JP2002325079A - Communication setting method and system thereof for lamp line network system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To save complicated operation in a lamp line communication system, and set a house code and an address without error when interference of data from a neighboring house exist. SOLUTION: In the network system for performing data communication between a plurality of devices via a lamp line 100, a terminal (n) to be controlled and a control terminal 2 for performing the setting of the house code and the address to the terminal (n) are installed. On the basis of house cord announce data and address setting data, the house cord and the address are set to the terminal (n) to be controlled.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a communication setting method for a power line network system in which communication devices of a power line communication system using a power line as a communication medium communicate with each other, a communication setting system in the power line network system,
How to change management for power line network system,
The present invention relates to a management change system in a power line network system, an address allocation management method for a power line network system, an address allocation management system in a power line network system, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a power line communication network system using a power line as a communication medium, signal leakage to a neighbor or an intrusion signal from the outside should be prevented from causing interference with, for example, a device used in the neighbor. For example, for each residence, system, a unique identification code called a house code is assigned to the communication device, and the communication device of the power line communication network system transmits the assigned house code included in the transmission data, and Only the data including the assigned house code is received, and the data including the house code other than the assigned house code is discarded.

However, when installing the power line communication network system, the installer sets a house code for each device individually by using a rotary switch or a dip switch.
At the time of installation, it was necessary to set using a special setting jig. The method using the DIP switch could not reduce the size of the device or could cause erroneous setting. Also, the method using a dedicated setting jig had to be performed using a jig for installation.

[0004] Based on these problems, there has been proposed a method of setting a house code in which a load on an installer is reduced by transmitting and receiving a house code setting command between a house code setting device and a newly connected device. Have been.

[0005]

However, in a system for transmitting and receiving a house code setting command between a conventional house code setting device and a newly connected device, the conventional house code setting device and the newly connected device are one-to-one. There is a method of performing communication or a method of setting a non-overlapping setting address in advance for a newly connected device that executes transmission and reception of a house code setting command. In particular, the latter method has a problem that when an installer sets an address, setting the address without duplication is a very complicated operation, and there is a problem that the address may be set erroneously. In addition, when a unique address is allocated in advance, there is a problem that the cost increases because the address management and the address are individually set for each device.

In the former system, a blocking filter is provided between the house code setting device and the newly connected device to adopt a system configuration for preventing data interference from other homes and other systems. This cannot be applied when a blocking filter is not provided.

[0007] Further, in these systems, each device that performs communication in the system once set,
There is no means corresponding to the address management at the time of exchanging a device or the like for managing communication.

In view of the above problems, the present invention does not require the installation of a blocking filter, which increases the cost, and does not require the address management of the installer. The house code and the address can be easily set in the device, and the address after the setting is set. An object of the present invention is to provide a power line communication network setting system and a setting method that can easily perform management and management of connected devices.

[0009]

To achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 1) is a communication network system for performing data communication between a plurality of devices via a power line. A communication setting method, wherein a house code notification including a house code to be uniquely set for the communication network system is sent from a first device of the communication network system to a second device of the communication network system. This is a communication setting method characterized by transmitting a plurality of times at one predetermined time.

Further, the second invention (corresponding to claim 2)
Is a communication setting method according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the house code notification includes identification information that can be received by an apparatus for which a house code has not been set.

Further, a third aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 3)
The communication setting according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the second device acquires the house code when the house code notification is continuously received a predetermined number of times at a second predetermined time. Is the way.

Further, the fourth invention (corresponding to claim 4)
The communication setting according to the third aspect of the present invention, wherein the second device, when receiving a house code notification including a different house code at the second predetermined time, discards the received house code. Is the way.

Further, the fifth invention (corresponding to claim 5)
The second device, after holding the house code, transmits an address setting request including a terminal identification code for uniquely identifying itself to the first device. Is a communication setting method according to the present invention.

Further, a sixth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 6)
Wherein the first device, when receiving the address setting request, transmits a terminal address of the second device together with the terminal identification code to the second device. Is a communication setting method.

A seventh aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 7)
Is a communication setting method according to a first aspect of the present invention, wherein the first device starts transmitting a house code notification by a user operation.

An eighth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 8)
The communication setting method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the second device is in a state of waiting for reception of a house code notification when the house code is not set when the power is turned on. It is.

The ninth invention (corresponding to claim 9)
Is a communication network system that performs data communication between a plurality of devices including a first device and a second device via a power line, wherein the first device is unique to the communication network system. A house code storage unit that stores a house code to be set; and a transmission unit that transmits a house code notification including the house code to the second device a plurality of times at a predetermined time. The apparatus, receiving means for receiving the house code notification sent from the first device, the house code notification,
And a house code acquiring means for acquiring the house code when the house code is continuously received a predetermined number of times at a second predetermined time.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 10), there is provided an apparatus connected to a communication network system for performing data communication via a power line, wherein the apparatus is set uniquely for the communication network system. An apparatus for transmitting a house code notification including a house code to be transmitted to a second apparatus connected to the communication network system a plurality of times at a predetermined time.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 11), the house code notification includes identification information that can be received by an apparatus for which a house code has not been set. Device.

The twelfth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 12) is that, when an address setting request including a terminal identification code for uniquely identifying the second device is received, the second
The terminal address of the second device together with the terminal identification code in the second
A tenth aspect of the present invention is a device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the transmission is performed to the other device.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 13) is the tenth aspect of the present invention, wherein transmission of a house code notification is started by a user operation.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 14), there is provided an apparatus connected to a communication network for performing data communication via a power line, wherein the other apparatus connected to the communication network system. Receiving a house code notification including a house code to be uniquely set for the communication network system from the communication network system.

[0023] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 15), the house code is acquired when the house code notification is continuously received a predetermined number of times at a predetermined time. 14 is the apparatus of the present invention.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 16), when a house code notification including a different house code is received at the predetermined time, the received house code is discarded. 15 is the device of the present invention.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 17), after holding the house code, an address setting request including a terminal identification code for uniquely identifying itself is provided.
The fifteenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that the data is transmitted to the other device.
This is the device of the present invention.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 18), when a house code is not set when the power is turned on, a state of waiting for reception of a house code notification is established. Of the present invention.

A nineteenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 19) is a method for transferring a master function of a device connected to a communication network system for performing data communication between a plurality of devices via a power line. Function is a function to set the house code or terminal address to other devices,
A first device having an address table holding the master function and a terminal address that can be assigned to another device is a second device.
When receiving an address table transmission request indicating a request for transmission of the address table from the device, the address table is transmitted to the second device, and the second device receives the address table, The address table is searched for a free address that is a terminal address that can be assigned to the first device, and a request for changing the terminal address to the free address and a request for disabling the master function are sent to the first device. Transmitting, when the first device changes its terminal address to the free address and disables the master function, the second device enables its own master function. This is the method for shifting the master function.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 20), the second device is configured so that the first device is operated by a user operation.
A nineteenth aspect of the present invention is a method for transferring a master function of the device of the present invention, characterized by transmitting an address table transmission request indicating a request for transmission of the address table to the device.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 21), a plurality of devices including a first device and a second device having a master function as a function of setting a house code or a terminal address and a terminal address are provided. In a communication network system that performs data communication between devices via a power line, the first device includes a unit that stores an address table that stores a terminal address that can be assigned to another device, and a transmission unit that transmits the address table. Means for receiving an address table transmission request indicating the request, and means for transmitting the address table, wherein the second device transmits the address table transmission request, and means for receiving the address table. Means for searching the received address table for a free address that is a terminal address that can be assigned to another device; Means for transmitting a change request for changing a terminal address to a vacant address and a request for disabling the master function, wherein the second device changes the terminal address to the vacant address by the first device; A communication network system characterized by enabling its own master function when the master function is disabled.

A twenty-second invention (corresponding to claim 22) is an apparatus having a master function connected to a communication network system for performing data communication via a power line, wherein the master function is provided by another Means for setting a house code or a terminal address in the device of the present invention, means for storing an address table holding terminal addresses that can be assigned to other devices, and receiving an address table transmission request indicating a request for transmission of the address table. And means for transmitting the address table based on the address table transmission request.

In the twenty-third aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 23), when a terminal address, a request for changing to the terminal address, and a request for disabling the master function are received, its own terminal address is changed. A twenty-second device according to the present invention, wherein the terminal function is changed to the received terminal address and the master function is invalidated.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 24), the address change to the received terminal address and the address setting completion notification indicating that the setting for disabling the master function are completed are transmitted. A twenty-third device according to the present invention, characterized in that:

In a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 25), the address table further includes address assignment information indicating whether or not a terminal address has been assigned. Device.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 26), there is provided an apparatus having a master function connected to a communication network system for performing data communication via a power line, wherein the master function comprises Means for setting a house code or a terminal address to the device of the present invention, means for acquiring an address table holding terminal addresses that can be assigned to other devices, and extracting a terminal address to be assigned to another device from the address table The apparatus further comprises means for transmitting the terminal address, a request to change to the terminal address, and a request to invalidate a master function of another apparatus having a master function.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 27), the address table further includes address assignment information indicating whether a terminal address has been assigned to the apparatus. Fig. 2 is an apparatus of the present invention.

A twenty-eighth invention (corresponding to claim 28) is the twenty-seventh invention according to the twenty-seventh invention, wherein the self-master function is enabled after receiving the address setting completion notification. .

A twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 29) is an apparatus connected to a communication network system for performing data communication between a plurality of apparatuses via a power line, and a terminal of another apparatus. An address table including an address and address assignment information indicating whether or not the terminal address has been assigned is held, and when the address assignment information is equal to or more than a predetermined number, a response request is periodically transmitted to another device. It is a device to be.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 30), the address table records the number of times of non-response to the response request for each assigned terminal address. An apparatus according to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, wherein the address assignment information corresponding to a terminal address exceeding a predetermined value is changed from assigned to unassigned.

A thirty-first aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 31) is a program for causing a computer to transmit a house code notification including a house code a plurality of times at a predetermined time.

A thirty-second aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 32) is a computer which has a function of acquiring a house code when a house code notification including a house code is continuously received a predetermined number of times at a predetermined time. It is a program for realizing it.

A thirty-third aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 33) is a medium that carries the program of the thirty-first aspect of the present invention, and is a medium that can be processed by a computer.

A thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 34) is a medium carrying the program of the thirty-second aspect of the present invention, which is a medium that can be processed by a computer.

[0043]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the embodiments with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a power line communication network setting system and a power line communication network setting method according to the present invention. At least one device is a master having a function of setting a house code and an address to another device, and is an example of a power line network configuration in which a house code and an address are already set in the master. FIG.

Here, the devices 2a to 2n are connected to the power line 100
Is used as a communication medium, and the master 1 sets a house code and an address in the devices 2a to 2n by a method described later.

On the other hand, newly connected devices 2a to 2n
Does not have a master function to set the house code and address on other devices, and the house code is not set,
When starting communication, a temporary house code has been set to temporarily identify that there is a device on the network by the master 1 already existing in the power line network, and when starting communication, It is assumed that the master 1 existing in the power line network is connected to the power line network in a state where a temporary address for temporarily identifying itself is set.

Here, the master 1 is designated by the provisional house code.
Between a master 1 and a device 2 to be described later between the device 1 and the devices 2a to 2n.
Communication for setting a formal house code to a to 2n can be performed via the power line 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, the master 1 is a modem 1
1, a processing unit 12, a memory 13, and an operation state switching button 14.

Here, during transmission processing, the modem 11 receives a signal from the processing section 12 and receives a signal from the power line 100.
In the receiving process, the signal after the commercial voltage cut of the power line 100 is passed to the processing unit 12 as a received signal.

The processing section 12 is means for performing transmission processing and reception processing. In the transmission processing, the house code and the address of the communication partner device (temporary address described later or the official address set by the master 1) are stored in the memory 1
3 and a command for setting a house code and a formal address to generate a transmission signal. Then, the generated transmission signal is transferred to the modem 11.

As a receiving process, when a signal including a house code, an address, and a command for setting a house code and a formal address is received from the modem 11, the following operation is performed. First, the house code in the signal is compared with its own house code stored in the memory 13, and if they match, the address in the signal and the memory 13
Is compared with its own address stored in. Here, if the address from the modem 11 matches its own address or the broadcast address, it sends a command to the modem 11 such as to continue reception. If the house code and address do not match, the message is discarded.

The memory 13 is a readable and writable storage device, and has a house code of the master itself, a master address of the master itself, an address set for the devices 2a to 2n, and a common device for other devices connected to the power line communication network. This is a means for storing a broadcast address uniquely set to the address and an address table described later, and is realized by, for example, a nonvolatile memory.

The operating state switching button 14 is a means for switching the operating state operated by the user, and instructs the master 1 to make a transition from the normal state to the house code / address setting state from the user. It is something that can be accepted. Although the operation state switching button 14 is shown as a button that can be directly operated by the user, the operation state switching button 14 is configured as a switch, a communication interface, or an application software interface such as a personal computer, and can be operated by a user operation from an application screen on a display of the personal computer. It can also be.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the device 2a includes a modem 21, a processing unit 22, and a memory 23. Since the modem 21 has the same function as the modem 11, the description is omitted.

The processing section 22 has the following functions in addition to the same functions as the processing section 12. That is, when the address in the signal received from the modem 21 matches the temporary address stored in the memory 23 and the processing unit 22 detects a house code setting command in the signal, the processing unit 22 stores the house code in the memory 23. It is checked whether it is stored, and if not stored, the house code in the signal is stored in the memory 23 based on a sequence described later. Subsequently, when an address setting command in the signal is received based on a sequence described later, the address included in the address setting command is stored in the memory 23 as a formal address of the device itself.

The memory 23 is a readable / writable storage device realized by, for example, a non-volatile memory, like the memory 13, and has no house code stored until it is connected to the power line network. , A means for storing a temporary address that allows the master 1 to temporarily identify itself. Further, the memory 23 is connected to the power line network, and stores the set house code and address after the setting is made from the master 1.

The configuration of the devices 2b to 2n is the same as that of the device 2a, and a detailed description is omitted.

As an example, the master 1 and the devices 2a to 2n may be provided with air conditioning means as an air conditioner in addition to the modems 11 and 21, the processing units 12 and 22, and the memories 13 and 23. It may be a meter or a power monitor, and may include a power measuring means or a monitoring means.

The master 1 and the devices 2a to 2n
May be connected to devices such as an air conditioner, a power meter, and a power monitor from the processing units 12 and 22 via an interface. Here, "n" of the device 2n indicates a device in an arbitrary order.

The operation of the communication setting system of the power line communication network having the above-described configuration according to the present embodiment will be described below, and the communication setting method, the first device, and the second device of the present invention will be described. An embodiment of the operation will be described.

However, in the following description, it is assumed that a unique house code and a master address uniquely specified for the master are preset in the master 1 at the time of factory shipment or the like. However, the house code may be a value that can be distinguished from each other when used in a predetermined area or area such as a city, a ward, or a prefecture, and is not necessarily required to be unique.

On the other hand, newly connected devices 2a to 2n
Does not have a master function to set the house code and address on other devices, and the house code is not set,
When starting communication, it is assumed that the master 1 existing in the power line network is connected to the power line network in a state where a temporary address for temporarily identifying itself is set.

First, the operation of the master 1 will be described based on the flow of setting the house code address of the master 1 shown in FIG.

The user operates the operation state switching button 14 of the master 1 immediately before connecting a new device to the power line 100 (STEP 1-1).

As a result, an instruction for the master 1 to transition from the normal state to the house code / address setting state is input to the processing unit 12 of the master 1 by the operation state switching button 14. At this time, even if the user accidentally presses the button, the master can easily change the house code from the normal state.
If the operation state switching button 14 is not pressed down for a predetermined time (X seconds in the figure) for more than a predetermined time so as not to transition to the address setting state, the master 1 does not transition.
It is desirable to take measures to prevent malfunction.

Here, the house code / address setting state is divided into a house code assignment mode and an address assignment mode, and in the case of normal processing, transition is made from the house code assignment mode to the address assignment mode.

The master 1 moves from the normal state to the house code
When a transition is made to the house code assignment mode in the address setting state, the transmission of the own house code together with the provisional house code as house code announcement data is started at a predetermined period to the temporary address, the connection is made to the power line and the house code is still assigned House codes are assigned to devices that have not been set. Note that this cycle may be adjusted by the user.

When the time-out period (Y minutes) in the house code allocation mode has elapsed, the master 1 transitions from the house code allocation mode to the normal mode, and ends the transmission of the house code to the temporary address at a predetermined cycle. (Step 1-2). Here, the timeout time in the house code assignment mode is preferably shorter in consideration of communication traffic. Further, the length of time may be adjusted by the user.

On the other hand, when master 1 receives an address request command from a device to which a house code has been assigned by the time-out period of the house code assignment mode, it transits from the house code assignment mode to the address assignment mode (STEP 1-3). .

The master 1 searches the address table for an address to which the address assignment information to the device has not been assigned.
An address setting command including the searched unassigned address is transmitted to the temporary address.

When the master 1 receives the address setting completion from the address assigning device 2a, the master 1 sends an ACK to the address assigning device 2a, and then sends the address assigning information to the device corresponding to the assigned address in the address table. The status is changed to the assigned status, and the mode transits to the house code allocation mode again (STEP 1-4).

Next, the operation of the device 2a will be described based on the flow of setting the house code / address of the device 2a shown in FIG.

When the user connects to the power line 100, the processing section 22 of the device 2a checks its own address recorded in the memory 23, and if an address other than the temporary address is recorded, the normal mode is set. Transitions to.

If the temporary address is recorded, the state automatically transitions to the house code / address setting state (S
TEP2-1).

Here, the house code / address setting state is divided into a house code waiting mode and an address waiting mode. In the case of normal processing, the state transits from the house code waiting mode to the address waiting mode.

After transitioning to the house code standby mode, the device 2a transmits house code announcement data including a formal house code transmitted from the master 1 to the temporary address at a predetermined period for a predetermined period (X seconds in the figure). )), The memory 23 receives a predetermined number of times (Y times in the figure).
Is recorded as a house code, and is set as its own house code (STEP 2-2). Where "continuous"
Is based on the fact that house code announcement data including the same house code is continuously transmitted from the master 1. Thereafter, the device 2a uses this house code as its own official house code, and uses it as a house code when transmitting an address request command described later. As an example of the operation of the processing unit 22 at this time, the number of receptions of the provisional house code is counted up, and the number of consecutive receptions of the house code announcement data is compared with the set number of continuous receptions set in advance for itself. To do it. At this time, the house code announcement data to be counted is required to include the same house code, and the number of receptions of the house code announcement data having different house codes is not confused and counted.

In step 2-2, if the device 2a receives a plurality of house codes different from each other within the predetermined period, the two house codes are discarded regardless of the reception order, and the setting and setting are performed. Pause the receiving operation. Also, if the house code announcement data cannot be received within the predetermined period, the setting and the receiving operation are temporarily stopped.

The pause period may be set arbitrarily by the user or may be restarted by the user. Thereby, it is possible to avoid to a certain extent a situation in which a house code from a control terminal installed in, for example, a neighboring house is first set in the device 2a or a situation in which the setting operation is interrupted at the time of setting. Become.

At this time, the device 2a transmits, together with the temporary house code of the master 1, a stop command for stopping the operation of transmitting its own house code to the temporary address at a predetermined period, thereby making the house of the master 1 The operation of the code setting may be stopped. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a house code is incorrectly set for another device set in a neighboring house or the like at the time of setting to some extent.

Subsequently, after setting the house code, the device 2a
The state transits from the house code waiting mode to the address waiting mode.

The device 2a includes identification information for identifying the device 2a from other devices, for example, manufacturer information and a product code.
An address request command is transmitted to the master address (STEP 2-3).

Here, the reason that the device 2a transmits an address request command to the master 1 together with identification information for identifying it from other devices, for example, maker information and a product code, is that the master 1 erroneously transmits the same temporary command. This is to prevent transmission of the official address to a different device to which the address has been set.

When the device 2a receives from the master 1 an address sent with the same identification information as its own identification information, the device 2a records the sent address in the memory 23 (STEP 2-4). Hereinafter, the device 2a uses this address as its own official address.

Here, if the device 2a cannot receive the address from the master 1 for more than the timeout period for some reason, it shifts to the error mode.

Further, after recording in the memory 23, the device 2a sends a notification of the completion of the address setting to the master address (STEP 2-5).

When the device 2a receives the ACK from the master 1 in response to the notification of the completion of the address setting, the device 2a determines that the setting of the house code and the formal address has been completed correctly, and shifts from the address waiting mode to the normal mode (STEP 2-). 6).

Here, if the device 2a cannot receive the address from the master 1 for more than the timeout period for some reason, it shifts to the error mode.

Note that, in the master 1 and the device 2a,
The master 1 sends and receives the command for setting the house code and the formal address, and the master 1 performs processing including setting of the house code and the formal address on the newly connected device 2a, including the error processing procedure. Recorded in the sections 12 and 22.

FIG. 16 shows a transmission / reception communication sequence of a command for setting a formal house code and a formal address between the master 1 and the device 2a.

In the above operation, the identification information included in the address request command is assumed to be, for example, manufacturer information or a product code. However, as shown in FIG. 110,
After the house code is set in the device, the processing unit 110 of the device 2a forms address request data from the temporary address and the pseudo-random data generated by the pseudo-random data generation unit 110, and transmits the data to the power line network. You may do so. The address request data generated at this time is stored in the memory 13.

Upon receiving the address request data, the master 1 refers to the plurality of addresses stored in the memory 13 to determine a non-overlapping formal address, and determines the formal address and the provisional address included in the received address request data. And pseudo-random data to form address setting data and transmit it over the power line network.

The processing section 22 of the device 2a receives the address setting data, compares the house code contained in the address setting data with the house code stored in the memory 13, and determines that the matching result is the same and the address setting data is identical. Pseudo-random data included in the data is compared with the pseudo-random data in the address request data stored in the memory, and if the comparison result is the same, the address setting data is identified as the address request data addressed to itself. Then, the formal address included in the address request data is held as its own address instead of the temporary address held in the memory 13.

According to the present embodiment as described above, by operating the master at the same time as connecting the device to the power line, the house code can be set only by connecting the device to the power line. It is possible for the user to operate the master and connect the equipment to the power line at the same time, so that even in a power line system where there is data interference from the neighbor and data leakage to the neighbor, the protection of the neighbor is also possible. It is possible to reduce the possibility that the house code is erroneously set in the control terminal, and the possibility that the house code of the master is erroneously set in the house code of the master of the neighbor.

Further, since only one house code needs to be assigned to only the master for each home, the management of the house code becomes extremely easy. Further, since the address is automatically set immediately after the house code is set, the user does not need to be conscious of the management of the address, and it is possible to prevent a duplicate address from being set due to an erroneous operation. it can.

In the above operation, the house code announcement data has been described as including the house code. However, once it is confirmed that the device 2a has acquired the house code announcement data, the master 1 is renewed.
May transmit only the house code to the device 2a.

Further, the preset number of continuous reception times set in the device may be arbitrarily changed by the user. The house code announcement data reception time, which is a predetermined period required for reception, may also be arbitrarily changed.

In the above operation, the house code is set by broadcast communication addressed to the provisional house code.
At this time, an ID that can be set by the user is set between the master 1 and the devices 2a to 2n and the like, and this is set as an ID for setting.
Alternatively, the above-described broadcast communication may be performed.

Thus, the processing section 12 of the master 1 transmits the house code and the setting ID via the power line 100. Devices 2a to 2n are house code and setting ID
Is received, and the received setting ID is compared with the setting ID set in the setting ID input means set for itself, and if both match, the transmitted house code is replaced with the provisional house code. And set it as the house code,
If they do not match, the setting operation is suspended.

After the house code and the address are set, the set ID is invalidated.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG.
Are the setting ID input means 19 and the device 2 in the master 1.
In the case of a to 2n, it is sufficient that the user can input by the setting ID input means 24, and the data amount is an amount that can be easily and arbitrarily set, for example, about 3 bits.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from accepting house code settings from a master belonging to another group that the user does not want, and interference with a neighbor transmitting house code announcement data using another master occurs. In such a situation, it is possible to completely prevent an erroneous setting in which the house code announcement data transmitted from the neighbor master is set in the own device first.

The master 1 may be a dedicated device having only a master function for setting a house code and an address to another device, or a device having a function other than the master function may have the same effect in the present embodiment. Is obtained.

[0103] Similar effects can be obtained even when a blocking filter is installed between the outside of the house and the inside of the house or between the systems in the power line network.

In the above operation, the house code setting and the address setting are performed in the same flow. However, the house code and the address are set to the same code, and the setting operation is performed once. It may be. Also,
The setting of the address may be performed prior to the setting of the house code.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, a master having a master function of setting a house code and an address in another device is newly connected to a power line network in which a master already exists, and is already connected to the power line network. A method of transferring a master function from an existing master to a newly connected master will be described.

The transfer of the master function as described above occurs when the master is to be replaced with a newly purchased new master from an already installed old master. Further, as described later, a device connected to the power line network without disabling the master function, and a power line network configured from the devices provided with the house code from the device according to the first embodiment, It is not possible to directly communicate between an already existing master and a power line network composed of devices provided by the above-described related technology from the previously existing master. Because
This is because different house codes are set for the constituent devices of both power line networks.

In the following, a method of transferring a master existing in the power line network will be described. Here, in the transition of the master, the master that is already the master in the power line network and finally transitions to the device according to the following procedure is replaced by the old master 3, and the old master is finally replaced by the following procedure according to the following procedure and transitions to the master. New master 4,
Then, the master function is disabled, and what currently functions as a device is defined as a potential master.

The transfer of the master largely involves the following two steps.

Step A: The master 4 enters the power line network.

Step B: Transition from potential master of master 4 to new master.

Hereinafter, the flow of the master 4 in step A will be described. Here, the old master 3 and the new master 4
Has a master function enable / disable switch button 15 in addition to a modem, a processing unit, a memory, and an operation state switch button equivalent to the master 1 in FIG. 2 as shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is used.

The second embodiment of the present invention having the above configuration
The embodiment will be described below.

The user presses down the master function enable / disable switch button 15 of the new master 4 while holding down the power line 10.
Connect to 0. With this operation, the master function of the new master 4 is invalidated, and the house code and the master address recorded in the memory 13 are deleted. Then, the new master 4 automatically transitions to the house code standby mode,
In the same sequence described in the above embodiment, the house code and the formal address of the old master 3 are set from the old master 3.

Here, the flow of the house code / address setting in the old master 3 is the same as that in FIG. 4 of the above embodiment.

Hereinafter, the flow of the old master 3 in step B will be described with reference to FIG.

When the old master 3 receives the address table request command from the new master 4 which is the current potential master, the old master 3 adds the address table request command to the new master 4 which is the current potential master.
The address table is transmitted (STEP B1-1).

Here, the address table is the old master 3
Addresses assigned to and managed by the other devices 2a to 2n, address assignment information indicating whether an address has been assigned to the device or not, and a device that responds to the response request command of the old master 3. Are recorded in the memory 13 in association with the number of non-responses for each address.

Further, when the old master 3 receives a request for changing to a free address and a request for invalidating the master function from the new master 4 currently transitioning from the potential master to the new master, the old master 3 changes the address from the master address to the free address. To the master function and disable the master function (STE
PB1-2).

When the old master 3 succeeds in the address change and the switching of the master function, the old master 3 transmits an address setting completion to the new master 4 currently transitioning from the potential master to the new master (STEP B1-3).

When the old master 3 receives an ACK from the new master 4 which is currently shifting from the potential master to the new master, the old master 3 shifts to the normal mode, and the shift of the master function of the old master is completed.

Hereinafter, the flow of the new master 4 in step B will be described with reference to FIG.

New master 4 which is a potential master at this time
Transmits an address table request command to the master address when both the operation state switching button 14 and the master function enable / disable switching button 15 are simultaneously pressed for X seconds or more by the user (STEP B2-).
1).

The reason why the user must press both the operation state switching button 14 and the master function enable / disable switching button 15 simultaneously for a predetermined time or more is that the user inadvertently inadvertently shifts the master function. This is in order to prevent doing.

Subsequently, upon receiving the address table corresponding to the address table request command from the old master 3, the new master 4, which is transitioning from the potential master to the new master, sets and records this address table,
An empty address is searched from this address table, and an address change to this empty address and a master function invalidation request are transmitted to the old master 3 addressed to the master address (S).
TEP B2-2).

Further, upon receiving the address setting completion from the old master 3, the new master 4, which is in transition from the potential master to the new master, changes its own address from the current address to the master address and performs the master function. Is enabled (STEP B2-3).

The new master 4, which is in transition from the potential master to the new master, sends an ACK to the old master 3 when the address change and the switching of the master function are successful, shifts to the normal mode, and switches to the new master. The transfer of the master function on the side is completed.

In this embodiment, the operation state switching button 14 typified by a push button is taken as the operation state switching means by the user. However, in addition to the direct button input by the user, for example, an infrared remote controller or the like is used. The same effect can be obtained in the present invention by transmitting an operation state switching command to the master and switching the operation state of the master.

Similarly, as the master function valid / invalid switching means, a master function valid / invalid switching command is transmitted to the master by means of, for example, an infrared remote controller in addition to the direct button input by the user, and the master function valid / invalid. The same effect can be obtained in the present invention even if the setting is switched.

Note that the procedure for shifting the master function is as follows.
The error processing procedures are recorded in the processing units 12 of the old and new masters 3 and 4, respectively.

The master can be a dedicated device having only a master function for setting a house code and an address in another device, or a device having a function other than the master function can obtain the same effects in the present invention. .

In the power line network, even if a blocking filter is installed between the outside of the house and the inside of the house, or between the systems, the master exchange operation is performed in the same network. Has the same effect.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are external views of an example of the master 1, the old master 3, the new master 4, and the device 2a.

As shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b), the status of the master house code address setting and the status of the house code / address setting of the device 2a are clearly indicated to the user by the LEDs 16 and 17 as notification means. The buzzer 18 or the like may notify the user of the completion of the house code and address setting. Also, when the house code / address setting fails due to a failure such as a communication error, or when an unexpected house code / address setting occurs, the status may be notified by the LEDs 16, 17 or the buzzer 18.

Here, as the notification means, the LED 16 is defined as a type monitor LED, the master is turned on, the devices other than the master are turned off, and the device 16 is turned on and off when shifting from the master to the device or from the device to the master. And the type monitor L
The ED clearly indicates that the device is a master, a device other than the master, or a transition.

The LED 17 is connected to the operation mode monitor LE.
D, the master is turned on when the house code address is set, the device is turned on when the house code address is set, and is normally turned off. Further, when an error occurs, the operation mode monitor LED blinks. Then, the current operation state of the master or the device is specified by the operation mode monitor LED.

As a result, there is an effect that the user can easily determine whether or not to reset the house code address and whether or not to perform a hardware reset (hard reset).

The master 1, the old master 3, and the new master 4
Code / address setting status in the device and device 2a, type monitor LED and operation mode monitor LED
4, 5, 9, and 1 in association with the lighting / flashing states of
0 is shown.

(Third Embodiment) Next, as a third embodiment of the power line communication network setting system and the power line communication network setting method of the present invention, the master 1
From the information recorded in the address table,
A method of deleting the address assigned to 2n according to the connection state of the devices 2a to 2n to the power line network will be described.

The configurations of the master 1 and the devices 2a to 2n are the same as those shown in FIGS. However, as in the second embodiment, the master 1 has an address table for managing the addresses of the devices 2a to 2n.

Here, in the following procedure, in the connection state of the power line network of the device, the method of making the assigned address determined to have been deleted from the power line network by the master 1 a subject of reassignment is as follows. There is an effect that can be used effectively.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the address table 30 held by the master 1 having a function of setting a house code and an address for the other devices 2a to 2n connected to the power line network.

Here, the address table 30 contains an address assigned and managed by the master 1 to the other devices 2a to 2n, and an address assignment to the device indicating whether the address has been assigned to the device or not. The information and the number of non-response request commands of the device in response to the response request command of the master 1 are recorded in the memory 13 in association with each address.

The master 1 checks the number of assigned addresses from the address assignment information for the device in the address table 30 held by the master 1 at a predetermined timing (ST).
EP3-1).

Here, new devices are sequentially connected to the power line network, and the number of assigned addresses assigned to the devices by the master 1 is, for example, half (N) of the maximum number of assignable addresses (M) of the master 1. When the master 1 determines that it has exceeded (STEP 3-2), it transmits a response request command for requesting a response to the master sequentially to the assigned address at a predetermined cycle (a fixed cycle once every X time). (STEP
3-3).

When a response to the response request command is not obtained, the master 1 increases the number of response request command non-responses recorded in the address table, which is associated with the assigned address from which no response is obtained, by one. Further, the master 1 continues to check the number of assigned addresses at a predetermined timing and determines that the number of assigned addresses has exceeded a predetermined value (Y) (STEP 3-).
4) The number of response request command non-responses recorded in the address table 30 in association with each assigned address is checked. Then, the address assignment information for the device associated with the address whose response request command non-response count is equal to or greater than a predetermined value is changed from the assigned to the unassigned (STE).
P3-5). Here, the reason for changing the address assignment information to the device associated with the address corresponding to the address equal to or greater than a predetermined value from the assigned to the non-assigned number of times of the response request command non-response is that the response to the response request command is changed. The reason why the device is not returned is to judge that the device has left the power line network for a certain predetermined time or more.

Then, an address whose address assignment information is changed from assigned to unassigned is reassigned to a device newly connected to the power line 400 in the future. As a result, in an address system in which the number of addresses to be assigned and managed is limited, address resources can be effectively used.

It is to be noted that the master 1 has the address table 3
The processing procedure for deleting the addresses assigned to the devices 2a to 2n recorded in 0 according to the connection status of the devices to the power line network is recorded in the master 1, including the error processing procedure.

The master 1 may be a dedicated device having only a master function for setting a house code and an address to the other devices 2a to 2n, or may be a device having a function other than the master function, in this embodiment. Similar effects can be obtained.

The address table 30 contains not the number of times the response request command has not been responded, but the response request command transmission time, which is the time when the master itself transmitted the response request command, and the response of the device to the response request command. The response reception time at which the response was received or the response time information included in the response from the device is sequentially updated and recorded for each address,
At this time, the response request command transmission time is compared with the response reception time or the response time information for each address, and an address of a device that has not received a response to the response request command for a predetermined time or more is deleted. Even in this case, an effect similar to that described above, in which an address is deleted based on the number of times a response request command has not been responded, can be obtained. In addition, as described below, based on the number of times the response request command is transmitted, the address assignment information of a device that does not return the response request command a predetermined number of times or more may be modified from assigned to unassigned. The same effect can be obtained.

FIG. 17 shows the flow of processing in response request command transmission times.

The master 1 records the number of times the response request command has been transmitted at the present time, and also records
At 730, the number of response request command transmissions in response to the response request command is sequentially updated and recorded for each address.

When the master 1 determines that the difference between the current number of response request command transmissions recorded by itself and the number of response request command transmissions recorded for each address in the address table 1730 exceeds a predetermined value, the master 1 The address assignment information for the device, which is associated with the address where the difference in the number of times of request command transmission exceeds a certain predetermined value, is changed from assigned to unassigned. Note that the difference between the current number of response request command transmissions recorded by the master 1 itself and the number of response request command transmissions recorded for each address in the address table 30 is deleted from the power line network, and This is because a response to the response request command cannot be returned. Here, by adjusting the determination value of the difference for changing the address assignment information from the assigned to the unassigned to the device, the period during which the address is reused and which is considered to be removed from the power line network and not connected. Can be adjusted. Further, the magnitude of the predetermined value to be compared with the number of times the response request command is transmitted and the difference between the number of times the response request command is transmitted may be arbitrarily set by the user.

In the present power line network, even when a blocking filter is installed between the outside of the house and the inside of the house or between the systems, the master exchange operation is performed in the same network. Similar effects can be obtained.

(Fourth Embodiment) Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a house code setting system of a power line communication control system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 13, a power line communication control system according to the present invention includes a control terminal 200 connected to a power line 100.
And a plurality of controlled terminals 300 connected to the power line 100
To n.

The control terminal 200 includes a house code providing unit 210, a house code providing mode transition interface 220, and a power line communication processing unit 230.

The house code assigning means 210 has a non-volatile memory (not shown), in which a temporary house code unique to the world and a unique house code common to other control terminals and controlled terminals at the time of factory shipment or the like. The power line communication processing unit 230 assigns the house code that is stored in advance to the controlled terminals 300 to n connected to the power line 100 by the power line communication processing unit 230 by the provisional house code. Communication with the control terminals 300 to n or between the controlled terminals 300 to n via the power line 100 can be performed.

The house code assignment mode transition interface 220 provides a user interface for shifting to the house code assignment mode. The house code assignment mode transition interface 220 can be configured by switches and buttons that can be directly operated by the user. At this time, the house code assignment mode transition interface 220 can be configured as a communication interface or an application software interface such as a personal computer, and can be operated by a user operation from an application screen on a display of the personal computer. However, in the above configuration, the controlled terminals 300 to
The configuration relating to the address setting for distinguishing 600 and n from each other is omitted for simplicity.

The operation of the power line communication control system according to this embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described below, and an embodiment of the power line communication network setting system of the present invention will be described.

By the user's operation of the house code assignment mode transition interface 220, the control terminal 200
When the mode is shifted to the house code provision mode, the operation of the house code provision means 210 is started.

On the other hand, the controlled terminal n includes a house code holding unit n1, a house code setting unit n2, and a power line communication processing unit n3.
Is a type of memory capable of holding a house code even when the power is turned off. The controlled terminal n is a power line 10
When entering the network constituted by 0, only the provisional house code is set in the house code holding means n1, and the house code is not set.

The controlled terminal n checks whether a house code is set in the house code holding means n1 at the same time as connection to the power line 100. If a house code is not set, the provisional house code is When the setting is detected, the mode is switched to the house code setting mode simultaneously with the connection to the power line 100, and the operation of the house code setting means n2 is started.

House code assigning means 2 of control terminal 200
10 starts the operation, the power line communication processing unit 230,
The control terminal 200 transfers a house code announcement data periodic transmission request including data of a house code held in advance by the control terminal 200.

[0165] The power line communication processing section 230 receives a request for periodic transmission of house code announcement data from the house code providing means 210, and transmits house code announcement data to the power line 100 by simultaneous broadcast.

House code setting means n2 of controlled terminal n
When the operation is started, the power line communication processing unit n3 is set to receive the house code announcement data from the power line 100, and receives the house code announcement data received from the power line 100 from the power line communication processing unit n3.

The house code setting means n2 counts up the number of times the house code announcement data has been received, and sets the number of times the house code announcement data having the same house code contained in the house code announcement data has been received consecutively as the number of times the house code announcement data has been received. The number of consecutive receptions within a predetermined period exceeds the set value of the number of consecutive receptions, and the house code included in the house code announcement data is replaced with the provisional house code. Instead, it is set in the house code holding means n1, and the house code setting mode ends. At this time, if the house code setting means n2 receives a plurality of house code announcement data including house codes different from each other within the predetermined period, the house code setting means n2 discards both house codes regardless of the reception order, Pause setting and receiving operations. The period of the suspension may be set arbitrarily by the user, or may be restarted by the user. As a result, at the time of setting, for example, house code announcement data from a control terminal installed in
Can be avoided to some extent.

At this time, the controlled terminal n stops the operation of the house code providing means 210 of the control terminal 200 by transmitting a stop command for stopping the operation of the house code providing means 12 of the control terminal 200. You may do so. As a result, a situation in which house code announcement data is set in a controlled terminal installed in a neighboring house or the like at the time of setting can be avoided to some extent.

After the controlled terminal n finishes the house code setting mode, the communication processing unit n3 sets the house code held in the house code holding means n1 and the power line 100
Compare with the house code included in the data flowing above,
A process of discarding data in which the house code held in the house code holding means n1 is not the same as the house code included in the data flowing on the power line 100 is performed.

Further, the controlled terminal n adds the house code held in the house code holding means n1 to the data to be transmitted on the power line and transmits the data. This enables communication with only the terminal having the same house code, and prevents interference from a terminal of another system connected to the power line 100.

The house code setting means n2 compares the preset house code announcement data reception time setting value with the elapsed time since the start of the operation of the house code setting means n2. When the elapsed time from the start of the operation exceeds the house code announcement data reception time set value, the operation of the house code setting means n2 is ended.

[0172] The control terminal 20
A value of 0 makes it possible to set a house code from a plurality of control terminals within a fixed time without setting one to one for a plurality of controlled terminals or allocating different addresses to each other. In addition, since the setting is performed by receiving the house code announcement data for setting a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period, noise input via a power line or house code announcement data from another control terminal is not included. It is possible to avoid erroneous settings in the case of simultaneous input.

In the above operation, the house code announcement data has been described as including the house code. However, once the controlled terminal n once obtains the house code announcement data, the control terminal 200 renews the house code announcement data. Only the code may be transmitted.

The preset number of continuous reception times set by the house code setting means n2 may be arbitrarily changed by the user. The predetermined period required for reception may also be set arbitrarily.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a house code setting system of a power line communication control system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the drawings, the same portions or corresponding portions have the same reference characters allotted, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated. 24a and 24b are setting IDs
Input means.

The operation of the power line communication control system according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration is basically the same as that of the fourth embodiment, except that the control terminal 200 and the controlled terminal n Before the exchange of house code announcement data, the above operation is performed after the user sets a predetermined setting ID to the control terminal 200 and the controlled terminal n using the setting ID input means 24a and 24b. It is something to do.

Thus, the house code providing means 210 of the control terminal 200 stores the setting ID together with the house code in the house code announcement data, and
The house code announcement data is transmitted by simultaneous broadcast above. House code setting means n2 of controlled terminal n
Receives the house code announcement data. At this time, the house code setting means n2 compares the setting ID included in the received house code announcement data with the setting ID set in its own setting ID input means. If they match, the house code included in the house code announcement data is set in the house code holding means n1 instead of the provisional house code, and the house code setting mode is ended. Pause.

The setting ID has such a complexity that the user can arbitrarily set it, and may have a data amount of about 3 bits.

Thus, it is possible to prevent the user from accepting house code setting from a control terminal belonging to another group that the user does not want, and interference with a neighbor transmitting house code announcement data using another control terminal is prevented. In such a situation, the same house code announcement data transmitted from another control terminal is
It is possible to completely prevent an erroneous setting such as being set to.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an address setting system of a power line communication control system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

The controlled terminal n is house code holding means n
1, a house code setting unit n2, a self-address storage unit n5, a pseudo-random data generation unit n6, a power line communication processing unit n3, and a transmission address request data storage unit n7. The self-address storage means n5 stores in advance a provisional address designated in advance to temporarily identify the self-node, and is configured by a type of memory capable of holding the address even when the power is turned off. .

On the other hand, the control terminal 200 comprises an address table storage unit 250, a power line communication processing unit 230, and a house code adding unit 210. The address table storage unit 250 stores the controlled terminals 300 to n2. This is a type of memory that holds a plurality of formal addresses assigned to the server and can hold a plurality of formal addresses even when the power is turned off.

The power line communication processing unit n3 of the controlled terminal n
House code setting means n1 is house code holding means n
After setting the house code in the address 2, address request data is formed from the provisional address stored in the self-address storage means n5 and the pseudo-random data generated by the pseudo-random data generation means n6. Transmit on line 100. The transmission address request data storage means n7 holds the pseudo random data included in the address request data transmitted to the control terminal 200.

Power line communication control section 230 of control terminal 200
When the address request data is received, the operation of the house code providing unit 210 is stopped by requesting the house code providing unit 210 to end the house code providing mode.

Further, the power line communication control unit 230 refers to the plurality of addresses stored in the address table storage unit 250, determines a non-overlapping formal address, and includes the formal address and the received address request data. Address setting data is formed from the temporary address and the pseudo-random data and transmitted over the power line 100.

The power line communication processing unit n3 of the controlled terminal n
The address setting data is received, and the house code included in the address setting data and the house code held in the house code holding means n1 are compared with each other. , Is compared with the pseudo-random data held in the transmission address request data storage means, and when the matching result is the same,
The address setting data is specified as address request data addressed to itself, and the formal address included in the address request data is stored in the self address storage means n5 instead of the temporary address held in the self address storage means n5.

By the above series of cooperative operations, it is possible to set an address for a terminal that wants to use the power line communication control function.

According to the above embodiments of the present invention, the controlled terminal is connected to the power line by operating the interface of the control terminal at the same time that the controlled terminal is connected to the power line. Alone, the house code can be set, and the user simultaneously operates the interface of the control terminal and connects the controlled terminal to the power line, thereby causing data interference from the neighbor and data transmission to the neighbor. Even in a power line system where there is a leak, there is a possibility that the house code of the control terminal of the neighbor is erroneously set to the controlled terminal of the neighbor, and the house code of the control terminal is erroneously set to the house code of the control terminal of the neighbor. Can be reduced.

[0189] Further, since only one house code needs to be allocated to each control terminal only for each home, house code management becomes extremely easy. Furthermore, since the address is automatically set immediately after setting the house code, the user does not need to be conscious of the management of the address.
Further, it is possible to prevent a duplicate address from being set due to an erroneous operation.

In the above description, the operation of the first or fifth embodiment and the operation of the sixth embodiment have been described as being performed in chronological order. Is not limited to this, and the house code setting and the address setting may be performed simultaneously. That is, the house code announcement data and the address setting data are sent simultaneously or with the house code announcement data having the contents of the address setting data and sent to the temporary address. The operation of the sixth embodiment and the operation of the sixth embodiment may be realized in a unified manner.

In the description of each of the above embodiments,
The house code announcement data corresponds to the house code notification of the present invention, and the address request command corresponds to the address setting request of the present invention.

In the above description, the operation of setting the house code and the operation of setting the address have been described as being performed in chronological order. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The setting of the house code and the setting of the address may be performed simultaneously. In other words, the house code announcement data and the address setting data are sent simultaneously or with the house code announcement data having the contents of the address setting data and sent to the temporary address, so that the house code setting operation and the address setting operation are performed. May be realized in a unified manner.

The present invention relates to an apparatus having a master function for setting a house code or an address to another apparatus of the present invention, and means (or an apparatus, The program may be a program for causing a computer to execute the functions of elements, circuits, units, and the like, and may be a program that operates in cooperation with the computer.

Further, the present invention is a medium holding a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described functions of the present invention. The program is readable by a computer, and the program read by the computer cooperates with the computer to execute the function. It may be a medium that performs a function.

A computer-readable recording medium on which the program of the present invention is recorded is also included in the present invention.

[0196] One use form of the program of the present invention may be a form in which the program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and operates in cooperation with the computer.

[0197] One embodiment of the program of the present invention may be a mode in which the program is transmitted through a transmission medium, read by a computer, and operates in cooperation with the computer.

The data structure of the present invention includes a database, a data format, a data table, a data list, a type of data, and the like.

The recording medium includes a ROM and the like, and the transmission medium includes a transmission mechanism such as the Internet,
Light, radio waves, sound waves, etc. are included.

Also, the computer of the present invention described above
It is not limited to pure hardware such as a CPU, but may include firmware, an OS, and peripheral devices.

As described above, the configuration of the present invention may be realized by software or hardware.

[0202]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention makes it unnecessary to assign a unique address in advance, and does not need to set an address without duplication at the time of installation. be able to.

Further, it is possible to easily perform address management and connection device management after setting.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a power line communication network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a master according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for setting a house code address of a master according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of setting a house code address of a device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a power line network according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a new master and an old master according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a transition to a master device according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of transition of a potential master to a new master according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11A is an external view of a master according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 11B is an external view of a device according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for deleting an address in an address table according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a communication setting system in a power line network according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a communication setting system in a power line network according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of a power line communication control system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a communication sequence for setting a house code address between a master and a device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example of the address deletion flow of the address table according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Master 2a-2n apparatus 3 Old master 4 New master 11,21 Modem 12,22 Processing part 13,23 Memory 14,24 Operation state switch button 15 Master function enable / disable switch button 16 Type monitor LED 17 Operation mode monitor LED 18 Buzzer 19, 24 Setting ID input means 100 Power line 110 Pseudo random data generation means

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Akira Kouji 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Kazuma, Osaka Prefecture F-term in Matsushita Soft Research Inc. (reference) 5K033 BA01 CB04 DA01 DB23 EC02 EC04 5K034 AA06 EE10 FF02 HH01 HH02 HH11 LL01 5K046 AA03 BA00 BB05 PS31 PS47 YY01

Claims (34)

[Claims] 1. A communication setting method for a communication network system for performing data communication between a plurality of devices via a power line, wherein the first setting device of the communication network system uniquely sets the communication network system. A communication setting method, wherein a house code notification including a house code to be transmitted is transmitted to a second device of the communication network system a plurality of times at a first predetermined time. 2. The communication setting method according to claim 1, wherein the house code notification includes identification information that can be received by an apparatus for which a house code has not been set. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second device acquires the house code when the house code notification is received a predetermined number of times continuously at a second predetermined time. Communication setting method. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second device discards the received house code when receiving a house code notification including a different house code at the second predetermined time. Communication setting method. 5. The second device, after holding the house code, transmits an address setting request including a terminal identification code for uniquely identifying itself to the first device. The communication setting method according to claim 3, wherein 6. The first device, when receiving the address setting request, transmits the terminal address of the second device to the second device together with the terminal identification code. 5. The communication setting method according to 5. 7. The communication setting method according to claim 1, wherein the first device starts transmitting a house code notification by a user operation. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second device is in a state of waiting for a house code notification when a house code is not set when the power is turned on. Communication setting method. 9. A communication network system for performing data communication between a plurality of devices including a first device and a second device via a power line, wherein the first device is configured to perform communication with the communication network system. House code storing means for storing a house code to be uniquely set, and a house code notification including the house code,
Transmitting means for transmitting to the apparatus a plurality of times at a predetermined time; the second apparatus receiving means for receiving the house code notification transmitted from the first apparatus; and the house code. A communication network system comprising: a house code acquisition unit that acquires the house code when the notification is received a predetermined number of times continuously at a second predetermined time. 10. An apparatus connected to a communication network system for performing data communication via a power line, wherein the communication network system sends a house code notification including a house code to be uniquely set to the communication network system. A plurality of transmissions at a predetermined time to a second device connected to the device. 11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the house code notification includes identification information that can be received by an apparatus for which a house code has not been set. 12. When receiving an address setting request including a terminal identification code for uniquely identifying the second device,
The device according to claim 10, wherein the terminal address of the second device is transmitted to the second device together with the terminal identification code. 13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein transmission of the house code notification is started by a user operation. 14. An apparatus connected to a communication network for performing data communication via a power line, wherein a house to be uniquely set for the communication network system from another apparatus connected to the communication network system. An apparatus for receiving a house code notification including a code. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the house code is acquired when the house code notification is continuously received a predetermined number of times at a predetermined time. 16. When receiving a house code notification including a different house code at the predetermined time, the received house code is discarded.
The described device. 17. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, after holding said house code, an address setting request including a terminal identification code for uniquely identifying itself is transmitted to said another apparatus. 18. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein when the power is turned on, if a house code has not been set, the apparatus enters a state of waiting for reception of a house code notification. 19. A method for transferring a master function of a device connected to a communication network system for performing data communication between a plurality of devices via a power line, wherein the master function sets a house code or a terminal address in another device. A first device having an address table for holding the master function and a terminal address that can be assigned to another device,
When receiving an address table transmission request indicating a request for transmission of the address table from the device, the address table is transmitted to the second device, and the second device receives the address table, The address table is searched for a free address that is a terminal address that can be assigned to the first device, and a request for changing the terminal address to the free address and a request for disabling the master function are sent to the first device. Transmitting, when the first device changes its own terminal address to the empty address and invalidates the master function, the second device activates its own master function. How to transfer the master function. 20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the second device transmits an address table transmission request indicating a request for transmitting the address table to the first device by a user operation. How to transfer the master function of the device. 21. A communication network for performing data communication via a power line between a plurality of devices including a first device and a second device having a master function and a terminal address as a function of setting a house code or a terminal address. In the system, the first device holds an address table that holds a terminal address that can be given to another device; a unit that receives an address table transmission request indicating a request for transmission of the address table; Means for transmitting an address table, wherein the second device is configured to transmit the address table transmission request, to receive the address table, and to be given to another device from the received address table. Means for searching for a free address which is a terminal address, and changing the terminal address to the free address And a means for transmitting a request for invalidating the master function. The second device, when the first device changes a terminal address to the free address and invalidates the master function. A communication network system characterized by enabling its own master function. 22. An apparatus having a master function connected to a communication network system for performing data communication via a power line, wherein the master function is a function of setting a house code or a terminal address to another apparatus. Means for storing an address table holding terminal addresses that can be assigned to other devices; means for receiving an address table transmission request indicating a request for transmission of the address table; and the address table based on the address table transmission request. Transmitting means for transmitting the information. 23. Upon receiving a terminal address, a change request to the terminal address, and a request to invalidate the master function, the terminal changes its own terminal address to the received terminal address and invalidates the master function. 23. The device according to claim 22, wherein: 24. The apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising transmitting an address setting completion notification indicating that the address change to the received terminal address and the setting for disabling the master function have been completed. 25. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the address table further includes address assignment information indicating whether a terminal address has been assigned. 26. An apparatus having a master function connected to a communication network system for performing data communication via a power line, wherein the master function is a function of setting a house code or a terminal address to another apparatus. Means for acquiring an address table holding a terminal address that can be assigned to another device; extracting a terminal address to be assigned to another device from the address table; requesting a change to the terminal address and the terminal address; An apparatus comprising means for transmitting a request to disable a master function of another apparatus having a master function. 27. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the address table further includes address assignment information indicating whether a terminal address has been assigned to the apparatus. 28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the master function is enabled after receiving the address setting completion notification. 29. An apparatus connected to a communication network system for performing data communication between a plurality of apparatuses via a power line, the terminal address of another apparatus and an address indicating whether or not the terminal address has been assigned. An apparatus which holds an address table including assignment information, and periodically transmits a response request to another apparatus when the address assignment information is equal to or more than a predetermined number. 30. The address table, for each assigned terminal address, records the number of no-responses to the response request, and the address assignment information corresponding to a terminal address for which the number of no-responses exceeds a predetermined value. 30. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the device is changed from already-applied to not-applied. A program for causing a computer to transmit a house code notification including a house code a plurality of times at a predetermined time. 32. A program for causing a computer to realize a function of acquiring a house code when a house code notification including a house code is continuously received a predetermined number of times at a predetermined time. 33. A medium carrying the program according to claim 31, wherein the medium can be processed by a computer. 34. A medium carrying the program according to claim 32, wherein the medium can be processed by a computer.