WO2015045345A1

WO2015045345A1 - Communication apparatus, setting program, and distribution switchboard incorporating communication apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2015045345A1
Application number: PCT/JP2014/004829
Authority: WO
Inventors: 誠示二村; 古屋　智英; 隆之新居; 栗原　史和; 寿雄谷口; 光央上村; 岡田　幸夫
Original assignee: パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority date: 2013-09-27
Filing date: 2014-09-19
Publication date: 2015-04-02
Also published as: JP6213789B2; TW201521480A; JPWO2015045345A1

Abstract

A communication apparatus of the invention comprises: a first communication unit that communicates with an external watt-hour meter having a communication function; a second communication unit that communicates with a device present on a communication network installed in a home environment; and a watt-hour meter setting unit that sets, via the second communication unit, authentication ID of the watt-hour meter, which is used to communicate with the watt-hour meter by means of the first communication unit, and authentication information used to perform communications. The communication apparatus of the invention can easily set, to a distribution switchboard, authentication ID and authentication information used for Route-B communications in a home energy management system.

Description

Distribution board with built-in communication device, setting program and communication device

The present invention relates to a communication device related to setting of setting information for B-route communication, a setting program, and a distribution board incorporating the communication device.

A home area network (HAN) is configured by connecting home devices such as an air conditioner (air conditioner), a storage battery, and a solar power generation device to a controller. In constructing a smart grid, these home devices (HAN side devices) are usually connected to a smart meter (a wattmeter with a communication function).

In connection between the smart meter and the HAN side device, in order to perform device authentication, both the smart meter and the HAN side device perform communication associated with the “authentication ID (Identifier)” information and the authentication ID. It is necessary to have "authentication information" to do. The “authentication ID” and “authentication information” here are different depending on the connected smart meter. The “authentication information” here is, for example, “password”.

Communication between the smart meter and the HAN device is called “B route communication”. A set of “authentication ID” and “authentication information” is set for each “B route communication”.

Note that Patent Document 1 discloses a setting method that can easily set IDs and certificate information of the HEMS controller and home appliances in advance in the smart meter.

International Application International Publication Number WO2013 / 118511 A1

When connecting the smart meter to the distribution board of the HAN side devices, the following problems can be considered. When installing a new distribution board for the smart meter, you must set “authentication ID” and “authentication information” for B-route communication on the distribution board in order to perform B-route communication with the distribution board. I must. However, the distribution board usually does not include a data input unit or a data display unit. In addition, since it is not known at the time of distribution board manufacture what specific smart meter the individual distribution board actually connects to, a specific “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are set on the distribution board at the time of factory shipment. It is impossible.

In view of the above problems, the purpose of the distribution board incorporating the communication device, the setting program, and the communication device according to the present invention is to provide “authentication ID” and “authentication information” for B-route communication. This is a simple setting.

The communication device according to the present invention is
A first communication unit that communicates with an external energy meter with a communication function;
A second communication unit that communicates with devices on a communication network installed in a living environment;
An watt-hour meter setting unit for setting an authentication ID for the watt-hour meter and authentication information for performing communication for communicating with the watt-hour meter and the first communication unit via the second communication unit; Is provided.

Furthermore, in the communication apparatus according to the present invention,
The second communication unit may be a communication unit for wireless communication including NFC communication, IrDA communication, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication.

Furthermore, in the communication apparatus according to the present invention,
The second communication unit may be a memory communication device that communicates with a card recording medium in which an authentication ID of the watt-hour meter and authentication information for performing communication are recorded.

A setting program according to the present invention includes:
A setting program that operates on an input device that communicates with a communication device according to the present invention,
Receiving an authentication ID of the watt-hour meter input to the input device and authentication information for communication;
A step of outputting the input authentication ID and authentication information and causing the watt-hour meter setting unit to set them is executed.

A setting program according to the present invention includes:
A setting program that operates on an input device that communicates with a communication device according to the present invention and an external server,
Obtaining an authentication ID for the electricity meter and authentication information for communication from the external server;
A step of outputting the acquired authentication ID and authentication information and setting the watt-hour meter setting unit is executed.

Furthermore, in the setting program according to the present invention,
The receiving step may include a step of reading a barcode or QR code (registered trademark) with a barcode reader or a CCD camera, thereby receiving an authentication ID of the watt-hour meter and authentication information for communication.

Furthermore, in the setting program according to the present invention,
The bar code or the QR code (registered trademark) is attached to a postal matter mailed to the user of the communication device or displayed on a web page displayed according to a URL code given to each user of the communication device. It may be a barcode or QR code (registered trademark) as shown.

Furthermore, in the setting program according to the present invention,
The obtaining step may include a step of obtaining an authentication ID of the watt-hour meter and authentication information for performing communication based on an individual identification number unique to the communication device.

The IC chip with an antenna according to the present invention is
IC chip with antenna for transmitting watt-hour meter authentication ID and authentication information for communication to the communication apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the second communication unit is a communication unit for NFC communication It is.

B route setting adapter according to the present invention,
The watt-hour meter authentication ID acquired via wireless communication including NFC communication, IrDA communication, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication and the authentication information for communication are sent via PLC communication or specific low-power wireless communication. A call is sent to a distribution board connected to the watt-hour meter.

The distribution board according to the present invention is:
At least the communication device according to the present invention may be provided, and the B route setting adapter according to the present invention may be set detachably.

The distribution board incorporating the communication device, the setting program, and the communication device according to the present invention can easily set “authentication ID” and “authentication information” for B route communication in the distribution board.

1 is an overall view of a home energy management system (HEMS) and a home area network according to the present invention. It is a block diagram of the B route communication part in the home energy management system (HEMS) which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram of the communication apparatus and input device which concern on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the communication apparatus, input device, and external server which concern on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the communication apparatus, input device, and external server which concern on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the communication apparatus, input device, and external server which concern on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a block diagram of the communication apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention, the adapter for B route setting, an input device, and an external server.

[Embodiment 1]
Hereinafter, the communication device 15 and the input device 60 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

<1-1. Configuration>
1-1-1. Schematic Configuration of Home Energy Management System (HEMS) and Home Area Network FIG. 1 is an overall view of a home energy management system (HEMS) 2 and a home area network 8 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

The smart meter 12 provided in the house where the user resides by the electric power company is connected to a server (electric power company server) 10 provided by the electric power company. Communication between the power company server 10 and the smart meter 12 is referred to as “A route communication” 4.

The smart meter 12 is connected to the distribution board 14 in the house. Communication between the smart meter 12 and the distribution board 14 is referred to as “B route communication” 6. The B route communication 6 is normally performed via a PLC (power line communication; power line carrier communication) or a specific low power radio (920 MHz band) signal. The distribution board 14 is connected to a HEMS controller 22 described later, and gives various instruction signals to the HEMS controller 22. The distribution board 14 includes a B route communication function unit 16 for B route communication and a HAN communication function unit 17 for a home energy management system (HEMS).

The home area network 8 is built around the HEMS controller 22. One or a plurality of devices (HAN side devices) 32 are connected to the HEMS controller 22 via wireless or wired connection. The HAN side device here is, for example, a storage battery (SB) 32a, a solar power generation device (PV) 32b, an air conditioner (air conditioner) 32c, or the like.

In addition, the HEMS controller 22 is connected to the general-purpose display device 30 and the external server 24 via a router 26 that is usually installed in a house. The general-purpose display device 30 is, for example, a tablet terminal 30b or a smartphone 30c, and transmits / receives a signal to / from the router 26 via Ethernet (registered trademark) (Ethernet) communication or Wi-Fi communication. The external server is, for example, a HEMS server 24 that is a server for a home energy management system (HEMS), and transmits and receives signals to and from the router 26 via Internet communication.

The router 26 that receives signals from the general-purpose display device 30 and the HEMS server 24 transmits a signal for controlling the HAN side device 32 to the HEMS controller 22. At the same time, the router 26 receives a signal from the HEMS controller 22 that has received a signal from the HAN side device 32, and further transmits a signal to the general-purpose display device 30 and the HEMS server 24.

As described above, the HEMS controller 22 controls the HAN side device 32 based on the command response information notified from the power company server 10 via the A route 4 and the B route 6. At the same time, the HEMS controller 22 controls the HANS side device 32 based on command signals from the HEMS server 24 and the general-purpose display device 30.

1-1-2. Schematic configuration of B route communication part FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram in particular of the B route communication part in the home energy management system (HEMS) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

A distribution board 14 shown in FIG. 2 measures a smart meter adapter 16 that is an adapter for B route communication, a HEMS adapter 18 that is an adapter for a home energy management system (HEMS), and measures current and voltage. A measurement unit 20 is provided. The smart meter adapter 16 corresponds to the aforementioned B route communication function unit. The HEMS adapter 18 corresponds to the HAN communication function unit 17 described above. A B route communication control unit 40 and a B route communication IF (interface) unit 42, which will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7, are included in the smart meter adapter 16 and constitute the smart meter adapter 16. Further, a HAN communication control unit 46 and a HAN communication IF (interface) unit 48, which will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, are included in the HEMS adapter 18 and constitute the HEMS adapter 18.

In addition, the HEMS adapter 18 and the measurement unit 20 may be provided integrally. Furthermore, the smart meter adapter 16, the HEMS adapter 18, and the measurement unit 20 may be provided integrally.

The smart meter adapter 16 and the HEMS adapter 18 shown in FIG. 2 are provided inside the distribution board 14. The smart meter adapter 16 may be provided outside the distribution board 14. Furthermore, a set of the smart meter adapter 16 and the HEMS adapter 18 may be provided outside the distribution board 14.

In the home energy management system (HEMS), for each B route communication, a set of “authentication ID” and “authentication information” for communication (and for the authentication ID) are set. . Here, “authentication information” for performing communication (and for the authentication ID) is, for example, “password”.

“Authentication ID” and “authentication information” are set for the smart meter 12 from the power company server 10 via the A route 4. On the other hand, the “authentication ID” and “authentication information” must be set to the distribution board 14 that communicates with the smart meter 12 via the B route 6 by some means or method.

However, the distribution board 14 usually does not include a data input part or a data display part. In addition, newly providing a data input unit and a data display unit on the distribution board 14 leads to an increase in size and cost of the distribution board 14.

In the following first embodiment, “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are accurately set in a distribution board 14 that does not include a data input unit such as a touch panel.

1-1-3. Configuration of Communication Device FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing configurations of the communication device 15 and the input device 60 included in the distribution board 14 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The communication device 15 included in the distribution board 14 includes a B route communication control unit 40 and a B route communication IF (interface) unit 42 for performing B route communication with the smart meter 12. The communication device 15 includes a HAN communication control unit 46 and a HAN communication IF (interface) unit 48 for performing Ethernet (registered trademark) communication with the HAN side device 32. Further, the communication device 15 includes a B route setting unit 44 and a storage unit 50 for setting a B route connection.

The B route communication control unit 40 and the B route communication IF (interface) unit 42 are included in the smart meter adapter 16 and constitute the smart meter adapter 16. The HAN communication control unit 46 and the HAN communication IF (interface) unit 48 are included in the HEMS adapter 18 and constitute the HEMS adapter 18.

On the other hand, the input device 60 connected to the communication device 15 according to the first embodiment of the present invention via Ethernet (registered trademark) includes an input unit 62 for data input, Ethernet (registered trademark) communication, and Wi-Fi communication. A communication IF (interface) unit 66 is provided. Further, the input device 60 connected to the communication device 15 via Ethernet (registered trademark) includes a B route setting communication unit 64 for causing the communication device 15 to set a B route connection.

The input device 60 is usually realized by a computer such as a personal computer (PC). Therefore, the input device 60 includes a calculation unit (CPU), a communication unit, a storage unit, an input unit, and an output unit. In the input device 60, information processing by appropriate software is specifically realized by using these hardware resources. For example, information processing related to the B route setting communication unit 64 by appropriate software is specifically realized by using hardware resources of the arithmetic unit and the communication unit. In addition to the personal computer (PC), the input device 60 includes a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a television (TV) receiver, and the like.

The communication device 15 and the input device 60 are connected via the Ethernet (registered trademark) 70. Note that the input device 60 may communicate with the communication device 15 via an access point. In this case, the communication IF unit 66 and the access point of the input device 60 may perform wireless communication such as Wi-Fi communication.

The communication device 15 included in the distribution board 14 normally communicates with the HAN side device 32 according to the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. That is, the communication device 15 included in the distribution board 14 includes a HAN communication IF (interface) unit 48 that complies with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. In the first embodiment, the input device 60 is connected to the HAN communication IF unit 48 via Ethernet (registered trademark). As a result, the authentication ID and the authentication information are set from the input device 60 to the distribution board 14.

<1-2. Operation>
1-2-1. Operation of Communication Device and Input Device As described with reference to FIG. 2, “authentication ID” and “authentication information” for B route connection must be set in the distribution board 14. In the first embodiment, using the input device 60, “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are set in the communication device 15 included in the distribution board 14.

First, the input device 60 is connected to the distribution board 14 via the Ethernet (registered trademark) 70 or Wi-Fi communication. In this case, there is a mechanism in which the B route setting communication unit 64 automatically searches for the B route setting unit 44 between the B route setting communication unit 64 of the input device 60 and the B route setting unit 44 of the distribution board 14. Each of the B route setting communication unit 64 and the B route setting unit 44 may be provided. That is, for example, the following mechanisms (1) to (3) may be constructed.
(1) The B route setting communication unit 64 transmits a search signal for searching for the B route setting unit 44 of the distribution board 14 via the communication IF unit 66.
(2) The B route setting unit 44 of the distribution board 14 that has received the search signal transmits a response signal to the search signal.
(3) The B route setting communication unit 64 receives the response signal and confirms the presence of the distribution board 14.

Subsequently, “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are input from the input unit 62 of the input device 60. Here, since the input unit 62 of the input device 60 is a touch pad, a keyboard, a mouse, a pointing device, or the like, the user of the input device 60 inputs “authentication ID” and “authentication information” via the input unit 62. Is done.

The “authentication ID” and “authentication information” input from the input unit 62 are controlled by the HAN communication control unit 46 in the distribution board 14 via the B route setting communication unit 64 and the communication IF unit 66. This is notified to the HAN communication IF unit 48.

The “authentication ID” and “authentication information” notified to the HAN communication IF unit 48 in the distribution board 14 are stored in the storage unit 50 of the distribution panel communication device 15 by the B route setting unit 44.

The distribution board 14 uses the “authentication ID” and “authentication information” stored in the storage unit 50 in this way for connection authentication in the B route 6.

The “authentication ID” and “authentication information” may be input by a barcode reader or a CCD camera. That is, the “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are represented by a bar code or QR code (registered trademark), and are read by a bar code reader or CCD camera which is the input unit 62 of the input device 60. It may be adopted. Further, a barcode or QR code (registered trademark) may be attached to a mail piece separately mailed to the user. In addition, when a web page is opened according to a URL code assigned to each user, a QR code (registered trademark) or a bar code representing “authentication ID” and “authentication information” is displayed there. Also good.

<1-3. Summary>
As described above, the communication device included in the distribution board according to the first embodiment is installed in the living environment and the first communication unit that communicates with an external watt-hour meter (smart meter) with a communication function. A second communication unit that communicates with devices on the communication network. Further, the communication device is configured to communicate with the watt-hour meter (smart meter) via the second communication unit and communicate with the watt-hour meter (smart meter) with the authentication ID. A watt-hour meter setting unit for setting authentication information.

Thus, in the home energy management system (HEMS) 2 including the communication device 15 according to the first embodiment, the “authentication ID” and “authentication information” for the B route communication are obtained using the input device 60. The distribution board 14 can be easily set. Thereby, the structure of the distribution board 14 can be made compact and simple.

Note that the storage unit 50 that stores “authentication ID” and “authentication information” may be provided with either the smart meter adapter 16 or the HEMS adapter 18. Similarly, the B route setting unit 44 may be provided with either the smart meter adapter 16 or the HEMS adapter 18.

It is more preferable that the storage unit 50 that stores “authentication ID” and “authentication information” is included in the HEMS adapter 18. For example, a smart meter adapter including a B-route communication IF (interface) unit 42 corresponding to PLC communication and a smart meter adapter including a B-route communication IF (interface) unit 42 corresponding to wireless communication at 920 MHz are prepared. In addition, when any smart meter adapter is selected according to the installation location of the distribution board 14, if the HEMS adapter 18 includes the storage unit 50, any smart meter adapter is selected. This is because “authentication ID” and “authentication information” can be reliably used in the distribution board 14.

[Embodiment 2]
The communication device 15, the input device 60, and the external server 80 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

<2-1. Configuration>
Communication device 15 and input device 60 included in distribution board 14 according to the second embodiment have the same configuration as the communication device and input device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. As will be described below, the input device 60 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment in that it acquires “authentication ID” and “authentication information” from the external server 80 based on the user identification information. Is different. The external server 80 here is connected to the input device 60 via the Internet.

The external server 80 includes a communication unit 82 and a storage unit 84. In the storage unit 84, user identification information, “identification ID”, and “authentication information” are stored in advance in association with each other. Here, the user identification information is data for identifying a user such as an address and name, for example. The external server 80 may be the same as the electric power company server 10 and the HEMS server 24.

<2-2. Operation>
2-2-1. Operation of Communication Device, Input Device, and External Server As described with reference to FIG. 2, “authentication ID” and “authentication information” for B route connection must be set in the distribution board 14. In the present embodiment, “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are acquired by the external server 80 using data (user identification information) transmitted to the external server 80, and these “authentication ID” and “authentication information”. Is set in the communication device 15 included in the distribution board 14.

First, the input device 60 is connected to the distribution board 14 via the Ethernet (registered trademark) 70 or Wi-Fi communication. In this case, as in the first embodiment, the B route setting communication unit 64 is connected to the B route setting unit 44 between the B route setting communication unit 64 of the input device 60 and the B route setting unit 44 of the distribution board 14. May be provided in each of the B route setting communication unit 64 and the B route setting unit 44.

Subsequently, user identification information related to the user of the distribution board 14 (for example, data related to the user's address and name) is input from the input unit 62 of the input device 60. The input user identification information is transmitted from the communication IF unit 66 of the input device 60 to the communication unit 82 of the external server 80 via the Internet 28. When the user identification information is transmitted from the input device 60 to the external server 80, the user identification information is preferably protected by encrypted communication.

In the external server 80, based on the user identification information received by the communication unit 82, “authentication ID” and “authentication information” linked in advance to the user identification information are searched and acquired. The acquired “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are transmitted from the communication unit 82 of the external server 80 to the communication IF unit 66 of the input device 60 via the Internet 28. When “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are transmitted from the external server 80 to the input device 60, it is preferable that the information is protected by encrypted communication.

The “authentication ID” and “authentication information” acquired from the external server 80 are controlled by the HAN communication control unit 46 in the distribution board 14 via the B route setting communication unit 64 and the communication IF unit 66. This is notified to the HAN communication IF unit 48.

<2-3. Summary>
As described above, the setting program that operates on the input device according to the second embodiment is a setting program that operates on the input device that communicates with the communication apparatus according to the first embodiment and the external server. The setting program outputs an authentication ID of the watt-hour meter and authentication information for communication from an external server, and outputs the acquired authentication ID and authentication information to the watt-hour meter setting unit. And execute steps.

As described above, in the home energy management system (HEMS) 2 according to the second embodiment, the “authentication ID” and the “authentication information” for the B route communication are analyzed using the input device 60 and the external server 80. It can be easily set on the board 14. Thereby, the structure of the distribution board 14 can be made compact and simple.

Further, compared with the first embodiment in which “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are directly input to the input device 60, the possibility of an operator input error is small, and thus the smart meter 12 and the distribution board The possibility of an initial connection failure with 14 being small is also small. Furthermore, since the authentication ID and the authentication information are protected by encrypted communication, the B route can be constructed more safely without the data being seen by a third party.

As in the first embodiment, either the smart meter adapter 16 or the HEMS adapter 18 may be included in the storage unit 50 that stores “authentication ID” and “authentication information”. The B route setting unit 44 may be provided with either the smart meter adapter 16 or the HEMS adapter 18.

[Embodiment 3]
The communication device 15, the input device 60, and the external server 80 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

<3-1. Configuration>
Communication device 15 and input device 60 included in distribution board 14 according to Embodiment 3 have the same configuration as the communication device and input device according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. As will be described below, the input device 60 according to the third embodiment receives the “authentication ID” and “authentication” from the external server 80 connected via the Internet based on the individual identification number of the distribution board 14 and the user identification information. It differs from that of the first embodiment in that “information” is acquired.

The external server 80 includes a communication unit 82 and a storage unit 84. In the storage unit 84, user identification information, an individual identification number of a distribution board, “identification ID”, and “authentication information” are stored in association with each other. Here, the individual identification number of a distribution board is a number given in order to identify each distribution board. The individual identification number of the communication device may be used instead of the individual identification number of the distribution board. Further, the individual identification number of the distribution board and the individual identification number of the communication device may be used.

<3-2. Operation>
3-2-1. Operation of Communication Device, Input Device, and External Server As described with reference to FIG. 2, “authentication ID” and “authentication information” for B route connection must be set in the distribution board 14. In the present embodiment, “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are acquired by the external server 80 using the data (the individual identification number and user identification information of the distribution board 14) transmitted to the external server 80. “Authentication ID” and “authentication information” are set in the communication device 15 included in the distribution board 14.

Subsequently, user identification information related to the user of the distribution board 14 (for example, data related to the user's address and name) and the individual identification number of the distribution board 14 are input from the input unit 62 of the input device 60. The input user identification information and the individual identification number of the distribution board are transmitted from the communication IF unit 66 of the input device 60 to the communication unit 82 of the external server 80 via the Internet 28.

The individual identification number of the distribution board is represented by a bar code or QR code (registered trademark), and this is read by a bar code reader or CCD camera which is the input unit 62 of the input device 60. May be. Further, the bar code or QR code (registered trademark) may be attached to the distribution board itself, or may be attached to a mail piece separately mailed to the user. Further, when a web page is opened in accordance with a URL code given to each user, a QR code (registered trademark) or bar code representing an individual identification number of the distribution board may be displayed there. .

In the external server 80, based on the user identification information received by the communication unit 82 and the individual identification number of the distribution board, “authentication ID” and “authentication information” linked in advance to the information are searched and acquired. The The acquired “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are transmitted from the communication unit 82 of the external server 80 to the communication IF unit 66 of the input device 60 via the Internet 28.

<3-3. Summary>
As described above, the setting program that operates on the input device according to the third embodiment is a setting program that operates on the input device that communicates with the communication apparatus according to the first embodiment and the external server. The setting program outputs an authentication ID of the watt-hour meter and authentication information for communication from an external server, and outputs the acquired authentication ID and authentication information to the watt-hour meter setting unit. And execute steps. Furthermore, the step of acquiring includes the step of acquiring the authentication ID of the watt-hour meter and the authentication information for performing communication based on the individual identification number unique to the communication device.

As described above, in the home energy management system (HEMS) 2 according to the third embodiment, the “authentication ID” and the “authentication information” for the B route communication are analyzed using the input device 60 and the external server 80. It can be easily set on the board 14. Thereby, the structure of the distribution board 14 can be made compact and simple.

Also, compared to the second embodiment in which the “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are acquired using the user identification information disclosed to the third party, this embodiment normally discloses to the third party. The “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are acquired using the individual identification number of the distribution board that is not used. This can prevent the occurrence of a situation in which a third party maliciously acquires “authentication ID” and “authentication information” for B-route communication and illegally intervenes in B-route communication.

As in the first and second embodiments, the storage unit 50 that stores “authentication ID” and “authentication information” may be provided with either the smart meter adapter 16 or the HEMS adapter 18. The B route setting unit 44 may be provided with either the smart meter adapter 16 or the HEMS adapter 18.

[Embodiment 4]
The communication device 15, the input device 60, and the external server 80 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

<4-1. Configuration>
The communication device 15 included in the distribution board 14 normally communicates with the HAN side device 32 according to the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. However, in a situation where home wiring is not completely constructed in a new house or the like, it may be difficult or impossible to use Ethernet (registered trademark) communication. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the input device 60 is connected to the distribution board 14 via NFC (Near Field Communication), IrDA (Infrared Communication Association) standard, or Bluetooth (registered trademark). As a result, the authentication ID and authentication information are set from the input device 60.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing configurations of the communication device 15, the input device 60, and the external server 80 included in the distribution board 14 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The communication device 15 included in the distribution board 14 includes a B route communication control unit 40 and a B route communication IF (interface) unit 42 for performing B route communication with the smart meter 12. The communication device 15 also includes a B route setting information reading unit 49 that performs NFC communication, IrDA standard communication, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication in order to set a B route connection.

The B route communication control unit 40 and the B route communication IF (interface) unit 42 are included in the smart meter adapter 16 and constitute the smart meter adapter 16.

On the other hand, an input device 60 connected to the communication device 15 via NFC communication, IrDA standard communication, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication includes an input unit 62 for data input, a storage unit 63, and a B route setting information notification unit 67. , And a B route setting information obtaining unit 65. The B route setting information notifying unit 67 performs NFC communication, IrDA standard communication, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication with the B route setting information reading unit 49 of the communication device 15 in order to set the B route connection. The B route setting information acquisition unit 65 acquires setting information for setting the B route connection.

In the input device 60, information processing related to the B route setting upward notification unit 67 and the B route setting information acquisition unit 65 by appropriate software is performed using hardware resources of the arithmetic unit and the communication unit of the input device 60 which are computers. Specifically realized.

When NFC (Near Field Communication) is used in communication between the input device 60 and the distribution board 14, the B route setting information notification unit 67 in the input device 60 displays “authentication ID” and “authentication information”. May be an ID card or an IC chip with an antenna. The antenna here is for NFC (Near Field Communication). Further, the IC chip may be configured so that it can be attached to a postal item such as a public postcard.

The external server 80 includes a communication unit 82 and a storage unit 84. In the storage unit 84, user identification information, “identification ID”, and “authentication information” are stored in association with each other in advance. Furthermore, in the storage unit 84, user identification information, an individual identification number of a distribution board, “identification ID”, and “authentication information” may be stored in association with each other in advance.

<4-2. Operation>
4-2-1. Operation of Communication Device, Input Device, and External Server As described with reference to FIG. 2, “authentication ID” and “authentication information” for B route connection must be set in the distribution board 14. In the present embodiment, “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are acquired by the external server 80 using data (user identification information, individual identification number of the distribution board 14, etc.) transmitted to the external server 80. These “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are set in the communication device 15 included in the distribution board 14.

First, the input device 60 is connected to the distribution board 14 via NFC communication, IrDA standard communication, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication.

Subsequently, user identification information related to the user of the distribution board 14 (for example, data related to the user's address and name) is input from the input unit 62 of the input device 60. The input user identification information is transmitted from the B route setting information obtaining unit 65 of the input device 60 to the communication unit 82 of the external server 80 via the Internet 28. Here, the individual identification number of the distribution board 14 may also be input from the input unit 62 of the input device 60 and transmitted from the B route setting information acquisition unit 65 to the communication unit 82 of the external server 80. Furthermore, when the user identification information and the individual identification number of the distribution board 14 are transmitted from the input device 60 to the external server 80, the user identification information and the individual identification number are preferably protected by encrypted communication.

In the external server 80, based on the user identification information received by the communication unit 82, “authentication ID” and “authentication information” linked in advance to the information are searched and acquired. At this time, based on the user identification information received by the communication unit 82 and the individual identification number of the distribution board, “authentication ID” and “authentication information” linked in advance to the information may be searched and acquired. . The acquired “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are transmitted from the communication unit 82 of the external server 80 to the B route setting information acquisition unit 65 of the input device 60 via the Internet 28. When “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are transmitted from the external server 80 to the input device 60, it is preferable that the information is protected by encrypted communication.

“Authentication ID” and “authentication information” acquired from the external server 80 are notified to the B route setting information reading unit 49 in the distribution board 14 via the B route setting information notification unit 67.

The B route setting information reading unit 49 notified of “authentication ID” and “authentication information” stores the notified “authentication ID” and “authentication information” in the storage unit 50 of the communication device 15 of the distribution board 14. Let

The “authentication ID” and the “authentication information” are represented by a two-dimensional bar code or QR code (registered trademark), and these codes are transmitted to the B route setting information reading unit 49 of the distribution board 14 to transmit the B route setting information. A configuration in which the reading unit 49 reads the code content may be employed.

Further, the B route setting information reading unit 49 of the distribution board 14 may be a memory communication device that communicates with a card recording medium (for example, an SD card) in which “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are recorded.

<4-3. Summary>
As described above, the communication device 15 included in the distribution board 14 according to the fourth embodiment is installed in the living environment and the first communication unit that communicates with an external watt-hour meter (smart meter) with a communication function. And a second communication unit that communicates with devices on the communication network. Further, the communication device communicates with the watt-hour meter (smart meter) via the second communication unit by the first communication unit and the authentication ID for the watt-hour meter (smart meter) and authentication for communication. A watt-hour meter setting unit for setting information. Furthermore, the second communication unit is a communication unit for wireless communication including NFC communication, IrDA communication, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication.

As described above, in the home energy management system 2 including the communication device 15 according to the fourth embodiment, the “authentication ID” for the B route communication can be performed only by the distribution board 14 even in a situation where the home wiring is not constructed. And “authentication information” can be easily set in the distribution board 14. Thereby, the structure of the distribution board 14 can be made compact and simple.

Further, in the present embodiment, “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are acquired using an individual identification number of a distribution board that is not normally disclosed to a third party. This can prevent the occurrence of a situation in which a third party maliciously acquires “authentication ID” and “authentication information” for B-route communication and illegally intervenes in B-route communication.

The storage unit 50 that stores “authentication ID” and “authentication information” may be included in the smart meter adapter 16 or the HEMS adapter 18.

In this embodiment as well, it is more preferable that the HEMS adapter 18 includes the storage unit 50 that stores “authentication ID” and “authentication information”. For example, a smart meter adapter including a B-route communication IF (interface) unit 42 corresponding to PLC communication and a smart meter adapter including a B-route communication IF (interface) unit 42 corresponding to wireless communication at 920 MHz are prepared. In addition, when any smart meter adapter is selected according to the installation location of the distribution board 14, if the HEMS adapter 18 includes the storage unit 50, any smart meter adapter is selected. This is because “authentication ID” and “authentication information” can be reliably used in the distribution board 14.

[Embodiment 5]
The communication device 15, the B route setting adapter 92, the input device 60, and the external server 80 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

<5-1. Configuration>
The communication device 15, the input device 60, and the external server 80 included in the distribution board 14 according to the fifth embodiment have substantially the same configuration as the communication device, the input device, and the external server according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. Have. However, as described below, the input device 60 according to the fifth embodiment sets “authentication ID” and “authentication information” in the storage unit 50 of the distribution board 14 via the B route setting adapter 92. This is different from that according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication device 15, the B route setting adapter 92, the input device 60, and the external server 80 included in the distribution board 14 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The communication device 15 included in the distribution board 14 includes a B route communication control unit 40 and a B route communication IF (interface) unit 42 for performing B route communication with the smart meter 12. Here, in the present embodiment, the B route communication between the smart meter 12 and the distribution board 14 is performed via a PLC or a specific low power radio (920 MHz band) signal. In the present embodiment, communication between the B-route setting adapter 92 and the distribution board 14 is also performed via a PLC or a specific low-power radio (920 MHz band) signal. Therefore, also in communication between the B route setting adapter 92 and the distribution board 14, the B route communication IF (interface) unit 42 of the distribution board 14 is used. Further, the communication device 15 includes a B route setting unit 44 and a storage unit 50 for setting a B route connection.

The B route setting adapter 92 includes a B route setting information obtaining unit 94, a PLC / 920 MHz IF (interface) unit 96, a B route setting information notifying unit 98, and a storage unit 100. The B-route setting adapter 92 performs PLC communication or specific low-power wireless (920 MHz band) signal communication with the distribution board 14 through the PLC / 920 MHz IF (interface) unit 96.

The B-route setting adapter 92 is preferably set in the vicinity of the distribution board 14 when the B-route is set.

The input device 60 includes an input unit 62 for data input, a storage unit 63, a B route setting information notification unit 67, and a B route setting information acquisition unit 65, as in the case of the fourth embodiment. The B route setting information notifying unit 67 performs NFC communication, IrDA standard communication, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication with the B route setting information obtaining unit 94 of the B route setting adapter 92 in order to set the B route connection. The B route setting information acquisition unit 65 acquires setting information for setting the B route connection.

The external server 80 includes a communication unit 82 and a storage unit 84 as in the case of the second embodiment. In the storage unit 84, user identification information, “identification ID”, and “authentication information” are stored in association with each other in advance. Furthermore, in the storage unit 84, user identification information, an individual identification number of a distribution board, “identification ID”, and “authentication information” may be stored in association with each other in advance.

<5-2. Operation>
5-2-1. Operation of Communication Device, B Route Setting Adapter, Input Device, and External Server As described with reference to FIG. 2, “authentication ID” and “authentication information” for B route connection are set in the distribution board 14. There must be. In the present embodiment, “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are acquired by the external server 80 using data (user identification information, distribution panel individual identification number, etc.) transmitted to the external server 80. “Authentication ID” and “authentication information” are set in the communication device 15 in which “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are included in the distribution board 14.

First, the input device 60 is connected to the B route setting adapter 92 via NFC communication, IrDA standard communication, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication. At the same time, the distribution board 14 is connected to the B-route setting adapter 92 via PLC communication or specific low-power wireless (920 MHz band) signal communication.

The “authentication ID” and “authentication information” acquired from the external server 80 are transmitted from the B route setting information notification unit 67 in the input device 60 via NFC communication, IrDA standard communication, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication to the B This is notified to the B route setting information obtaining unit 94 in the route setting adapter 92.

The “authentication ID” and “authentication information” acquired from the input device 60 are sent from the B route setting information notification unit 98 and the PLC / 920 MHz IF unit 96 in the B route setting adapter 92 to the PLC communication or specific low power wireless (920 MHz band). ) Notification is made to the B-route communication IF unit 42 in the distribution board 14 through signal communication.

The “authentication ID” and “authentication information” notified to the B route communication IF unit 42 in the distribution board 14 are stored in the storage unit 50 of the communication device 15 of the distribution board 14 by the B route setting unit 44. .

The “authentication ID” and the “authentication information” are represented by a bar code or a QR code (registered trademark), and these codes are transmitted to the B route communication IF unit 42 of the distribution board 14 to be transmitted to the B route communication IF unit. A configuration in which 42 reads the code content may be employed.

Further, the B-route communication IF unit 42 of the distribution board 14 may be a memory communication device that communicates with a card recording medium (for example, an SD card) in which “authentication ID” and “authentication information” are recorded.

<5-3. Summary>
As described above, the B route setting adapter 92 in the home energy management system 2 according to the fifth embodiment uses the watt-hour meter acquired through wireless communication including NFC communication, IrDA communication, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication. And the authentication information for performing communication are transmitted to the distribution board 14 connected to the watt-hour meter via PLC communication or specific low-power wireless communication.

As described above, in the home energy management system 2 including the communication device 15 according to the fifth embodiment, the “authentication ID” for the B route communication can be obtained only by the distribution board 14 even in a situation where the home wiring is not constructed. And “authentication information” can be easily set in the distribution board 14. Furthermore, the distribution board 14 according to the present embodiment does not need to include equipment for NFC communication, IrDA standard communication, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication. By these things, the structure of the distribution board 14 can be made compact and simple.

In this embodiment, it is more preferable that the HEMS adapter 18 includes the storage unit 50 that stores “authentication ID” and “authentication information”. For example, a smart meter adapter including a B-route communication IF (interface) unit 42 corresponding to PLC communication and a smart meter adapter including a B-route communication IF (interface) unit 42 corresponding to wireless communication at 920 MHz are prepared. In addition, when any smart meter adapter is selected according to the installation location of the distribution board 14, if the HEMS adapter 18 includes the storage unit 50, any smart meter adapter is selected. This is because “authentication ID” and “authentication information” can be reliably used in the distribution board 14.

2 ... Home Energy Management System (HEMS),
4 ... Route A
6 ... Route B,
8 ... Home area network
10: Electric power company server,
12 ... Smart meter,
14 ... distribution board,
15 ... communication device,
22 ... HEMS controller,
24 ... HEMS server,
26: Router,
28 ... Internet,
30 ... General-purpose display device,
32 ... HAN side equipment,
60 ... Input equipment,
70: Ethernet (registered trademark)
80 ... an external server,
92: Adapter for B route setting.

Claims

A first communication unit that communicates with an external energy meter with a communication function;
A second communication unit that communicates with devices on a communication network installed in a living environment;
An watt-hour meter setting unit for setting an authentication ID for the watt-hour meter and authentication information for performing communication for communicating with the watt-hour meter and the first communication unit via the second communication unit. And a communication device.
2. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second communication unit is a communication unit for wireless communication including NFC communication, IrDA communication, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication.
2. The memory communication device according to claim 1, wherein the second communication unit is a memory communication device that communicates with a card recording medium in which an authentication ID of the watt-hour meter and authentication information for communication are recorded. Communication device.
A setting program that operates in an input device that communicates with the communication device according to claim 1,
Receiving an authentication ID of the watt-hour meter input to the input device and authentication information for communication;
A setting program for executing the step of outputting the input authentication ID and authentication information and causing the watt-hour meter setting unit to set them.
A setting program that operates on an input device that communicates with the communication device according to claim 1 and an external server,
Obtaining an authentication ID for the electricity meter and authentication information for communication from the external server;
A setting program for executing the step of outputting the acquired authentication ID and authentication information and causing the watt-hour meter setting unit to set the output.
A setting program according to claim 4,
The setting step includes a step of reading a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark) by a barcode reader or a CCD camera, thereby receiving an authentication ID of the watt-hour meter and authentication information for performing communication.
The setting program according to claim 6,
The bar code or the QR code (registered trademark) is attached to a postal matter mailed to the user of the communication device or displayed on a web page displayed according to a URL code given to each user of the communication device. The barcode or QR code (registered trademark) shown in FIG.
Configuration program.
A setting program according to claim 5,
The obtaining step includes a step of obtaining an authentication ID of the watt-hour meter and authentication information for performing communication using an individual identification number unique to the communication device.
Configuration program.
The IC with an antenna for transmitting the authentication ID of the watt-hour meter and the authentication information for performing communication to the communication device according to claim 1, wherein the second communication unit is a communication unit for NFC communication. Chip.
The watt-hour meter authentication ID acquired via wireless communication including NFC communication, IrDA communication, or Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication and the authentication information for communication are sent via PLC communication or specific low-power wireless communication. A B route setting adapter for transmitting to a distribution board connected to the watt hour meter.
A distribution board comprising at least the communication device according to claim 1, wherein the B route setting adapter according to claim 10 is detachably set.