JP4314379B2 - Traffic concentration reduction method using pager - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for reducing traffic concentration using a pager, and more particularly, when a center terminal device remotely collects information detected by a monitoring terminal device or a meter-reading terminal device installed in a customer using a telephone line. It is related with the method of relieving the concentration of traffic using.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, there are a variety of systems for collecting information remotely from a center device using a telephone line by installing monitoring terminal devices or meter-reading terminal devices, etc., in order to save work and reduce costs. Widely used in the field.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a conventional monitoring system using a telephone line, and a first terminal device 1 and an Nth terminal device 2 installed in a customer, and remotely monitoring the terminal device A center device 3 that collects information, and terminal devices 1 and 2 and a telephone network 4 that couples the center device 3, and the first terminal device 1 and the Nth terminal device 2 include monitoring objects , A CPU 6 that creates monitoring data and controls the terminal device, and a modem 7 that transmits and receives data to and from the center device 3 via the telephone network 4.
The center device 3 includes a modem 8 that transmits / receives data to / from each terminal device, a CPU 9 that processes monitoring data and controls the center device, and a display unit 10 that displays the monitoring data.
[0003]
The operation example of FIG. 5 will be described. First, as the first function, the first terminal device 1 and the Nth terminal device 2 output an alarm signal to the CPU 6 when the sensor 5 detects an abnormality of the monitored object. The CPU 6 creates monitoring data based on the input alarm signal and activates a network control circuit (hereinafter referred to as “NCU”) provided in the modem 7 to make a call to the telephone network 4 to establish a line with the center apparatus 3. The monitoring data is transmitted to the center device 3 via the modem 7.
On the other hand, in the center device 3, the NCU provided in the modem 8 responds to the incoming call from the telephone network 4, and the modem 8 receives the monitoring data from the terminal device 1. In the center device 3, the received monitoring data is input to the CPU 9 to perform data processing, display an alarm on the display unit 10, and accumulate data in a storage unit (not shown).
[0004]
Next, as a second function, the center device 3 periodically collects monitoring information or meter reading information of each terminal device, and sequentially connects to each terminal device at a predetermined cycle. Therefore, the center device 3 activates the NCU provided in the modem 8 according to an instruction from the CPU 9 and connects it to a desired terminal device (here, the first terminal device 1), and then sends a data collection request via the modem 8. Send a message.
The first terminal device 1 connects the first terminal device 1 to the telephone network 4 in response to an NCU provided in the modem 7 in response to an incoming call from the telephone network 4, and the center device 3 via the modem 7. More messages are received. The received message is decoded by the CPU 6, monitoring data is created according to the request contents from the center device 3 based on the monitoring information, meter reading information, etc., and returned to the center device 3 via the modem 7. In the center device 3, the returned monitoring data is received by the modem 8, the received monitoring data is processed by the CPU 9, and an alarm is displayed on the display unit 10, and data is stored in a storage unit (not shown). Do.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, a conventional monitoring system using a telephone line causes a disaster or the like in the area where the monitoring system is installed, and the sensor provided in each terminal device detects an abnormality and outputs an alarm signal. Many terminal devices installed in the area perform call operations to the central unit at the same time, resulting in centralized communication, etc., so that the telephone network traffic is concentrated and the line is punctured, so that the monitoring system functions. I had the problem of disappearing.
The present invention was made in order to solve the problems associated with the conventional monitoring system using a telephone line, and a disaster or the like occurs in the area where the monitoring system is installed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a monitoring system using a telephone line that can flexibly cope with a case where traffic on a telephone network is concentrated.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a traffic concentration mitigation method using a pager according to the present invention has the following configuration.
The traffic concentration alleviating method using the pager according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring system is installed in a monitoring system that reports monitoring data transmitted from a plurality of terminal devices that perform state monitoring to a center device via a telephone line. When the traffic on the telephone network in the selected area is concentrated, the telephone number of the center device that is the report destination is set in another region using the pager to the plurality of terminal devices assigned to the center device from the center device. Each terminal device having a pager reception function that broadcasts a message to be changed is configured to receive the message and transmit monitoring data using the center device designated by the message as a new notification destination.
[0007]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a traffic concentration alleviating method using a pager, wherein a message transmitted using the pager includes a number of re-calls functioning when a call to a center device is busy and a re-call time interval. It is configured to add re-call suppression control that suppresses.
[0008]
The traffic concentration mitigation method using the pager according to claim 3, wherein the monitoring system uses a no-ringing communication service as communication via a telephone line, and meter reading data is regularly or necessary from a meter reading device installed in each customer. It is configured to be an automatic meter reading system that automatically collects occasionally.
[0009]
The traffic concentration mitigation method using the pager according to claim 4 is configured such that the automatic meter reading system measures the supply amount of city gas or LPG supplied to the customer.
[0010]
The traffic concentration mitigation method using the pager according to claim 5 is configured such that the automatic meter reading system measures the amount of electricity supplied to the customer.
[0011]
The traffic concentration mitigation method using the pager according to claim 6 is configured such that the automatic meter-reading system measures the amount of water supplied to the customer.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on illustrated embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a monitoring system for realizing a traffic concentration mitigation method using a pager according to the present invention, and includes a first terminal device 11 installed in a customer and an Nth terminal. It comprises a device 12, a center device 13 that remotely collects terminal device monitoring information, a pager base station 14 that transmits pager radio waves, and a telephone network 4 that couples the terminal device and the center device.
[0013]
The first terminal device 11 and the Nth terminal device 12 include a sensor 5 that monitors a monitoring target, a CPU 15 that creates monitoring data based on the output of the sensor 5 and controls the terminal device, and a telephone network 4. The modem 7 that transmits and receives data to and from the center device 13 via the center device 13 and the pager receiver 16 that receives messages from the center device 13 via the pager.
Further, the center device 13 creates a modem 17 for transmitting / receiving data to / from each terminal device, a CPU 18 for processing the received monitoring data and controlling the center device, and a message to be transmitted using a pager in the event of a disaster. A pager message creating unit 19 for displaying the alarm and monitoring data.
In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the memory | storage part which accumulate | stores monitoring data is also provided.
[0014]
Next, the operation of FIG. 1 will be described. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a disaster or the like occurs in an area where the monitoring system is installed, traffic on the telephone network in the area is concentrated and communication becomes difficult, and the function as the monitoring system is impaired. Even in such a case, communication from an area where traffic is concentrated to an external area is often possible. The present invention pays attention to this point, and changes the communication destination from the terminal device from the center device in the area where the disaster or the like occurs to another center device in the area where the disaster or the like does not occur and communicates Thus, the function as a monitoring system is to be secured. At the same time, each terminal device is subjected to a re-call suppression control for suppressing a re-call condition during a busy state so as to reduce the traffic concentration on the center device. At this time, the change of the center device serving as a report destination and the re-call suppression control command are configured to be notified from the center device in the area where the disaster or the like has occurred to each terminal device using a pager.
[0015]
First, the operation when the monitoring system performs a normal operation without a disaster in the area where the monitoring system is installed will be described. As the first function, the first terminal device 11 and the Nth terminal device are described. 12 outputs a warning signal to the CPU 15 when the sensor 5 detects an abnormality of the monitored object, and creates monitoring data based on the inputted warning signal. Next, the CPU 15 activates the NCU provided in the modem 7 and makes a call to the telephone network 4 to connect the line to the center apparatus 13, and transmits monitoring data to the center apparatus 13 via the modem 7. On the other hand, in the center device 13, the NCU provided in the modem 17 responds to the incoming call from the telephone network 4, and the modem 17 receives the monitoring data from the terminal device. The center device 13 inputs the received monitoring data to the CPU 18 for data processing, displays an alarm on the display unit 10, and accumulates data in the storage unit.
[0016]
Next, as a second function, the center device 13 periodically collects monitoring information or meter reading information of each terminal device, and sequentially connects to each terminal device at a predetermined cycle. Therefore, the center device 13 activates the NCU provided in the modem 17 according to an instruction from the CPU 18 and connects it to a desired terminal device, and then transmits a data collection request message via the modem 17. For example, in the first terminal device 11 that has received a connection request from the center device 13, the NCU provided in the modem 7 responds to an incoming call from the telephone network 4, and the modem 7 sends a message from the center device 13. Receive. The received message is decoded by the CPU 15, monitoring data is created in accordance with the request contents from the center device 13 based on the monitoring information or meter reading information, and sent back to the center device 13 via the modem 7. In the center apparatus 13, the returned monitoring data is received by the modem 17, the received monitoring data is processed by the CPU 18, an alarm is displayed on the display unit 10, and data is stored.
The functions described so far are the same as the conventional ones.
[0017]
Next, a description will be given of a case where a disaster or the like occurs in the area where the monitoring system is installed, and telephone network traffic occurs intensively, thereby impairing the function of the monitoring system.
First, the pager message creation unit 19 provided in the center device 13 is a message for notifying each terminal device using the pager when an alarm signal for message creation is input by manual operation or automatically. Create In this message, in order to change the center device that is the transmission destination of the monitoring data output by the terminal device to another center device installed in an area where no disaster has occurred, a new transmission destination telephone number, The re-call suppression control command is written.
[0018]
As a re-call suppression control command, in order to limit the number of calls made by each terminal device at the time of a disaster, the re-call time interval to be performed during a call is made several times to several tens of times longer than usual, and the number of re-calls This is a measure such as limiting the amount to less than usual. The pager message thus created is sent to the telephone network 4 via the modem 17 under the control of the CPU 18. Communication at this time is output according to a predetermined procedure (by handshake procedure) for pager transmission.
The telephone network 4 receives a pager transmission request from the center device 13, transmits the input message to the pager base station 14, makes a wireless call to a desired pager receiver, and transmits the message.
As a radio paging system between the pager base station 14 and the pager receiving unit provided in the terminal device, an advanced radio paging system (FLEX-TD) standardized in Japan has been put into practical use in recent years.
[0019]
In each terminal device, the pager receiver 16 receives a radio paging signal transmitted from the pager base station 14 and outputs a demodulated message to the CPU 15. The CPU 15 decodes the message, changes the preset telephone number for calling the center device to a new telephone number based on the received message, and uses the re-calling condition when busy when a disaster occurs. Change to the re-call suppression control state.
[0020]
Therefore, when the sensor 5 detects an abnormality of the monitoring object after this treatment, each terminal device monitors the monitoring data in the recurrent call suppression control state in the second center device installed in the area where no disaster occurs. Send. In addition, the second center device is notified in advance to receive monitoring data output from each terminal device in the area where the disaster has occurred, from the center apparatus in the area where the disaster has occurred. The center device receives monitoring data from each terminal device installed in an area where a disaster or the like has occurred and takes countermeasures.
[0021]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the center device of the monitoring system according to the present invention. Explaining this figure, after powering on the center device and starting the operation (step 1), the CPU 18 first concentrates the telephone network traffic in the area where the monitoring system is installed and a new disaster occurs. It is detected whether or not an alarm indicating that it has been input is input (step 2). As a means for acquiring a disaster warning, for example, it may be linked with a local disaster prevention system by an administrative agency or a traffic status notification service by a telecommunications carrier providing a telephone network.
[0022]
And when an alarm is inputted, in order to notify each terminal device of the change of the transmission destination telephone number of the monitoring data transmitted by the terminal device and the re-call suppression control for determining the re-call condition when busy Is created by the pager message creation unit 19 (step 3).
Next, the created message is transmitted to the telephone network 4 via the modem 17 in order to be broadcast simultaneously using the pager, and the process proceeds to Step 5.
[0023]
In step 2, if no alarm is input, the process proceeds to step 5 where the CPU 18 detects whether or not it is time to collect meter reading data or the like of any of the terminal devices. A call is made (step 6), and after connecting with a desired terminal device, a message for collecting meter reading data and the like is transmitted (step 7). The message here refers to an instruction command or the like at the time of data communication via a telephone line.
Thereafter, when meter reading data or the like is received from the terminal device (step 8), the CPU 18 identifies the meter reading data and performs data processing (step 9), accumulates the data in the storage unit, and displays the monitoring result or the like on the display unit 10. (Step 10), the process proceeds to Step 11.
[0024]
If it is not time to collect meter reading data of the terminal device in step 5, the process proceeds to step 11 where the CPU 18 detects whether or not there is an incoming call from the terminal device. After receiving the monitoring data (step 12), the CPU 18 identifies the monitoring data and performs data processing (step 13), accumulates the data in the storage unit and displays the monitoring result on the display unit (step 14). ), Return to step 2.
On the other hand, if there is no incoming call from the terminal device in step 11, the process also returns to step 2.
In addition, a sequence similar to the above-mentioned float is also performed in the center device of the transmission destination where the monitoring data transmitted by the terminal device is changed when a disaster occurs, and an alarm signal (including monitoring data) from the terminal device in the disaster occurrence area Data reception (step 12), data processing (step 13), data accumulation and display (step 14) are performed.
[0025]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the terminal device of the monitoring system according to the present invention. Here, the figure will be described taking the terminal device 11 as an example.
After the terminal device 11 is powered on and starts operating (step 1), the CPU 15 first detects whether or not a message has been received from the center device 13 via the pager (step 2).
[0026]
When the pager message is received, the CPU 15 decodes the message, changes the telephone number of the center apparatus to which the monitoring data is transmitted, to the telephone number of the new center apparatus based on the message (step 3), and further After changing the re-call suppression control for determining the re-call condition during the middle (step 4), the process proceeds to step 5.
On the other hand, if no message is received in step 2, the process also proceeds to step 5.
[0027]
In step 5, it is detected whether or not there is an incoming call from the center device. If there is an incoming call, a message (command command or the like at the time of data communication over the telephone line) is received and decoded (step 6). ) After creating data corresponding to the request from the center device and using it as monitoring data (step 7), the monitoring data is transmitted to the center device set as the transmission destination via the modem 7 (step 8). , Go to Step 9.
[0028]
On the other hand, if there is no incoming call in step 5, the process proceeds to step 9. In step 9, it is detected whether there is an abnormality in the monitored object monitored by the sensor 5 or the like of the terminal device 11 and an alarm is issued. If an alarm is issued, monitoring data is created ( Step 10) After transmitting to the center apparatus set as the transmission destination via the modem 7 (step 11), the process returns to step 2.
In Step 9, the process also returns to Step 2 when no alarm is issued.
As described above, the center device and the terminal device 11 set as transmission destinations thereafter repeatedly execute the same cycle.
In the above embodiment, it has been described that data collection is performed even after the notification destination of the terminal device is changed to another center device in the event of a disaster, but the original center device after the notification destination is changed in the center device May not start data collection or receive data, and the changed center device may instruct the start of data collection in place of the original center device.
[0029]
Next, using a non-ringing communication service as communication over a telephone line, using a meter connected to a terminal device installed at each customer, metering the usage of gas, electricity, water, etc., and automatically reporting to the center device A case where the traffic concentration mitigation method using the pager according to the present invention is applied to the system will be described as a second embodiment.
The non-ringing communication service is a telephone service that uses an existing telephone line to activate an automatic meter reading terminal device without ringing each customer's telephone from the center device and receive the meter reading amount. It is widely used in automatic meter reading systems.
[0030]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an embodiment in which the monitoring system according to the present invention is applied to an automatic meter reading system, which is installed at a customer's office or the like and shows meter reading data indicating the amount of gas, electricity, water, etc. used. Automatic meter-reading terminal device 20 that reports to the center device, a center device 21 that collects meter-reading information from an automatic meter-reading terminal device installed at each customer, a pager base station 22 that transmits pager radio waves, and a center device 21 and a telephone network 23 for connecting the automatic meter-reading terminal device 20 to each other.
[0031]
The automatic meter reading terminal device 20 is connected in parallel to the telephone 24 to an existing telephone line laid by a customer, and acquires meter reading data detected by the meter reading device 25.
The automatic meter reading terminal device 20 includes a monitoring / meter reading interface unit (I / F) 26 for interface matching with the meter reading device 25, and a CPU 27 for controlling the automatic meter reading terminal device 20 and creating meter reading data. A modem 28 that transmits / receives meter reading data to / from the center device 21, an NCU 29 that operates as a network control function for performing no-ringing communication, and the like, receives a message from the center device 21 via a pager when a disaster occurs. And a pager receiving unit 30.
[0032]
The center device 21 includes an NCU 31 that operates as a network control function for performing no-ringing communication, a modem 32 that transmits and receives meter reading data between the automatic meter reading terminal device 20, and a meter reading data that controls the center device 21. And a pager message creating unit 34 for creating a message to be transmitted to the automatic meter reading terminal device 20 through a pager when a telephone traffic is concentrated due to a disaster or the like. ing.
[0033]
On the other hand, the telephone network 23 includes a no-ringing trunk (NRT) 36 that functions to perform no-ringing communication with a subscriber line switch 35 that accommodates the automatic meter-reading terminal device 20.
[0034]
The operation of FIG. 4 will be described. First, the normal operation of the automatic meter reading system will be described. Since the center device 21 collects meter reading data from the automatic meter reading terminal device 20 installed at the customer, the automatic meter reading terminal device 20 is periodically used by using no-ringing communication. And the data read by the meter reading device 25 is received.
In the no-ringing communication, the NCU 31 provided in the center device 21 is operated to connect the subscriber line switch 35 accommodating the automatic meter-reading terminal device 20 to the center device 21 and to transmit / receive control signals according to a predetermined procedure. It is done by doing.
Specifically, an NRT 31 provided in the subscriber line switch 35 transmits a no-ringing signal having an in-band frequency to the automatic meter-reading terminal device 20, and the automatic meter-reading terminal without ringing the telephone 24 installed at the customer. The apparatus 20 is activated.
[0035]
When the center device 21 and the automatic meter reading terminal device 20 are connected to face each other, the center device 21 transmits a message for collecting meter reading data to the automatic meter reading terminal device 20, and the automatic meter reading terminal device 20 The received message is decoded and the requested meter reading data is transmitted to the center device 21.
[0036]
On the other hand, when the meter reading device 25 detects an abnormal meter reading value or the like, the automatic meter reading terminal device 20 activates the NCU 29 to connect to the center device 21 and transmits meter reading abnormality information.
[0037]
Here, a disaster or the like occurs in the area where the automatic meter reading system is installed, and many automatic meter reading terminal devices 20 in the area detect a meter reading abnormality and start calling the center device 21 all at once. When the telephone network traffic is concentrated, or when the usage of regular telephones in the region increases and the telephone traffic is also concentrated, it becomes difficult to talk and the function of the automatic meter reading system cannot be performed. Assume and explain.
[0038]
In this case, the center device 21 uses a pager to change the transmission destination of meter reading data or meter reading abnormality information to a center device outside the area where the disaster or the like has occurred, A message including a call suppression processing command for suppressing a re-calling condition during a call is transmitted to the automatic meter-reading terminal device 20. This message is received by the pager receiving unit 30 provided in the automatic meter reading terminal device 20 via the pager base station 22, and each automatic meter reading terminal device 20 decodes the message, changes the report destination telephone number, Suppress recall conditions.
[0039]
Therefore, after receiving the message by the pager, changing the report destination and controlling re-call suppression, the center device that becomes the new report destination is outside the area where the disaster etc. occurred, making it possible to make a call relatively. In addition, since the re-calling condition of each automatic meter-reading terminal device is also suppressed, the call traffic to the center device is reduced, and the function as an automatic meter-reading system can be achieved.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 can perform the function of the monitoring system when a disaster or the like occurs in the area where the monitoring system is installed, and the telephone network traffic is concentrated. If not, the center device transmits a call destination telephone number change and a re-calling condition suppression control command to each terminal device using a pager. In this way, the call destination is specified outside the disaster area, and the call re-call conditions during busy periods are suppressed, thereby reducing the concentration of call traffic to the center device and maintaining the monitoring system function. , Show a great effect in operating the monitoring system.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a monitoring system for realizing a traffic concentration mitigation method using a pager according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the center device of the monitoring system according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal device of the monitoring system according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an embodiment in which the monitoring system according to the present invention is applied to an automatic meter reading system.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a monitoring system using a conventional telephone line.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 .... first terminal device, 2 .... Nth terminal device,
3. Center equipment, 4. Telephone network,
5 .... Sensor, 6 .... CPU,
7. Modem, 8. Modem,
9 .... CPU, 10 .... display part,
11 .. First terminal device, 12 .. Nth terminal device,
13. Center equipment, 14 Pager base station,
15 .... CPU, 16 .... pager receiver,
17. Modem, 18. CPU
19 .. Pager message creation unit, 20 .... Automatic meter reading terminal device,
21..Center equipment, 22.Pager base station,
23 ... Telephone network, 24 ... Telephone,
25 .. Meter reading device, 26. Monitoring and meter reading I / F,
27 ... CPU, 28 ... modem,
29 ·· NCU, 30 ·· Pager receiver,
31 ... NCU, 32 ... modem,
33..CPU, 34..Pager message creation unit,
35 ... Subscriber line exchange, 36 ... NRT

Claims (6)

In a monitoring system that reports monitoring data sent from a plurality of terminal devices that perform state monitoring to a center device via a telephone line,
When traffic on the telephone network in the area where the monitoring system is installed is concentrated,
Sending a message to change the telephone number of the center device to be notified to another terminal device using another pager from the center device to a plurality of terminal devices assigned to the center device,
Each terminal device having a pager reception function is configured to receive the message and transmit monitoring data using the center device designated by the message as a new report destination. Concentration relaxation method. Recall suppression control for suppressing each of the number of re-calls functioning when a call to the center apparatus is busy and a re-call time interval are added to the message transmitted using the pager. A traffic concentration reducing method using the pager according to Item 1. The monitoring system is an automatic meter reading system that uses a no-ringing communication service as communication through a telephone line and automatically collects meter reading data from meter reading devices installed in each customer periodically or when necessary. A traffic concentration mitigation method using the pager according to claim 1. 4. The traffic concentration mitigation method using a pager according to claim 3, wherein the automatic meter reading system measures a supply amount of city gas or LPG supplied to a customer. 4. The traffic concentration mitigation method using a pager according to claim 3, wherein the automatic meter reading system measures the amount of electricity supplied to a customer. 4. The traffic concentration mitigation method using a pager according to claim 3, wherein the automatic meter-reading system measures a supply amount of water supplied to a customer.

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