JP2001036439A - Data transmission and reception system, data transmitter and data receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a non-contact data transmission and reception system including a data transmitter that does not need a power source. SOLUTION: This data transmitter includes a recursive reflector and a solar battery power supply unit, and a portable receiver includes a laser oscillator, a laser light receiving device and a light emitting device. When reflection laser from the recursive reflector is inputted (S16), the portable receiver makes the solar battery power supply unit of the data transmitter to be irradiated with light from the light emitting device (S22). The data transmitter receives power supply from the solar battery by the received light and transmits data by the power. When the portable receiver receives the data (S24), the portable receiver stops light emission (S26).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data transmission / reception system, and more particularly to a data transmission / reception system for minimizing power consumption for spatial data transmission including an ID (Identity) tag.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a data carrier storing ID information is attached to a product in a production factory, and processing conditions for each process are read by a data carrier reading / writing device provided for each process. 2. Description of the Related Art There is a system for centrally managing production information of production articles by writing a machine operation state at the time of processing.

There is also a personal navigation system in which a pedestrian is provided with a data reading device and receives his / her own positional information from optical beacons provided in various parts of the building.

A common feature of such a system is that the number of carriers on the moving object side and the number of reading / writing devices for the carriers are large, and a power source for performing non-contact data transmission is required. .

[0005]

However, since the transmission data is always transmitted from the carrier attached to the moving object, the power consumption for the transmission is large, and the internal power is reduced when a battery is used as the internal power supply. Uses power immediately. In addition, if an external power source such as a commercial power source is used for the carrier, the installation place is restricted, and the electric wiring work becomes large due to the large number of carriers.

[0006] On the other hand, there is a technique for suppressing power consumption during a time when data is not transmitted (standby time) when a battery is used, but this is not an essential solution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to enable a non-contact communication without a complicated installation work involving a power supply work and a power supply replacement work. An object of the present invention is to provide a data transmitting device, a data receiving device, and a data transmitting / receiving system.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data receiving apparatus provided with a retroreflector, power receiving means for receiving transmission power in a non-contact manner, and power receiving means. Claims: 1. A data receiving device for receiving data from a data transmitting device, comprising: a data transmitting device that operates using electric power and transmits data, comprising: a light beam emitting device for emitting a light beam; Detecting means for detecting the data transmitting device by the light beam reflected by the light transmitting device, and power transfer means for transmitting transmission power to the data transmitting device in a contactless manner in response to the detecting means detecting the data transmitting device. And data receiving means for receiving the data transmitted by the data transmitting means.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the data receiving device detects the data transmitting device, the data receiving device transfers the transmission power to the data transmitting device. The data transmission device transmits data using the received transmission power. As a result, it is possible to provide a data receiving device that can receive data from a data transmitting device that does not normally require power and can transmit data when necessary.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the data receiving apparatus determines whether or not the data receiving means has received correct data. It further includes a judging means, and a control means for controlling the power transfer means based on the judgment result by the judging means.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the data receiving apparatus determines whether or not to transmit the transmission power to the transmitting apparatus based on the result of the determination as to whether or not correct data is received by the determining means. Can be controlled. This allows
When correct data has already been received, transmission power is not transferred to the transmission device, and a reception device with reduced power consumption can be provided.

A data transmitting apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention operates using a retroreflector, power receiving means for receiving power for transmission in a non-contact manner, and power supplied from the power receiving means, It includes data transmitting means for transmitting data, and the retroreflector, the power receiving means, and the data transmitting means are provided at close positions.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the data transmitting apparatus receives power for data transmission from the outside, so that an internal power supply is not required. Further, since the retroreflector, the power receiving means, and the power transmitting means are provided close to each other, when the retroreflector can be detected, there is always a power receiving means near the retroreflector, so that the power can be reliably transferred and received. A data transmission device capable of transmitting data can be provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the third aspect of the present invention, the data transmitting apparatus further comprises a determining means for determining an amount of power supplied by the power receiving means; Control means for controlling the data transmission means based on the result of the judgment by the judgment means.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the data transmitting apparatus can determine the amount of power supplied by the determining means, and can control whether or not to perform transmission by the transmitting means based on the result. As a result, communication errors due to insufficient transmission power can be eliminated.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data transmitting / receiving system including a data transmitting device and a data receiving device, wherein the data transmitting device includes a retroreflector and a power receiving device for receiving power for transmission in a contactless manner. Means, using data supplied from the power receiving means, including a data transmitting means for transmitting data, the data receiving apparatus comprises: a light beam emitting means for emitting a light beam; and a retroreflector. A detecting unit for detecting the data transmitting device by the reflected light beam, and a power transfer unit for non-contactly transmitting transmission power to the data transmitting device in response to the detecting unit detecting the data transmitting device, Data receiving means for receiving the data transmitted by the data transmitting means.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the data receiving apparatus can detect the transmitting apparatus by the retroreflector and deliver the transmission power to the transmitting apparatus. On the other hand, the data transmitting device can transmit data using the power supplied from the data receiving device. As a result, it is possible to provide a system that can transmit and receive data without having an internal power supply on the data transmitting side.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A personal navigator according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Since their names and functions are the same, repetition of the description will be appropriately omitted.

Referring to FIG. 1, personal navigator 1
Reference numeral 2 denotes a system for appropriately providing necessary information to users entering the building by transmitting and receiving data. For example, they are installed in museums, art galleries, hospitals, train stations, and other publicly open facilities. The personal navigator 12 includes a plurality of code data transmitters 1 installed on the ceiling 20 such as at a corner of a passage 28 and near a room entrance.
6 and the portable receiver 18 carried by the user 26.

The portable receiver 18 stores voice information such as course guidance and danger instructions corresponding to the respective installation locations of the plurality of code data transmitters 16. Further, it receives the identification number transmitted by the code data transmitter, and reproduces audio information corresponding to the received identification number. In addition, the solar cell of the code data transmitter 16 is irradiated with light to supply transmission power.

The code data transmitter 16 includes a portable receiver 18
, Via the solar cell, and transmits an identification number for identifying itself to the portable receiver 18.

In this embodiment, the code data transmitter 16
The signal transmitted by the mobile receiver 18 and received by the portable receiver 18 will be described as an optical signal, but is not limited to this, and may be a radio signal. What gives a message to the user is not limited to audio information, but may be image information or text information. The supply of the transmission power is performed via a solar cell, but is not limited to this, and may be performed via a millimeter wave.

Referring to FIG. 2, code data transmitter 16 includes:
For example, the retroreflector 14 is attached to the ceiling 20 and reflects the incident laser light in the incident direction regardless of the incident angle, the solar cell light receiving unit 31, and the identification number of the code data transmitter 16 itself is transmitted. And an infrared remote control transmission module 32 that performs the operation. The retroreflector 14, the solar cell light receiving section 31, and the infrared remote control transmission module 32
And it is installed in close proximity.

Referring to FIG. 3, code data transmitter 16 includes:
In addition to the retroreflector 14, an infrared remote control transmission module 32 and an infrared remote control transmission interface 34
, A one-chip microcomputer 36, an identification number setting switch 38, a DC / DC converter 40, and a solar cell power supply unit 42. Infrared remote control transmission module 3
2 is connected to the infrared remote control transmission interface 34. Infrared remote control transmission interface 34
Are connected to the one-chip microcomputer 36. The one-chip microcomputer 36 includes the remote control transmission interface 3
4, the identification number setting switch 38, and the stabilizing circuit 37 of the solar cell power supply unit 42.

The DC / DC converter 40 converts the direct current supplied from the stabilizing circuit 37 into a required power supply voltage and supplies it to the infrared remote control transmission module 32, the infrared remote control transmission interface 34, and the one-chip microcomputer 36.

The infrared remote control transmission module 32 transmits the identification number of the code data transmitter 16 set by the identification number setting switch 38 to the portable receiver 18 via the one-chip microcomputer 36 and the infrared remote control transmission interface.

The solar cell power supply unit 42 is provided with a solar cell light receiving section 3 for receiving irradiation light emitted from the portable receiver 18.
1, a photoelectric conversion circuit 33 for converting received light energy into electric energy, a secondary battery 35, and a stabilizing circuit 37 for stabilizing electric power from the solar cell. The stabilizing circuit 37 measures the power value (output power from the photoelectric conversion circuit 33 + stored power of the secondary battery 35) that can be supplied to the DC / DC converter 40, and
If the sum of the power consumption of the infrared remote control transmission interface 34 and the one-chip microcomputer 36 exceeds a certain reference or more, power is supplied to the DC / DC converter 40. On the other hand, when the power falls below a certain reference, a power stop notice signal is output to the one-chip microcomputer 36, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the power supply to the DC / DC converter 40 is stopped.

In this case, the output power from the photoelectric conversion circuit 33 is charged in the secondary battery 35. Referring to FIG. 4, portable receiver 18 includes a CPU (Central Proc) for performing various controls.
essing unit) 54 and a ROM (Read Only) for storing programs executed by the CPU 54 and various data.
Memory) 62 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for storing intermediate results of processing executed by the CPU 54 and the like.
y) 68 and ADPCM (Ada) for reproducing necessary audio information
ptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation) reproduction circuit 70 and a flash ROM 80 for storing audio information having a content corresponding to the identification number of each code data transmitter 16.
And a PIO (parallel input / output device) 78 for receiving an instruction from the user via the operation switch 76 and giving information to the user via the display LED 82, and these are connected via the internal bus 56. Connected. Further, an infrared remote control reception interface 52 is connected to the CPU 54, and an infrared remote control reception module 58 is connected to the infrared remote control reception interface 52. The infrared remote control receiving module 58
The identification number 24 transmitted from the code data transmitter 16 is received. The CPU 54 is connected to a power saving control circuit 60 for shifting the operation of various circuits to a power saving mode.

The portable receiver 18 includes an alkaline battery 4
2 or a DC / DC converter 84 for converting a direct current supplied from an external DC power supply to a required power supply voltage, supplying writing power to the flash ROM, and supplying circuit power to each unit constituting the portable receiver 18. In addition.

The portable receiver 18 further includes a laser oscillator 64 and a laser light receiver 65 connected to the PIO 78, and a light emission control circuit 67. The portable receiver 18 further includes a light emitter 66 connected to the light emission control circuit 67. The laser oscillator 64 oscillates laser light toward the ceiling 20 at which the code data transmitter 16 is installed at regular time intervals. The laser light receiver 65 receives the laser light reflected by the retroreflector 14 of the code data transmitter 16. Further, the light emitter 66 irradiates the light toward the solar cell light receiving unit 31 of the code data transmitter 16, and the light emission control circuit 67 outputs the light of the light emitter 66 based on the input to the laser light receiver 65. Control the irradiation.

Referring to FIG. 5, the control structure of the program executed by code data transmitter 16 is as follows.

When power is supplied to the DC / DC converter 40, the infrared remote control transmission module 32,
The infrared remote control transmission interface 34 and the one-chip microcomputer 36 are activated.

First, in step 2 (hereinafter, step is abbreviated as S), the identification number 24 designated by the setting switch 38 is used.
Is transmitted from the infrared remote control transmission module 32 to the portable receiver 18.

Next, it is determined whether or not a power stop notice signal has been received from the stabilizing circuit 37 of the solar cell power supply unit 42 (S4). If the power stop notice signal has been input (YES in S2), the process proceeds to S6. On the other hand, if the power stop notice signal has not been input (NO in S2), the process proceeds to S2, and the identification number 24 is transmitted again.

Next, in S6, the one-chip microcomputer 36
Pauses himself. Although not shown in FIG. 5,
After a lapse of a predetermined time for performing this pause processing, DC / D
Power supply to the C converter 40 stops. After this, D
Until power is supplied to the C / DC converter 40, the one-chip microcomputer 36 is in a halt state.

That is, as long as the power stop notice signal is not input from the stabilizing circuit 37, the process of S2 is repeated.

The control structure of the processing operation of the portable receiver 18 will be described with reference to FIGS. Referring to FIG. 6, when power is turned on, CPU 54 and power saving control circuit 60 are turned on.
Then, the DC / DC converter 84, the laser oscillator 64, and the laser light receiver 65 are activated (S12).

Next, in S14, a laser beam is emitted from the laser oscillator 64 at regular intervals. In S16, the retroreflector 14 of the code data transmitter 16 is
It is determined whether or not the reflected laser light from is input. If there is an input from the recursive reflector 14 (Y in S16)
ES), the process proceeds to S18. On the other hand, if there is no input from the retroreflector 14 (NO in S16), S14
The process is returned to.

In S18, it is determined whether or not the identification number 24 has been correctly received from the code data transmitter 16. If the identification number 24 is correctly received (YES in S18), it means that the code data transmitter 16 is still operating with the remaining power.
Therefore, the process returns to S14. On the other hand, if the identification number 24 is not received correctly (N in S18)
O), the process proceeds to S20. In S20, the infrared remote control receiving interface 52 and the infrared remote control receiving module 58 are activated.

Next, in S22, the code data transmitter 16
The light emitting device 66 emits light via the light emitting device control circuit 67 in order to transfer the transmission power to the light emitting device. Thereby, light is irradiated toward the solar cell light receiving section 31 of the code data transmitter 16.

In S24, it is determined whether or not the infrared remote control receiving module 58 has received the identification number 24 from the code data transmitter 16. If the identification number 24 has been received (YES in S24), the process proceeds to S26 and S28, and if the identification number 24 has not been received (NO in S24), the process returns to S22.

In S26, the light emitter 66 is stopped via the light emitter control circuit 67. In S28, the infrared remote control reception interface 52 and the infrared remote control reception module 58 are stopped.

That is, the irradiation by the light emitter 66 is continued until the identification number 24 is received from the code data transmitter 16.

Next, in S30, the received identification number 2
It is determined whether 4 is the same as the one received last time. If it is the same as the identification number received last time (that is, user 26 has not moved) (YES in S30), the process returns to S14. On the other hand, if it is different from the identification number received last time (that is, the user 26 has moved) (S
30, NO), and referring to FIG.
M68 is activated (S32). The CPU 54
M reproduction circuit 70, audio amplifier 72 and flash RO
M80 is activated (S34). ADCPM regeneration circuit 70
Reads out the corresponding audio information stored in the flash ROM 80, and outputs the information to the piezoelectric speaker 74 via the audio amplifier 72.
To reproduce the sound (S36). After that, the CPU 54
Stops the ADCPCM circuit 70, the audio amplifier 72 and the flash ROM 80 (S38), and returns to S14 of FIG.
Return to processing.

The operation of the personal navigator will be described based on the above structure and flowchart. Note that the laser oscillator 64 of the portable receiver 18 always outputs
Laser light is emitted at regular time intervals.

When the user carrying the portable receiver 18 reaches below the code data transmitter 16 provided on the ceiling inside the facility, the light emitted from the laser oscillator 64 is reflected by the retroreflector 14 and The laser beam enters the laser receiver 65 of the receiver 18 (YES in S16). In response to the incident, it is determined whether the identification number 24 is correctly received. If the identification number 24 has not been correctly received (NO in S18), the light emitting device 66 of the portable receiver 18 is directed to the code data transmitter 16,
Light is irradiated (S22). The solar cell power supply unit 42 of the code data transmitter 16 that has received the light supplies power to the one-chip microcomputer 36 and the like via the photoelectric conversion circuit 33, the stabilization circuit 37, and the DC / DC converter 40. .

The code data receiver 16 transmits the identification number 24 set by the setting switch 38 to the portable receiver 18 (S2). The portable receiver 18 receives the identification number 24 transmitted from the code data transmitter 16 (S2).
4) (YES), the light emitter 66 is stopped. Identification number 2
If 4 is not the same as the previous one (NO in S30), the audio information corresponding to the received identification number 24 is
The voice is read out from the OM and reproduced (S36).

Again, the retroreflector 1 is
Consider the case where the reflected light from No. 4 is incident. Here, S1
If it is determined at step 8 that the identification number 24 has been correctly received, it means that the code data transmitter 16 is operating in some way. For example, the case where the power received from another user immediately before remains. In that case, there is no need to exchange power.
Therefore, the process of S22 is omitted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user can easily grasp the current position and perform accurate movement by listening to the sound-reproduced information.

Also, the coded data transmitter does not need an internal power supply because it receives transmission power from the portable receiver. In addition, the portable receiver can transfer the transmission power to the code data transmitter only when there is an input from the recursive reflector of the code data transmitter, compared with the case where the power is always supplied, Power consumption can be reduced. In the present embodiment, the movement support of the pedestrian has been described as an example, but the invention is not limited to this.

For example, a code data transmitter is mounted on a chassis flowing on a conveyor at an automobile assembly factory,
The production lot number can be received by a receiver installed in each assembly station, and a part name, a part number, and the like corresponding to the production lot number can be displayed on the receiver.

At the construction site of the building, a code data transmitter is attached to the building steel, and the member number is received by a receiver installed in the welding machine for welding the building steel.
An instruction for welding with another member corresponding to the member number can be displayed on the receiver, or a welding instruction can be issued to the automatic welding robot.

The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. 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.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a personal navigator 12. FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outer shape of a code data transmitter 16;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a code data transmitter 16.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the portable receiver 18.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the code data transmitter 16;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the portable receiver 18.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of the portable receiver 18.

[Explanation of symbols]

12 personal navigator, 14 retroreflector, 1
6 Code data transmitter, 18 Portable receiver.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A power supply comprising: a retroreflector; power receiving means for receiving transmission power in a contactless manner; and data transmitting means which operates using power supplied from the power receiving means and transmits data. A data receiving device for receiving data from a data transmitting device, comprising: a light beam emitting unit for emitting a light beam; and detecting the data transmitting device by a light beam reflected by the retroreflector. A power transfer unit that wirelessly transfers transmission power to the data transmission device in response to the detection unit detecting the data transmission device; and receiving data transmitted by the data transmission unit. A data receiving apparatus, comprising: 2. The data receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the data receiving unit determines whether the data receiving unit has received the correct data, and a control unit that controls the power transfer unit based on a result of the determination by the determining unit. The data receiving device according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. A retroreflector, power receiving means for non-contactly receiving power for transmission, and operating using power provided from the power receiving means,
A data transmitting device, comprising: a data transmitting unit that transmits data; wherein the retroreflector, the power receiving unit, and the data transmitting unit are provided in close proximity to each other. 4. The data transmitting apparatus further includes a determining unit that determines an amount of power supplied by the power receiving unit, and a control unit that controls the data transmitting unit based on a determination result by the determining unit. The data transmission device according to claim 3. 5. A data transmitting apparatus, comprising: a data transmitting apparatus; a data receiving apparatus; a retroreflector; power receiving means for receiving transmission power in a contactless manner; and power supplied from the power receiving means. Works with
A data transmitting unit for transmitting data, the data receiving device includes: a light beam emitting unit for emitting a light beam; and a light transmitting unit that detects the data transmitting device by the light beam reflected by the retroreflector. A power transfer unit that wirelessly transfers transmission power to the data transmission device in response to the detection unit detecting the data transmission device; and receiving data transmitted by the data transmission unit. A data transmission / reception system, comprising: