JP2008172570A - Home network system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a home network system capable of identifying a household electrical appliance uniquely from a network even if address information of the household electrical appliance is different from that when registered by attaching a code different from a first identification code for communication of communication adapters. <P>SOLUTION: A controller 6 is provided with a function for giving to communication adapters 3 and 4 connected to a network the first identification code including a node ID to be allocated inherently and a second identification code for separately performing individual identification. The home network system is provided which can identify a network correspondence apparatus uniquely from the network even to the network correspondence apparatus, such as a household equipment apparatus (air conditioner 1) to be connected to the network, a housing equipment apparatus (lighting device 2), or the like by connecting the communication adapters 3 and 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a home network system in which network communication devices are connected to a network via a communication adapter.

  Home network systems in which home appliances and housing equipment are connected to each other via a network to operate and interoperate are becoming widespread. Currently, various communication protocols such as Echonet, HomePNA (Home Phoneline Networking Alliance), and HAVi (Home Audio Video Interoperability) are standardized as communication protocols used in home network systems. Depending on the situation, it is composed of various things such as wireless, wired, and infrared.

  In order to perform communication in such a home network system, information on an identification code for identifying a device is required. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for assigning an identification code including subnets having different transmission media regarding identification code information. Is disclosed.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, a home appliance and a communication adapter for connecting to a network are configured separately, and the home appliance is adapted to the network by connecting or changing the communication adapter later. A system configuration has been proposed in which the burden on the user side is reduced and the home network with different transmission media can be easily handled.

In a home network system in which such home appliances and communication adapters are configured separately, it is a communication adapter that communicates with the network that is assigned an identification code that identifies the device as a network. For example, when a transmission medium is wireless communication between an operation terminal such as a controller and a home appliance, address information for uniquely identifying a device on the network such as a wireless CH to be used, an identification code such as a house code, a Mac address, etc. Communication is possible only when the operation terminal and the home appliance recognize each other, such as the identification code, but these identification codes are assigned to the communication adapter, and the communication adapter is compatible with the network, so the burden on the home appliance Is configured to be reduced.
JP 2003-8576 A JP 2005-73055 A

  However, in a home network system in which a conventional home appliance and a communication adapter are configured separately, identification information such as address information can be given to the communication adapter so that an operation terminal such as a controller and the home appliance can communicate on the network. , If another home appliance is connected to the communication adapter, if the communication adapter breaks down, or if the same home appliance is moved due to moving the installation location of the home appliance When the connection is changed to the adapter, the information on the home appliances is different from the information at the time of registration. In such a case, the address information is unique on the same network, so communication is not hindered. However, as a home network system, the address information of home appliances is different from that at the time of registration, so the system is properly constructed. There was a problem that it was not possible, and therefore restructuring had to be done.

Therefore, by attaching a code different from the first identification code for communication of the communication adapter, it is possible to uniquely identify the home appliance from the network even if the address information of the home appliance is different from that at the time of registration. There are issues to be solved.
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and its purpose is to reduce the communication burden on the home appliance when the home appliance is compatible with a network. An object of the present invention is to provide a home network system that can uniquely identify home appliances from the network even in a separable home network system.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a network-compatible device or a network-compatible device such as a home appliance or a house equipment connected to a home network by connecting a communication adapter connected to the network. A controller having a master node function that assigns an identification code of a communication adapter so as to be unique on the network includes a node ID that is uniquely assigned to the communication adapter connected to the network in order to establish communication. It has a function of assigning one identification code and a second identification code for performing individual identification separately.

  Preferably, the controller further has a function of assigning a second identification code to each network-compatible device after acquiring / setting device-specific information such as the name, installation location, and controllable function information of each network-compatible device. Prepare. The second identification code is a code that is determined based on the registration order and the order for each type of device, and uniquely identifies the network-compatible device on the network.

  Preferably, the controller includes an operation unit, a display unit, and a storage unit, and after the communication adapter sets the first identification code given to the communication adapter, the network compatible device connected to the communication adapter In response to acquiring device-specific information such as controllable function information, information such as the name and installation location when displaying a network-compatible device on the controller is input from the operation unit and stored in the storage unit In addition, a function of adding a second identification code to the communication adapter is further provided.

  Preferably, the communication adapter includes a display unit, and the display unit of the communication adapter is configured to confirm the position of the communication adapter according to an instruction from the controller at the time of input from the operation unit in the controller. A function for displaying is further provided.

  Preferably, the controller further includes a function of controlling operation ON / OFF of the network-compatible device connected to the communication adapter together with a display for confirming a position of the communication adapter. That is, when the communication adapter inputs information such as the name and installation location to be displayed on the controller from the controller operation unit, the operation of the connected home appliance is turned on by an instruction for confirming the position of the communication adapter from the controller. Control such as / OFF.

  Preferably, the controller includes a device determination unit that determines whether the device is a network-compatible device or a communication adapter that has been registered based on the first identification code and the second identification code. Specifically, the home appliance or the communication adapter transmits the device information and the already assigned second identification code to the controller when the power is turned on. The first identification code is address information or the like for communication between the communication adapter and the controller, and the first identification code matches when the communication can be performed. Therefore, if the electronic message can be received, the controller determines whether or not the second identification code is a registered code, or in the case of a registered code, the second identification code and the device information match. If they match, it is determined as a registered network compatible device or communication adapter, and if they do not match, it is determined as an unregistered network compatible device or communication adapter. Note that, as an example, the method of transmitting when the network compatible device or communication adapter is turned on has been described. However, the controller may periodically check the device information and the second identification code from the controller to the network compatible device or communication adapter. .

  Preferably, the controller includes display means for displaying the operation state, and when the device determination means determines that the device is a non-registered network compatible device or communication adapter, the display means informs the user that there is an unregistered device. It is further provided with a function for tightening.

  Preferably, the controller further includes a function of performing a new registration process when the device determination unit determines that the device is an unregistered network-compatible device or communication adapter.

  Preferably, the communication adapter includes a display unit for displaying an operation state, and when a notification indicating that the network compatible device or the communication adapter is unregistered or an instruction for executing a new registration process is issued from the controller, the communication unit is not registered. It further has a function of notifying that it is a state or a registration processing state.

  Preferably, the communication adapter includes a connected device determination unit that determines whether or not the network-compatible device connected to the communication adapter has been changed after being connected to the network and assigned the second identification code from the controller. . Specifically, the determination is made by periodically checking information specifying the device such as manufacturer / model / model with respect to the network compatible device to which the communication adapter is connected. Note that the determination method described here is merely an example, and another method such as a method performed when the communication adapter power is turned on may be used.

  Preferably, the communication adapter deletes the already assigned second identification code in response to determining that the network-compatible device connected to the communication adapter has been changed by the connection device determination unit, and newly adds a new one to the controller. And a function of transmitting device-specific information such as controllable function information of the device.

  Preferably, the communication adapter further includes a function of assigning the second identification code to a network-compatible device connected to the communication adapter. This makes it possible to determine whether the network-compatible device connected to the communication adapter has been changed by determining whether the second identification codes match.

  Further, by assigning the second identification code to the network compatible device, the communication adapter acquires the second identification code of the network compatible device without transmitting the change of the connected network compatible device, and transmits it to the controller. Depending on whether or not the second identification code (home appliance) transmitted from the communication adapter having the first identification code matches, it is possible to determine whether the registered home appliance / unregistered home appliance.

  In the home network system according to the present invention, the controller provides a first identification code including a node ID uniquely assigned to a communication adapter connected to the network and a second identification code for performing individual identification separately. Home network system that can uniquely identify network-compatible devices on the network, even for network-compatible devices such as home appliances and household equipment connected to the network by connecting a communication adapter Can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a home network system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing Embodiment 1 of a home network according to the present invention. In this home network, the air conditioner 1 and the illumination 2 are connected to the controller 6 by wireless communication 5 through the communication adapters 3 and 4 connected thereto. Thus, the home appliances (air conditioner 1 and lighting 2) and the communication adapter that connects them to the home network are configured separately. By configuring in this way, even home appliances that do not connect to the home network initially have a light-weight interface to connect to the communication adapter, and it is necessary to connect to the home network. Accordingly, it is configured to enable connection to the home network by adding a communication adapter.

  2 is a functional block diagram of a controller in the home network according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a connection of the communication adapter and the communication adapter in the home network according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram of a household electrical appliance.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 6 includes an antenna 101 for transmitting and receiving radio signals to and from home appliances on the home network, a radio communication unit 102 that performs predetermined processing on signals transmitted and received by the antenna 101, and the controller 6. A control unit 103 that performs overall control, an operation unit 104 that performs input such as a change in operation state or setting change of a home appliance, and a display unit that displays various information such as an operation state of the home appliance or guidance during initial setting 105.

  The control unit 103 includes a wireless communication unit 102, a network communication control unit 110 that communicates with home appliances on the home network via the antenna 101, and a wireless channel that is used to perform wireless communication with the home appliances, A first identification code providing unit for setting a first identification code such as an identification code and a node ID in the home appliance, and a second identification code for setting the home appliance as a home network system in the home appliance The second identification code assigning unit, the first identification code assigned to the home appliance, the second identification code, the storage unit 113 that stores information such as the device information transmitted from the home appliance, and the home appliance An identification code determination unit 114 that determines the second identification code and device information is included.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the home appliance 140 includes a home appliance communication control unit 141 for communicating with a communication adapter 120 by exchanging signals with a predetermined communication format, and an interface unit 142 for connecting to the communication adapter 120. Prepare. In addition, although not shown, when the home appliance 140 is an air conditioner, it has functions as an air conditioner such as air blowing and temperature adjustment according to control.

  On the other hand, the communication adapter 120 includes an interface unit 121 for connection to the home appliance 140, an antenna 122 for transmitting and receiving radio signals to and from the home appliance on the controller 6 and the home network, and a signal transmitted and received by the antenna 122. A wireless communication unit 123 that performs predetermined processing, a control unit 124 that controls the entire communication adapter 120, an operation unit 125 that performs input such as initial setting, and a display unit 126 that displays various information such as operation status It has. Inside the control unit 124, there is a home appliance communication control unit 131 for communicating with the home appliance 140 in a predetermined communication format via the interface unit 121, and a home via the wireless communication unit 123 and the antenna 122. Whether the network communication control unit 132 that communicates with other home appliances on the network, the storage unit 133 that stores the first identification code and the second identification code given from the controller 6, and the connected home appliance have been changed It includes a connected device determination unit 134 for determining whether or not.

  Next, the operation of the home network according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4 showing a communication sequence when registering the controller 6, the communication adapter 120, and the home appliance 140.

  When the home appliance 140 is turned on, power is also supplied to the communication adapter 120, and both the home appliance 140 and the communication adapter 120 are activated (step 201; abbreviated as “S201”, the same applies hereinafter). When the communication adapter 120 is activated, a “device information inquiry” request signal is transmitted to the home appliance 140 (S202). On the other hand, the home appliance 140 returns a “device information response” signal (S203). The “device information response” signal includes manufacturer information, model information, control property information, and the like of the connected home appliance 140, and the communication adapter 120 that has received the “device information response” signal is connected. It recognizes as the device unique information of the household electric appliance 140 being stored, and stores the device unique information in the storage unit 133. Thereby, the system initial setting of the communication adapter 120 and the household appliance 140 is complete | finished, and communication between the communication adapter 120 and the household appliance 140 is attained after that.

  The communication adapter 120 that has recognized the connection of the home appliance 140 makes a registration processing request for shifting to the registration mode with the controller 6 in order to enter the home network. The registration mode refers to a state in which the communication adapter 120 and the controller 6 can wirelessly communicate with each other using a predetermined communication channel, identification code, and the like (S204). The transition to the registration mode is performed as follows. That is, since the communication adapter 120 requests a node ID (address information) and a first identification code such as a communication channel used in normal wireless communication, an identification code, and a scramble code, the “information transmission (1)” is transmitted to the controller 6. (S205). The controller 6 that has received the signal returns the communication condition of the communication channel, the identification code, the scramble code, and the first identification code including the node ID assigned to the communication adapter 120 to the communication adapter 120 by “information transmission (2)” ( S206). The communication adapter 120 that has received the first identification code including the node ID transmits the local station reception cycle to the controller 6 using the received node ID for confirmation. In FIG. 4, the arrow described as “information transmission (3)” means this processing (S207).

  When these processes are completed, the communication adapter 120 ends the registration mode. Also in the controller 6, when the internal processing corresponding to the reception of the local station reception cycle from the communication adapter 120 is completed, the registration mode is terminated. Thereafter, the communication adapter 120 communicates with the controller 6 using the communication condition of the communication channel, the identification code, and the scramble code set with the first identification code and the assigned node ID. The communication conditions are the same as those of other communication adapters and terminals on the home network, thereby enabling communication between all terminals on the same network. In addition, since the node ID is assigned to each communication adapter so that the controller 6 does not overlap, the terminal can be uniquely identified by the node ID, and wireless communication can be performed with each other.

  The communication adapter 120 that ends the registration mode and shifts to the normal mode transmits a “device information notification” to the controller 6 so that the manufacturer information, model information, control property information, and the like of the connected home appliance 140 are transmitted to the controller 6. Notification is made (S208). The information notified by the “device information notification” is communication between the home appliance 140 and the communication adapter 120 from the device specific information exchanged in the device information response between the home appliance 140 and the communication adapter 120. If there is information that is uniquely determined between the two, such as information necessary for the information, this information is excluded. The controller 6 that has received the signal generates a controllable command and operation key information from the control property information of the home appliance 140, and sets the installation location name and device name of the home appliance 140. An operation input screen for confirming the installation location is displayed on the display unit 105. When the installation location confirmation operation is performed on the operation unit 104, a “display / start instruction” is transmitted to the communication adapter 120 (S209).

  The communication adapter 120 that has received the signal causes the display unit 126 to blink. As a result, the setting user can visually check the installation location, so even if multiple home appliances are set at the same time, the wrong installation location name and device name are not input. Setting is possible. Alternatively, the communication adapter 120 that has received the “display / start instruction” may perform a control for starting / stopping the operation of the connected home appliance 140 to visually check the installation location. When the home appliance 140 is illuminated, the installation location can be confirmed at a glance by performing the on / off control. In this way, after confirming the installation location of the home appliance 140 and the setting of the installation location name and device name is completed, a “display / stop instruction” is transmitted to the communication adapter 120 to display the display unit for position confirmation. The blinking display stop of 125 or the operation of the home appliance 140 is stopped (S210). Next, the controller 6 determines a number that does not overlap with the already assigned second identification code stored in the storage unit 113, for example, the number in the registration order, and gives the communication adapter 120 “second identification” as the second identification code. "Sign notification" is transmitted (S211).

  When these processes are completed, the controller 6 associates the second identification code assigned to the communication adapter 120 with the operation key information generated so as to correspond to the control property of the communication adapter 120, the installation location name, and the device name. Internal processing stored in the storage unit 113 is performed, and when the internal processing is completed, the system initial setting is terminated. When the internal processing for storing the received second identification code in the storage unit 133 of the communication adapter 120 is completed, the communication adapter 120 ends the system initial setting. As described above, after the controller 6 receives the device information notification of the home appliance 140 from the communication adapter 120 and sets the operation key information generated from the control property information, the installation location name, and the device name, the second identification is made to the communication adapter 120. Since the codes are allocated and stored so as not to overlap, the home appliance 140 registered in the controller 6 can be uniquely identified by the second identification code.

  Next, the operation for determining whether or not the communication is from a registered home appliance in the controller 6 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5 showing a flowchart of the operation. When the power is supplied and activated, the communication adapter 120 whose system initial setting has been completed transmits “apparatus information notification” to the controller 6 using the first identification code including the node ID already set in the storage unit 133. To do. The device information notification is attached with the already stored second identification code together with manufacturer information, model information, control property information, and the like. When the controller 6 receives the device information notification (S301), it is determined whether the second identification code is attached or, if it is attached, whether the number is assigned by the controller 6 (S302).

  Next, if the controller 6 can confirm that it is the second identification code assigned by itself, the controller 6 determines whether or not the manufacturer information, model information, and control property information in the device information notification match (S303). When the second identification code matches the manufacturer information, the model information, and the control property information, the controller 6 authenticates that the communication is from the already registered home appliance 140 (S304). Thus, if it is found that the communication is from the registered home appliance 140, the operation key information that has already been generated, the set installation location name, and the device name are displayed on the display unit 105, and the operation of the home appliance 140 is also performed. A normal control operation for displaying the state and receiving an operation by the operation unit 104 is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 or step S303 that the second identification code is not present, is not the second identification code assigned by the controller 6 itself, and the second identification code does not match the manufacturer information, model information, and control property information. Then, it is determined that the communication is from an unregistered home appliance, and a display for notifying that there is an unregistered device is displayed on the display unit 105 of the controller 6. In addition, a message for notifying that the device is an unregistered device is transmitted to the communication adapter 120 that has transmitted the “device information notification” (S305). Although not shown, the communication adapter 120 displays on the display unit 126 that the device is an unregistered device and notifies the user. Subsequently, the controller 6 generates a controllable command and operation key information from the control property information of the “device information notification” of the unregistered home appliance 140 transmitted from the communication adapter 120, and newly generates the home appliance 140. Performs a series of system initial setting operations related to position confirmation operation and setting for setting the installation location name and device name of the device, and when completed, registers as a new home appliance and shifts to a normal control operation (S306). . When the system initial setting operation is performed, the display unit 126 of the communication adapter 120 is displayed to notify the user that the system initial setting operation is being performed again instead of the normal operation.

  As described above, since it is possible to determine whether the controller 6 is a registered household electrical appliance using the second identification code, the communication adapter 120 has already been registered (first identification code match) and connected. Even if only the home appliance to be changed is changed, it is possible to determine whether or not it is a registered home appliance correctly, so in the case of a registered home appliance, the system initialization is performed again. Waste can be eliminated.

  In particular, when a communication module (such as a wireless LAN card) such as a wireless LAN card is inserted into the communication adapter and the home appliance, the replacement is performed due to a failure of the communication module. The first identification code including the node ID for performing wireless communication is changed regardless of the function of the home appliance, but the second home appliance registered with the second identification code different from the first identification code Therefore, it is possible to provide an efficient home network system that does not require the system initial setting of registered home appliances to be performed again.

  In addition, when there is communication from an unregistered home appliance, by displaying on the controller 6 or the communication adapter 120, the user is informed that the device is an unregistered device, and prompts the user for registration. System reconfiguration is possible.

  In addition, device information notification (including the second identification code) at the time of power-on of home appliances and communication adapters determines whether or not a registered device has been completed. By performing the system initial setting, the user's resetting operation can be simplified. Further, by displaying the system initial setting reset state on the controller 6 and the communication adapter 120, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use home network system in which the current state can be seen at a glance.

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an operation for determining whether or not the home appliance 140 to which the communication adapter 120 is connected in the second embodiment of the home network system according to the present invention has been changed.

  In the home network system of the second embodiment, the communication adapter 120 whose system initial setting has been completed makes a device information inquiry to the home appliance 140 when the power is supplied and activated, and the manufacturer information, model information, Device information such as control property information is acquired (S401). It is determined whether the acquired device information matches the device information at the time of system initial setting stored in the storage unit 133 (S402). Next, if the device information matches, it is determined that there is no change in the connection of the home appliance, and a “device information notification” is transmitted to the controller 6 with the already acquired second identification code attached ( S403).

  On the other hand, if the device information does not match in step S402, it is determined that the connection has been changed to the home appliance 140 different from the system initial setting time, and the stored second identification code in the storage unit 133 is cleared (S404). Then, the “device information notification” is transmitted to the controller 6 without attaching the second identification code (S403). In this way, the communication adapter 120 side determines whether the connected home appliance 140 is changed, and transmits the “apparatus information notification” with / without the second identification code. The controller 6 can be notified that a different home appliance has been connected.

  Therefore, even if the controller 6 does not determine whether the manufacturer information, the model information, and the control property information of the home appliance 140 match, only by determining whether the second identification code transmitted from the communication adapter 120 matches, It can be determined whether the device is an unregistered device or an already registered device.

[Embodiment 3]
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a communication adapter and home appliances to which the communication adapter is connected in Embodiment 3 of the home network system according to the present invention (the description of the same symbols is omitted). The home appliance 140 has a storage unit 150 for storing the second identification code in the home appliance communication control unit 141 for communicating with the communication adapter 120 by exchanging signals with a predetermined communication format.

  Next, the operation will be described based on FIG. 8 showing a communication sequence at the time of registration of the controller 6, the communication adapter 120, and the home appliance 140 in the third embodiment of the home network system according to the present invention (the description of the same symbols is omitted). ).

  In step S211, the communication adapter 120 that has received the “second identification code notification” from the controller 6 performs internal processing for storing the received second identification code in the storage unit 133 of the communication adapter 120, and also receives the second identification code. Communication is performed with the home appliance 140 (S212). When these processes are finished, the communication adapter 120 finishes the system initial setting. When the home appliance 140 completes the internal processing of storing the received second identification code in the storage unit 150 of the home appliance 140, the system initial setting ends. Thus, each of the communication adapter 120 and the home appliance 140 stores the second identification code for uniquely identifying the home appliance 140 registered in the controller 6.

  Next, an operation of determining whether or not the home appliance 140 to which the communication adapter 120 is connected in the third embodiment of the home network system according to the present invention has been changed will be described based on FIG. 9 showing a flowchart of the operation.

  The communication adapter 120 for which the system initial setting has been completed makes a device information inquiry to the home appliance 140 when the power is supplied and activated, together with the manufacturer information, model information, control property information, etc. of the connected home appliance 140, and the second identification. The code is acquired (S451). It is determined whether or not the acquired second identification code matches the second identification code stored in the storage unit 133 at the time of system initialization (S452). Next, if the second identification codes match, it is determined that there is no change in the connection of the household electrical appliance, and the already acquired second identification code is attached and “apparatus information notification” is transmitted to the controller 6. (S453).

  On the other hand, if there is no second identification code or the second identification code does not match in step S452, it is determined that the connection is changed to the home appliance 140 different from the system initial setting time, and the storage unit 133 of the communication adapter 120 has been stored. The second identification code is cleared (S454). Further, the home appliance 140 is instructed to delete the second identification code, and the stored second identification code in the storage unit 150 of the home appliance 140 is cleared (S454). Then, the communication adapter 120 transmits a “device information notification” to the controller 6 without attaching the second identification code (S453).

  Thus, by storing the second identification code uniquely assigned from the controller 6 to each of the home appliance 140 and the communication adapter 120 and determining whether or not the second identification code matches, the controller 6 The communication adapter 120 and the presence / absence of the connection change between the communication adapter 120 and the home appliance 140 can be managed in an integrated manner.

  Therefore, in the controller 6 and the communication adapter 120, even if it is not determined whether the manufacturer information, model information, and control property information of the home appliance 140 match, It can be determined whether the device is an unregistered device or an already registered device.

  In the first to third examples of the present embodiment, the home appliance 140 and the communication adapter 120 are described as separate devices. However, the communication adapter 120 is housed in the same housing of the home appliance 140. However, it is needless to say that the effect of the present invention is provided as long as it can be functionally separated.

  It should be thought that embodiment disclosed this time is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows Embodiment 1 of the home network system by this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the controller in Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram of the household appliances to which the communication adapter in Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1 and a communication adapter are connected. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence at the time of registration of the controller, communication adapter, and household appliances in Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the operation | movement which determines whether it is communication from the household appliances with which the controller in Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1 was registered. It is a flowchart figure of the operation | movement which determines whether the household appliances to which the communication adapter was connected in Embodiment 2 of the home network system by this invention were changed. It is a functional block diagram of the household appliances to which the communication adapter in Embodiment 3 of the home network system by this invention and a communication adapter are connected. It is a figure which shows the communication sequence at the time of registration of the controller, communication adapter, and household appliances in Embodiment 3 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the operation | movement which determines whether the household appliances to which the communication adapter in Embodiment 3 shown in FIG. 7 was connected were changed.

Explanation of symbols

1 air conditioner 2 lighting 3 communication adapter (connected to air conditioner) 4 communication adapter (connected to lighting)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 Wireless communication 6 Controller 101 Controller antenna 102 Controller wireless communication part 103 Controller control part 104 Controller operation part 105 Controller display part 120 Communication adapter 121 Interface part 122 for connecting with household appliances 123 Communication adapter antenna 123 Communication Adapter wireless communication unit 124 Communication adapter control unit 125 Communication adapter operation unit 126 Communication adapter display unit 140 Home appliance 141 Home appliance communication control unit 142 Interface unit for connection with communication adapter

Claims (12)

A communication adapter connected to a network; a network-compatible device such as a home appliance or a home equipment that can communicate with the network by connecting to the communication adapter; and a controller having a master node function that assigns an identification code. In the home network system provided,
The controller provides the communication adapter connected to the network with a first identification code including a node ID uniquely assigned to establish communication and a second identification code for performing individual identification separately. A home network system characterized by   The controller provides the second identification code to each network-compatible device after acquiring and setting device-specific information such as the name, installation location, and controllable function information of each network-compatible device. The home network system according to claim 1.   The controller includes an operation unit, a display unit, and a storage unit, and after the communication adapter sets the first identification code given to the communication adapter, the network compatible device connected to the communication adapter In response to acquiring the device-specific information, information such as a name and an installation location when displaying the network-compatible device is input from the operation unit and stored in the storage unit, and the communication adapter includes the first information The home network system according to claim 2, wherein two identification codes are assigned.   The communication adapter includes a display unit, and the display unit of the communication adapter displays a display for confirming the position of the communication adapter according to an instruction from the controller when input is performed on the operation unit in the controller. 4. The home network system according to claim 3, wherein the home network system is performed.   5. The controller controls operation ON / OFF of the network-compatible device connected to the communication adapter together with a display for confirming a position of the communication adapter. Home network system.   2. The home network according to claim 1, wherein the controller includes a device determination unit configured to determine whether the controller is a network-compatible device or a communication adapter that has been registered based on the first identification code and the second identification code. system.   The controller includes a display unit for displaying an operation state, and when the device determination unit determines that the device is a network-compatible device or communication adapter that has not been registered, a network-compatible device that has not been registered by the display unit. 7. The home network system according to claim 6, wherein the home network system is notified that there is a communication adapter.   8. The home network system according to claim 6, wherein the controller performs a new registration process when the device determination unit determines that the device is a network-compatible device or a communication adapter that has not been registered.   The communication adapter includes display means for displaying an operation state, and when there is a notification from the controller that the network compatible device or communication adapter is unregistered or an instruction to execute a new registration process, the display means does not register. 9. The home network system according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that it is in a state or a registration processing state.   The communication adapter includes a connected device determination unit that determines whether or not a network compatible device connected to the communication adapter has been changed after being connected to the network and assigned the second identification code from the controller. The home network system according to claim 1.   The communication adapter deletes the already assigned second identification code in response to determining that the network-compatible device connected to the communication adapter has been changed by the connection device determination means, The communication adapter and the home network system according to claim 10, wherein device-specific information such as controllable function information of a new device is transmitted.   The home network system according to claim 1, wherein the communication adapter assigns the second identification code to the network-compatible device connected to the communication adapter.

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