JPH046918A - Remote pager system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To use plural systems simultaneously at the same location, to easily set a frequency code and an ID code remotely and to improve the workability of setting by setting a different frequency code from each other at every system. CONSTITUTION:The IF code of a receiver carried by a waiting customer desired to be called is inputted to a CPU 1F from the key 1A of a transmitter 1, the ID code is carried on the radio wave of the frequency signal of the setting code and sent to receivers 21, 22, 23 through an antenna 1B from a transmission section 1D. The receiver 21(22, 23) receives the sent radio wave and the received ID code is inputted to a microcomputer. The microcomputer reads the ID code written already in an EEPROM and compares it with the received ID code. Thus, only the microcomputer of a receiver whose own ID code is coincident with the received ID code informs the arrival of the fall in buzzer tone, vice and lighting or blink or the like by means of a small sized speaker 21C and an LCD display device 21D.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Fields] The present invention is a method for transmitting radio waves of a specific frequency from a transmitter to a receiver ID.
A remote pager system that sends a code, receives it on multiple receivers, compares the received ID code with its own ID code, operates only the receiver that matches, and calls the party. In particular, the present invention relates to a remote pager system that allows multiple systems to be used at the same time at the same location and that allows frequency code ID codes to be easily set remotely.

[Prior Art] For example, in financial institutions such as banks and post offices, number tags have been easily and widely used when calling customers.

In other words, when calling using a number tag, a number tag with a predetermined number or number written on it is given to each customer at the counter, and the customer is asked to wait until it is their turn. The attendant would directly call out to the customer, saying something like, "Mr. ##, thank you for waiting so long. Please come this way."

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, when calling using such number tags, the staff member directly calls the customer, so the staff member must speak their voice each time the customer is called, and when there are a large number of customers, it is difficult to call the customer. It takes a considerable amount of effort to do so. In addition, when there were a large number of customers and the area was noisy, or when customers were in their pockets, there was a problem that only the calls could be heard, or the calls could be missed and the calls could not be made properly.

Recently, remote pager systems have been proposed to solve these problems. In other words, this remote pager system transmits radio waves of a certain frequency from a transmitter installed at a counter, with the ID code of the receiver attached, and is received by the receiver that each waiting customer brings. , the only receiver (the one that matches the received ID code with its own ID code) is operated to make a call to the person concerned. By using such a remote pager system, the burden of calling a waiting customer can be reduced, and the calling can be done accurately.

However, this type of conventional remote pager system has the following problems. In other words, conventionally, systems are used on one frequency, so when multiple systems are used at the same time in the same place, if there are receivers with the same ID code, interference occurs between the systems, so it is difficult to use them at the same time. Can not do it. In addition, the frequency on the receiver side is set/switched using a switch or electrical setting method, and the ID code on the receiver side is also set/switched using a mechanical or electrical setting method. Therefore, as the number of receivers increases, the setting becomes more time-consuming and troublesome, which poses a problem in terms of setting workability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an extremely reliable remote pager system that allows multiple systems to be used simultaneously at the same location, and that allows frequency code ID codes to be easily set remotely to improve setting workability. Our goal is to provide the following.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention transmits a radio wave of a specific frequency from a transmitter with an ID code of the receiver, is received by a plurality of receivers, and In a remote pager system, the ID code of the transmitter and the receiver are respectively installed and the normal mode switching means for switching between a mode and a setting mode; a code input means provided in the transmitter for inputting at least one of a frequency code of a radio wave or an ID code of each receiver; Frequency code or I input from means
a transmitting means for transmitting at least one of the D code; a receiving means provided in the receiver for receiving at least one of the frequency code or the ID code transmitted from the transmitting means; and code writing means for writing at least one of the frequency code or the ID code received by the receiving means into the storage means when each mode switching means of the machine is in the setting mode.

[Operations] Therefore, in the remote pager system according to the present invention, by having a plurality of radio wave frequencies used and setting different frequency codes for each system, it is possible to prevent receivers with the same ID code from each other. Multiple systems can be used simultaneously in the same location without causing interference. In addition, by transmitting at least one of a frequency code or an ID code on radio waves of a specific frequency, and writing the code into the storage means of the receiver, it becomes possible to remotely set the frequency code and ID code. Even if the number of receivers increases, the frequency code and ID code can be easily set with excellent workability.

[Embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a remote pager system according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, the remote pager of this embodiment includes a transmitter 1 installed at a counter of a bank, etc., and a plurality of receivers (three in this example) that each waiting customer brings to the counter. machine 21.22.2
3, from the transmitter 1 to each receiver 21, 22.2
It is possible to transmit radio waves to 3.

The transmitter 1 is provided with a key IA serving as a mode switching means and a code inputting means, an antenna IB serving as a part of the transmitting means, and an LCD display IC on its surface. Also,
Each receiver 21, 22.23 has mode changeover switches 21A, 22A, 23A, which are mode changeover means, on its surface.
and feeder antennas 21B and 2 which are part of the receiving means.
2B.

23B and small speakers 21C and 22C.

23C, and LCD displays 21D, 22D, and 23D.

On the other hand, the transmitter 1 includes an electronic circuit as shown in FIG. The configuration of the electronic circuit is as shown in Figure 2, including a transmitter ID consisting of a modulator, an amplifier, etc. which is part of the transmitter, and a storage means): EFROMIE.
, a microcomputer IF, a power supply IG, and the key IA,
It consists of an LCD display IC. Further, each receiver 21.degree.22.23 (in the figure, only the receiver 21 is shown as a representative) has an electronic circuit as shown in FIG. 3 built therein. As for the configuration of the electronic circuit, as shown in FIG. 3, it includes a receiving section 21E consisting of an amplifier and a demodulator;
EEFROM21F which is a storage means and microcomputer 21G
It consists of a power supply section 21H, the mode changeover switch 21A, a small speaker 21C, and an LCD display 21D.

Here, the key IA switches between the normal operation mode and the setting mode, and also controls the frequency code of the radio wave (a code common to all receivers used in the same system) and the ID code of each receiver (a code common to all receivers used in the same system). This is to enter the code for each individual receiving device. Furthermore, the antenna IB is for transmitting radio waves generated by the transmitter 1. Furthermore, the LCD display IC is connected to the transmitter 1.
It displays the ID code etc. sent from the computer. On the other hand, the transmitter ID creates and transmits radio waves through modulation processing, etc., based on the frequency code and ID code input from the key IA.

Further, the EEFROMIE stores data such as machine number, frequency, calling frequency, and number of connected receivers.

Furthermore, the microcomputer IF displays the LCD display I in response to the normal operation mode manual input or setting mode input from the key IA.
C, transmitter ID, and controls EEPROMIE. Furthermore, the power supply section IG supplies power for the operation of the microcomputer IF.

On the other hand, the mode changeover switch 21A is for switching between the normal operation mode and the setting mode. Further, the feeder antenna 21B receives radio waves from the transmitter 1. Furthermore, the small speaker 21C outputs a buzzer sound, voice, etc. that indicates the response state of the own device. Furthermore, the LCD display 21D is for displaying and outputting the response status of the own device.

On the other hand, the receiving section 21E receives radio waves from the transmitter 1 and performs demodulation processing and the like. Also, EEFROM
21F stores the frequency code, ID code, etc. transmitted from the transmitter 1. Furthermore, the microcomputer 21G has a code writing function that writes the frequency code and ID code into the EEPROM 21F in the setting mode, and determines the ID code of the radio wave received by the receiver 21E in the normal operation mode, and uses the determination result as It also has the function of driving the small speaker 2 ICSLCD display 21D accordingly. Furthermore, the power supply unit 21H supplies power for the operation of the microcomputer 21G.

Next, we will discuss the operation of the remote pager system configured as described above as shown in Figures 4(a) and 5(b).
This will be specifically explained using the flowcharts shown in a) and (b).

First, the case of setting the frequency code and ID code will be described.

In this case, first transmitter 1, receiver 21°22.23
Both sides switch the frequency of the radio wave to the dedicated frequency for the setting mode (STEP Al, 5TEP Bl) As a switching method, on the transmitter 1 side, switch to the setting mode by inputting the key IA, and on the receiver 2 side, switch to the setting mode by inputting the key IA.
On the 1, 22° 23 side, the mode selector switch 21A (
22A.

23A) to switch to the setting mode, and input the switching mode to the microcomputer IF and 21G, respectively. For example, in a system with four frequencies, frequencies 1-3 are for normal operating mode and frequency 4 is for set mode.

Next, on the transmitter 1 side, the microcontroller 1 receives the frequency of the radio waves used in the system from the key IA as a frequency code.
By inputting the frequency code to F, the frequency code is put on the radio wave and transmitted from the transmitter ID to the receiver 21 through the antenna IB.
, 22. Send to the 23 side (STEP A2.5TE
P A3). Furthermore, on the transmitter 1 side, by subsequently inputting the ID code of each receiver 21, 22, and 23 from the key IA to the microcomputer IF, the ID code is carried on the radio wave, and the transmitter ID is from the antenna 1B to the receivers 21, 22, and 23 (STEP
A4.5TEP A5). Note that, if necessary, it is also possible to set (including change) only either the frequency or the ID code.

On the other hand, on the side of each receiver 21, 22, 23, the transmitter 1
The receiving section 21E (22E.

23E) and 5TEP B2) The received frequency code and ID code are sent to the microcontroller 21G.
(22G, 23G) by EEFROM21F (2
2F, 23F) (STEP B3). When the writing of this frequency code and ID code is completed, the microcomputer 21G (22G, 23G)
Small speaker 21C (22C, 23C) and LCD
The display unit 21D (22D, 23D) notifies you of the completion of writing with a buzzer sound, sound, lighting or blinking, etc. (STEP B4) Then, the setter confirms this, and on the transmitter 1 side, press key I. Switch to the normal operation mode (STEP A6) using the mode changeover switch 21A (STEP A6).

23A) to switch to normal operation mode (
STEP B5), set the switching mode to the microcomputer IF.
, 21G respectively to finish the setting.

Next, normal operation will be described.

As described above, respective ID codes are set in each of the receivers 21, 22, 23, and
, 22, 23 are set with arbitrary frequency codes, and each receiver 21, 22, 23 is in the normal operation mode, for example, when using the system in a bank,
Use it as follows: That is, first, on the transmitter 1 side, the frequency of the radio wave is switched to the frequency determined by the system.

The switching method is to set the frequency by key IA input (STEP C1).

Next, when there are many customers waiting in line in the bank, if you want to call a specific customer, use the key IA on the transmitter 1 side to call the customer you want to call. By inputting the ID code of the receiver to the microcomputer IF (STEPC2), the ID code is placed on the radio wave of the frequency of the setting code mentioned above, and transmitted from the transmitter 1D to the receivers 21, 22, and 23 through the antenna IB. (STEP C3).

On the other hand, on the side of each receiver 21, 22, 23, the transmitter 1
The receiving section 21E (22E.

5TEP DI) and sends the received ID code to the microcomputer 21G (22G).

23G) (STEP D2). And, in microcontroller 21G (22G, 23G), the EEFR
Read the ID code already written in OM21F (22F, 23F) and compare the read ID code of own machine with the received ID code (STEP
D3). As a result, the own ID code and the received ID
The receiver microcontroller with the same code (e.g. 21G
) only the small speaker 21C and LCD display 2
By notifying the caller through 1D with a buzzer sound, sound and lighting or flashing (STEP D4)
), the person bringing the receiver must confirm this before going to the counter.

In this case, if there is an ID in another system other than this system that has the same ID code as one of the receivers in your own system.
Even if there is a receiver with a D code, since the frequency used differs between systems, receivers of other systems other than the receiver of this system having that ID code will not operate.

As mentioned above, the remote pager system of this embodiment uses multiple radio wave frequencies and sets different frequency codes for each system. to I
Even if there are receivers with the same D code, there will be no interference, and multiple systems can be used at the same time in the same location. In addition, a frequency code and an ID code are transmitted from the transmitter 1 to a radio wave of a certain specific frequency, and the code is stored in the EEFROM of the receivers 21, 22, and 23.
21 (22, 23), so
It is now possible to remotely set the frequency code and ID code, and even if the number of receivers increases, the frequency code and ID code can be set easily and with great work efficiency, making it easier to set the frequency code and ID code when shipping from the factory etc. The setting workability is extremely good. Furthermore, since the ID code settings can be changed, user requests can be met immediately, resulting in an extremely expandable system.

On the other hand, with this remote pager system, the content of the calling instruction can be transmitted by voice output, buzzer output, and display output.
Since the information can be given audibly and visually to the waiting customers, it becomes possible to easily and accurately call the waiting customers.

In other words, it is no longer necessary for the staff member to directly call the customer each time a call is made, as is the case in the past, and the burden of making a call can be reduced. Also, the customer's call is
A small speaker 21C (22C.

23C) sound/buzzer and LCD display 21
D (22D, 23D) lights up and blinks, so if the number of customers is large and the inside of the bank is noisy,
Even when a customer is waiting for a call, the call can be surely notified to the waiting customer, and the call can be accurately made without overhearing the call.

On the other hand, since it is one-way communication using radio waves from the transmitter 1 to the receivers 21, 22, and 23, the cost is extremely low. Furthermore, when using weak radio waves, no special legal approval is required, and the entire system can be freely installed in any location. Furthermore, although the range of radio waves is approximately 10 meters at most, the range of application can be expanded by adding more antennas.

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the settings of both the frequency code and the ID code are changed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be similarly applied to cases where only the frequency code or the ID code is changed. It is.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where there is one transmitter has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be similarly applied to a case where there are a plurality of transmitters. In this case, select one of the transmitters as the base unit and use the rest as slave units, so that when the ID code is input from the base unit, it will be used directly, and when the ID code is input from the slave unit, it will be used once as the master unit. The data will be sent to the receiver side via the machine.

Further, in the above embodiments, the case where the remote pager system of the present invention is applied to calling a customer at a bank is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to a case where the remote pager system of the present invention is applied to calling a customer in a waiting room of a hospital or the like. can be similarly applied.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, a plurality of systems can be used simultaneously in the same place, and frequency codes and
It is possible to provide an extremely reliable remote pager system that can easily set the D code remotely and improve the setting workability.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a remote pager system according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electronic circuit built into a transmitter in the same embodiment, and FIG. A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electronic circuit built into the receiver in the embodiment, and FIGS. 4 and 2 are flowcharts for explaining the operations in the embodiment, respectively. 1...Transmitter, 21, 22.23...Receiver, IA
...Key IB...Antenna, IC...LCD display, ID...Transmitter, IE...EEPROM. IF...Microcomputer, 1G...Power supply section, 21A, 22
A. 23A...mode changeover switch, 21B, 22B. 23B...Feeder antenna, 2IC, 22C. 23C...Small speaker 21D, 22D. 23D... LCD display, 21E... Receiving section, 21
F...EEPROM, 21G...Microcomputer, 21H
···Power supply part. Applicant's agent Patent attorney Takehiko Suzue Figure 2 Figure 1 (a) (b) Figure 5

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) The ID code of the receiver is transmitted from the transmitter to radio waves of a specific frequency, received by multiple receivers, and the received ID code is compared with the ID code of the own device. In a remote pager system in which a party is called by operating only the machine, mode switching means is provided in each of the transmitter and the receiver and switches between a normal operation mode and a setting mode, and the transmitter code input means provided at the transmitter and inputting at least one of the frequency code of the radio wave or the ID code of each receiver; and at least one of the frequency code or the ID code provided at the transmitter and input from the code input means. a transmitting means for transmitting a frequency code or an ID code, provided in the receiver and receiving at least one of a frequency code or an ID code transmitted from the transmitting means, and a receiving means provided in the receiver and transmitting the transmitter and the receiver. a code writing means for writing at least one of the frequency code or the ID code received by the receiving means into the storage means when each mode switching means is in the setting mode; pager system. (2) The remote pager system according to claim (1), characterized in that the receiver is provided with a notification unit that notifies the user when the code writing unit completes writing the code. .