いが、電力線通信を行うように検針装置を構成することにより、電力線から電力供給することもできる。 In the communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the meter reading device is not limited to a metering device for electric energy, but is a gas, water, or other meter reading device that can operate in a plurality of communication methods including power line communication and wireless communication. May be. Existing meter-reading devices that measure other than the amount of electric power often operate on batteries, but by configuring the meter-reading device to perform power line communication, power can also be supplied from the power line.
１０－１～１０－１５，１０－Ｎ…検針装置、
１１…電力測定器、
１２…制御回路、
１３…ＰＬＣ回路、
１４…無線通信回路、
２０Ａ…ＰＬＣ管理装置、
２０Ｂ…無線管理装置、
２１Ａ…ＰＬＣ通信回路、
２１Ｂ…無線通信回路、
２２Ａ，２２Ｂ…制御回路、
２３Ａ，２３Ｂ…通信回路、
３０…電力会社設備、
４１，４２…電力線、
４３，４４…通信線、
１００Ａ…ＰＬＣネットワーク、
１００Ｂ…無線ネットワーク。 10-1 to 10-15, 10-N ... Meter reading device,
11 ... Electric power measuring instrument,
12 ... Control circuit,
13 ... PLC circuit,
14 ... wireless communication circuit,
20A ... PLC management device,
20B ... wireless management device,
21A ... PLC communication circuit,
21B ... wireless communication circuit,
22A, 22B ... control circuit,
23A, 23B ... communication circuit,
30 ... Electricity company facilities,
41, 42 ... power lines,
43, 44 ... communication lines,
100A ... PLC network,
100B: Wireless network.

Claims (12)

  1. 　通信機能を備えた検針装置において、前記検針装置は、
    　複数の検針装置を管理する第１の管理装置と通信する電力線通信回路と、
    　複数の検針装置を管理する第２の管理装置と通信する無線通信回路と、
    　前記電力線通信回路及び前記無線通信回路を制御する制御回路とを備え、
    　前記第１の管理装置は、前記第１の管理装置の管理下の検針装置とともに、電力線通信を行う第１のネットワークを構成し、
    　前記第２の管理装置は、前記第２の管理装置の管理下の検針装置とともに、無線通信を行う第２のネットワークを構成し、
    　前記制御回路は、
    　前記電力線通信回路を用いて、前記第１のネットワークに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は前記第１の管理装置から、前記第１のネットワークの空き容量の情報を取得し、
    　前記無線通信回路を用いて、前記第２のネットワークに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は前記第２の管理装置から、前記第２のネットワークの空き容量の情報を取得し、
    　前記第１のネットワークの空き容量及び前記第２のネットワークの空き容量を互いに比較して、前記第１及び第２のネットワークのうち、より大きな空き容量を有するネットワークを選択し、
    　前記電力線通信回路又は前記無線通信回路を用いて、前記選択された第１又は第２のネットワークに参入することを特徴とする検針装置。     In the meter reading device having a communication function, the meter reading device is:
    A power line communication circuit that communicates with a first management device that manages a plurality of meter-reading devices;
    A wireless communication circuit that communicates with a second management device that manages a plurality of meter-reading devices;
    A control circuit for controlling the power line communication circuit and the wireless communication circuit,
    The first management device, together with the meter-reading device under the management of the first management device, constitutes a first network that performs power line communication,
    The second management device, together with the meter-reading device managed by the second management device, constitutes a second network that performs wireless communication,
    The control circuit includes:
    Using the power line communication circuit, obtain information on the free capacity of the first network from at least one other meter-reading device included in the first network or the first management device,
    Using the wireless communication circuit, obtain information on the free capacity of the second network from at least one other meter-reading device included in the second network or the second management device,
    Comparing the free capacity of the first network and the free capacity of the second network with each other, and selecting a network having a larger free capacity from the first and second networks;
    The meter-reading device, wherein the power line communication circuit or the wireless communication circuit is used to enter the selected first or second network.
  2. 　前記ネットワークの空き容量の情報は、
    　ネットワークにさらに参入可能な検針装置の個数とネットワークに参入可能な検針装置の個数の最大値との比、
    　ネットワークにさらに参入可能な検針装置の個数、及び
    　ネットワークに参入済みの検針装置の個数、
    のいずれかを含むことを特徴とする請求項１記載の検針装置。     The network free space information is:
    The ratio between the number of meter reading devices that can further enter the network and the maximum number of meter reading devices that can enter the network,
    The number of meter reading devices that can further enter the network, the number of meter reading devices that have already entered the network,
    The meter-reading apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:
  3. 　前記制御回路は、
    　電力線通信及び無線通信のいずれか一方を優先的に使用する通信方式として設定し、
    　前記第１のネットワークの空き容量及び前記第２のネットワークの空き容量を互いに比較するとき、電力線通信を優先的に使用する場合には前記第１のネットワークを優先的に選択するように、無線通信を優先的に使用する場合には前記第２のネットワークを優先的に選択するように、空き容量に重み付けして比較することを特徴とする請求項１又は２記載の検針装置。     The control circuit includes:
    Set as a communication method that preferentially uses either power line communication or wireless communication,
    When comparing the free capacity of the first network and the free capacity of the second network with each other, wireless communication is performed so that the first network is preferentially selected when power line communication is preferentially used. 3. The meter-reading apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the data is used preferentially, the free space is weighted and compared so that the second network is preferentially selected.
  4. 　前記制御回路は、
    　前記電力線通信回路を用いて、前記第１のネットワークに含まれる他の検針装置及び前記第１の管理装置へ、第１のスキャンリクエスト信号を送信し、
    　前記電力線通信回路を用いて、前記第１のネットワークに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は前記第１の管理装置から、前記第１のネットワークの空き容量の情報を含む第１のビーコン信号を受信し、
    　前記無線通信回路を用いて、前記第２のネットワークに含まれる他の検針装置及び前記第２の管理装置へ、第２のスキャンリクエスト信号を送信し、
    　前記無線通信回路を用いて、前記第２のネットワークに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は前記第２の管理装置から、前記第２のネットワークの空き容量の情報を含む第２のビーコン信号を受信することを特徴とする請求項１～３のいずれか１つに記載の検針装置。     The control circuit includes:
    Using the power line communication circuit, a first scan request signal is transmitted to another meter reading device and the first management device included in the first network,
    Using the power line communication circuit, a first beacon signal including information on free capacity of the first network is received from at least one other meter-reading device or the first management device included in the first network. Receive
    Using the wireless communication circuit, a second scan request signal is transmitted to another meter-reading device and the second management device included in the second network,
    Using the wireless communication circuit, a second beacon signal including information on the free capacity of the second network is sent from at least one other meter-reading device or the second management device included in the second network. The meter-reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the meter-reading device receives the information.
  5. 　前記制御回路は、
    　前記電力線通信回路を用いて、前記第１のネットワークに含まれる他の検針装置及び前記第１の管理装置によって前記第１のネットワーク内で定期的又は非定期的に送信される、前記第１のネットワークの空き容量の情報を含む第１の通知信号を受信し、
    　前記無線通信回路を用いて、前記第２のネットワークに含まれる他の検針装置及び前記第２の管理装置によって前記第２のネットワーク内で定期的又は非定期的に送信される、前記第２のネットワークの空き容量の情報を含む第２の通知信号を受信することを特徴とする請求項１～３のいずれか１つに記載の検針装置。     The control circuit includes:
    Using the power line communication circuit, the first meter is periodically or irregularly transmitted in the first network by another meter reading device and the first management device included in the first network. Receiving a first notification signal including information on free space in the network;
    Using the wireless communication circuit, the second meter is periodically or non-periodically transmitted in the second network by another meter reading device and the second management device included in the second network. The meter-reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second notification signal including information on the free capacity of the network is received.
  6. 　前記制御回路は、前記第１又は第２のネットワークに参入した後、
    　前記電力線通信回路を用いて、前記第１のネットワークに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は前記第１の管理装置から、前記第１のネットワークの空き容量の情報を取得し、
    　前記無線通信回路を用いて、前記第２のネットワークに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は前記第２の管理装置から、前記第２のネットワークの空き容量の情報を取得し、
    　当該検針装置が参入しているネットワークの空き容量が予め決められた下限未満である場合、前記電力線通信回路及び前記無線通信回路を用いて、当該検針装置が参入しているネットワークから離脱してもう１つのネットワークに参入することを特徴とする請求項１～５のいずれか１つに記載の検針装置。     After the control circuit has entered the first or second network,
    Using the power line communication circuit, obtain information on the free capacity of the first network from at least one other meter-reading device included in the first network or the first management device,
    Using the wireless communication circuit, obtain information on the free capacity of the second network from at least one other meter-reading device included in the second network or the second management device,
    When the free capacity of the network in which the meter-reading device has entered is less than a predetermined lower limit, the power-line communication circuit and the wireless communication circuit are used to leave the network in which the meter-reading device has entered The meter-reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the meter enters one network.
  7. 　前記検針装置の制御回路は、当該検針装置が参入しているネットワークの空き容量が予め決められた下限未満である場合、かつ、当該検針装置が参入しているネットワークにおいて当該検針装置が末端ノードに位置している場合、前記電力線通信回路及び前記無線通信回路を用いて、当該検針装置が参入しているネットワークから離脱してもう１つのネットワークに参入することを特徴とする請求項６記載の検針装置。 The control circuit of the meter-reading device is configured such that when the available capacity of the network in which the meter-reading device is entered is less than a predetermined lower limit, and in the network in which the meter-reading device is entered, the meter-reading device is a terminal node. The meter reading according to claim 6, wherein, when located, using the power line communication circuit and the wireless communication circuit, the meter reading device leaves and enters another network. apparatus.
  8. 　請求項１～７のいずれか１つに記載の複数の検針装置と、
    　前記複数の検針装置と通信する電力線通信回路を備え、前記複数の検針装置のうちの少なくとも１つを管理する第１の管理装置と、
    　前記複数の検針装置と通信する無線通信回路を備え、複数の検針装置のうちの少なくとも１つを管理する第２の管理装置とを含むことを特徴とする通信システム。     A plurality of meter-reading devices according to any one of claims 1 to 7;
    A first management device that includes a power line communication circuit that communicates with the plurality of meter-reading devices, and that manages at least one of the plurality of meter-reading devices;
    A communication system comprising a wireless communication circuit that communicates with the plurality of meter-reading devices, and a second management device that manages at least one of the plurality of meter-reading devices.
  9. 　前記第１の管理装置は、
    　前記第２の管理装置から、前記第２のネットワークの空き容量の情報を取得し、
    　前記第１のネットワークの空き容量が予め決められた下限未満である場合、前記第１のネットワークに含まれる少なくとも１つの検針装置に、前記第１のネットワークから離脱して前記第２のネットワークに参入するように指示し、
    　前記第２の管理装置は、
    　前記第１の管理装置から、前記第１のネットワークの空き容量の情報を取得し、
    　前記第２のネットワークの空き容量が予め決められた下限未満である場合、前記第２のネットワークに含まれる少なくとも１つの検針装置に、前記第２のネットワークから離脱して前記第１のネットワークに参入するように指示することを特徴とする請求項８記載の通信システム。     The first management device is:
    Obtaining information on free capacity of the second network from the second management device;
    When the free capacity of the first network is less than a predetermined lower limit, at least one meter-reading device included in the first network leaves the first network and enters the second network Tell you to
    The second management device is:
    Obtaining information on free capacity of the first network from the first management device;
    When the free capacity of the second network is less than a predetermined lower limit, at least one meter-reading device included in the second network leaves the second network and enters the first network 9. The communication system according to claim 8, wherein an instruction is given to do so.
  10. 　前記第１の管理装置は、前記第１のネットワークの空き容量が予め決められた下限未満である場合、前記第１のネットワークにおいて末端ノードに位置した少なくとも１つの検針装置に、前記第１のネットワークから離脱して前記第２のネットワークに参入するように指示し、
    　前記第２の管理装置は、前記第２のネットワークの空き容量が予め決められた下限未満である場合、前記第２のネットワークにおいて末端ノードに位置した少なくとも１つの検針装置に、前記第２のネットワークから離脱して前記第１のネットワークに参入するように指示することを特徴とする請求項９記載の通信システム。     When the free capacity of the first network is less than a predetermined lower limit, the first management device sends the first network to at least one meter-reading device located at a terminal node in the first network. To leave and enter the second network,
    When the free capacity of the second network is less than a predetermined lower limit, the second management device sends the second network to at least one meter-reading device located at a terminal node in the second network. The communication system according to claim 9, wherein an instruction is given to leave the network and enter the first network.
  11. 　通信機能を備えた検針装置の通信方法において、
    　前記検針装置は、
    　複数の検針装置を管理する第１の管理装置と通信する電力線通信回路と、
    　複数の検針装置を管理する第２の管理装置と通信する無線通信回路と、
    　前記電力線通信回路及び前記無線通信回路を制御する制御回路とを備え、
    　前記第１の管理装置は、前記第１の管理装置の管理下の検針装置とともに、電力線通信を行う第１のネットワークを構成し、
    　前記第２の管理装置は、前記第２の管理装置の管理下の検針装置とともに、無線通信を行う第２のネットワークを構成し、
    　前記通信方法は、
    　前記電力線通信回路を用いて、前記第１のネットワークに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は前記第１の管理装置から、前記第１のネットワークの空き容量の情報を取得するステップと、
    　前記無線通信回路を用いて、前記第２のネットワークに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は前記第２の管理装置から、前記第２のネットワークの空き容量の情報を取得するステップと、
    　前記第１のネットワークの空き容量及び前記第２のネットワークの空き容量を互いに比較して、前記第１及び第２のネットワークのうち、より大きな空き容量を有するネットワークを選択するステップと、
    　前記電力線通信回路又は前記無線通信回路を用いて、前記選択された第１又は第２のネットワークに参入するステップとを含むことを特徴とする通信方法。     In the communication method of the meter reading device having a communication function,
    The meter reading device is
    A power line communication circuit that communicates with a first management device that manages a plurality of meter-reading devices;
    A wireless communication circuit that communicates with a second management device that manages a plurality of meter-reading devices;
    A control circuit for controlling the power line communication circuit and the wireless communication circuit,
    The first management device, together with the meter-reading device under the management of the first management device, constitutes a first network that performs power line communication,
    The second management device, together with the meter-reading device managed by the second management device, constitutes a second network that performs wireless communication,
    The communication method is:
    Using the power line communication circuit to obtain information on free capacity of the first network from at least one other meter-reading device or the first management device included in the first network;
    Using the wireless communication circuit to obtain information on the free capacity of the second network from at least one other meter-reading device or the second management device included in the second network;
    Comparing the free capacity of the first network and the free capacity of the second network with each other, and selecting a network having a larger free capacity from the first and second networks;
    Entering the selected first or second network using the power line communication circuit or the wireless communication circuit.
  12. 　通信機能を備えた検針装置のプログラムにおいて、
    　前記検針装置は、
    　複数の検針装置を管理する第１の管理装置と通信する電力線通信回路と、
    　複数の検針装置を管理する第２の管理装置と通信する無線通信回路と、
    　前記電力線通信回路及び前記無線通信回路を制御する制御回路とを備え、
    　前記第１の管理装置は、前記第１の管理装置の管理下の検針装置とともに、電力線通信を行う第１のネットワークを構成し、
    　前記第２の管理装置は、前記第２の管理装置の管理下の検針装置とともに、無線通信を行う第２のネットワークを構成し、
    　前記プログラムは、前記制御回路によって実行されたとき、
    　前記電力線通信回路を用いて、前記第１のネットワークに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は前記第１の管理装置から、前記第１のネットワークの空き容量の情報を取得するステップと、
    　前記無線通信回路を用いて、前記第２のネットワークに含まれる少なくとも１つの他の検針装置又は前記第２の管理装置から、前記第２のネットワークの空き容量の情報を取得するステップと、
    　前記第１のネットワークの空き容量及び前記第２のネットワークの空き容量を互いに比較して、前記第１及び第２のネットワークのうち、より大きな空き容量を有するネットワークを選択するステップと、
    　前記電力線通信回路又は前記無線通信回路を用いて、前記選択された第１又は第２のネットワークに参入するステップとを含むことを特徴とするプログラム。     In the program of the meter reading device with communication function,
    The meter reading device is
    A power line communication circuit that communicates with a first management device that manages a plurality of meter-reading devices;
    A wireless communication circuit that communicates with a second management device that manages a plurality of meter-reading devices;
    A control circuit for controlling the power line communication circuit and the wireless communication circuit,
    The first management device, together with the meter-reading device under the management of the first management device, constitutes a first network that performs power line communication,
    The second management device, together with the meter-reading device managed by the second management device, constitutes a second network that performs wireless communication,
    When the program is executed by the control circuit,
    Using the power line communication circuit to obtain information on free capacity of the first network from at least one other meter-reading device or the first management device included in the first network;
    Using the wireless communication circuit to obtain information on the free capacity of the second network from at least one other meter-reading device or the second management device included in the second network;
    Comparing the free capacity of the first network and the free capacity of the second network with each other, and selecting a network having a larger free capacity from the first and second networks;
    Entering the selected first or second network using the power line communication circuit or the wireless communication circuit.
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