JP2005084804A - Sensor base device, control method therefor, and sensor system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sensor base device that can reduce power consumption. <P>SOLUTION: The sensor base device 1 comprises a control part 30 for receiving sensor signals from a plurality of sensor devices, identifying the sensor devices having sent the sensor signals by sensor device IDs included in the sensor signals, generating, for each of the plurality of sensor devices [i] (i=1 to N), a reception control signal [i] indicating either a reception period of waiting to receive the sensor signal [i] sent by the sensor device [i] or a reception stop period of refusing to receive the sensor signal [i] in response to the reception state of the sensor signal [i] sent by each sensor device [i] so that the duration of a given waiting time from the reception of the sensor signal [i] is the reception stop period, and generating a power down signal to stop reception by a radio reception part 20 for the period when all the reception control signals [i] (i=1 to N) indicate the reception stop period. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is used in a sensor system that collects information on living bodies such as humans and animals, and in particular, a measurement result is obtained from a sensor device that is attached to a living body such as a human and animal and wirelessly notifies the result of measuring information. The present invention relates to a sensor base apparatus suitable for use in collection, a control method thereof, and a sensor system.

As a background technology of the present invention, there is one described in Patent Document 1. In the sensor described in this document, the sensor is operated by power supply from the battery until the biological information measurement unit measures the biological information and wirelessly transmits the transmission from the transmission unit to the outside. The power supply is stopped to prevent the sensor from operating. This prevents the battery from being consumed unnecessarily inside the sensor.
JP-A-11-126293

  With the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to reduce the power consumption on the sensor side. However, there was no effect on the reduction in power consumption of the sensor base device that collects the measurement results notified wirelessly from the sensors. For this reason, there is a problem that the power consumed by the sensor base device is large.

  In particular, in order to reduce the size and power of the sensor, it is effective to reduce the wireless transmission power of the sensor. However, since the distance between the sensor and the sensor base device is shortened at this time, for example, in order to receive a radio signal transmitted from a sensor attached to a human body, the sensor base device also needs to be carried. For this reason, the capacity of the battery built in the sensor base device is restricted. Therefore, there is a problem that the time that the sensor base device can be used without battery replacement is short.

  This invention is made | formed in view of said situation, and it aims at providing the sensor base apparatus which can reduce power consumption, its control method, and a sensor system.

  In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a sensor base device that receives a signal from a sensor device that wirelessly transmits a sensor signal including a sensor value obtained by measuring predetermined information. Means for receiving a sensor signal from the sensor device and identifying the sensor device that has transmitted the sensor signal according to sensor device identification information included in the received sensor signal; and a plurality of sensor devices [i] (i = 1 ... N ), In accordance with the reception state of the sensor signal [i] transmitted by each sensor device [i], a reception period waiting for reception of the sensor signal [i] transmitted by the sensor device [i], and the sensor signal [i] The reception control signal [i] indicating one of the reception stop periods in which the reception of i] is not awaited is defined as the reception stop period from when the sensor signal [i] is received until a predetermined waiting time elapses. And the reception control signal In [i] (i = 1 ... N) period showing all reception stop period, characterized in that it comprises a means for stopping the reception.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the reception control signal [i] is a reception period in which the reception of the sensor signal [i] is awaited in accordance with a predetermined condition, and the reception stop in which the reception of the sensor signal [i] is not awaited. The period is generated so as to be repeated at predetermined time intervals.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a sensor base device that receives a signal from a sensor device that wirelessly transmits a sensor signal including a sensor value obtained by measuring predetermined information. The process of receiving the sensor signal and identifying the sensor device that has transmitted the sensor signal according to the sensor device identification information included in the received sensor signal, and each of the plurality of sensor devices [i] (i = 1 ... N) In accordance with the reception state of the sensor signal [i] transmitted by each sensor device [i], a reception period for waiting for reception of the sensor signal [i] transmitted by the sensor device [i] and reception of the sensor signal [i] A process of generating a reception control signal [i] indicating any one of a reception stop period that does not wait for a reception stop period from when the sensor signal [i] is received until a predetermined waiting time elapses Receive control signal [i] (i = 1 ... N) In a period indicating the reception stop period Te, characterized in that it comprises a step of stopping the reception.

  The invention according to claim 4 includes a sensor device that wirelessly transmits a sensor signal including a sensor value obtained by measuring predetermined information, and sensor signals from a plurality of sensor devices, and is included in the received sensor signal. A sensor signal transmitted by each sensor device [i] for each of a plurality of sensor devices [i] (i = 1... N) Depending on the reception state of [i], either a reception period for waiting for reception of the sensor signal [i] transmitted by the sensor device [i] or a reception stop period for not waiting for reception of the sensor signal [i] Means for generating the reception control signal [i] to be a reception stop period from when the sensor signal [i] is received until a predetermined waiting time elapses, and the reception control signal [i] (i = 1 ... N) stop receiving in the period that all indicate the reception suspension period Characterized in that it comprises a sensor base unit and a stage.

  When receiving a sensor signal periodically transmitted by a plurality of sensor devices, it is possible to easily determine whether to wait for reception in accordance with the cycle of the sensor signal and to stop the sensor signal. Can be powered down. Therefore, the power consumption of the means for receiving the radio signal can be reduced, and efficient power management is possible.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a sensor base apparatus as the first embodiment of the present invention. The sensor base device 1 shown in FIG. 1 receives a sensor signal transmitted wirelessly by one or more sensor devices (not shown). Here, the sensor device measures predetermined information by sensor means included in each sensor device, and transmits a sensor signal including a sensor value obtained as a measurement result. This sensor signal includes a sensor device ID (identification code) for identifying each sensor device.

  The sensor means detects one or more of various physical quantities such as sound, light, temperature, current, acceleration, mass, etc., converts them into a predetermined signal (sensor value) such as a digital signal, and outputs it. Using this sensor means, for example, information related to a living body such as a human or an animal is measured, and the measurement result is output as a sensor value. Each sensor device also has wireless transmission means for wirelessly transmitting a sensor signal including a sensor value measured by the sensor means.

  The sensor base device 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a wireless reception unit 10, a reception processing unit 20, a control unit 30, and a power supply unit 40.

  The radio reception unit 10 receives a radio signal using a radio reception unit included in the radio reception unit, and outputs it as a reception signal. The wireless reception unit 10 also reduces power consumption by stopping the function of the wireless reception unit in response to the power down signal.

  The reception processing unit 20 wirelessly transmits the reception signal output from the wireless reception unit 10 from a plurality of sensor devices [i] (i = 1... N (N is a natural number of 2 or more)) not shown. When the received sensor signal [i] is included, N reception timings (pulse signals) [i] are output according to the input of each sensor signal [i]. At this time, it is confirmed that a sensor device ID [i] (ID is an identification code) preset in a predetermined format is written at a predetermined position in the received signal, and the received signal is transmitted from the sensor device [i]. It recognizes that it is the transmitted center signal [i]. In addition, a predetermined sensor signal reception process is performed on the sensor signal [i]. As the predetermined sensor signal reception process, for example, there is a process of collecting information included in the sensor signal and creating information to notify an external center (not shown).

  The control unit 30 receives the reception timing [i] (i = 1 ... N) output from the reception processing unit 20 and generates a power-down signal. The control unit 30 generates N reception control signals [i] whose reception stop period is from the input of the reception timing [i] until the waiting time Tw [i] elapses. In the period when all of the reception control signals [i] (i = 1... N) indicate the reception stop period, the radio reception unit 10 is instructed to stop reception by the power down signal.

  Note that the reception processing unit 20 or the control unit 30 may be a logic circuit, a CPU (central processing unit), a RAM, as a single unit, or as a whole or part of the wireless reception unit 10, the reception processing unit 20, or the control unit 30. (Random access memory), a storage circuit such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a signal processing device including a part or a plurality of clock oscillation circuits. For example, the control unit 30 or the like performs predetermined signal processing by the operation of a logic circuit or by executing a program recorded in a ROM or the like.

  The power supply unit 40 includes a storage battery and the like, and supplies power to the wireless reception unit 10, the reception processing unit 20, and the control unit 30.

  The power-down signal is a signal for instructing whether or not to power down the wireless reception unit 10 (reducing power consumption by stopping the reception function of the wireless reception unit 10). Output to the unit 10.

  The received signal is a radio signal converted into a format that can be easily processed by the reception processing unit 20, and may include the sensor signal [i] transmitted from the sensor device [i] (i = 1 ... N). Signal.

  The reception timing [i] (i = 1 ... N) is a signal indicating the timing at which the sensor signal [i] transmitted from the sensor device [i] is received.

  Next, a configuration example of the control unit 30 of the sensor base device 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 30 shown in FIG. 2 includes N sensor-specific control units [i] (i = 1... N) 31-1 to 31 -N and a calculation unit 32.

  The sensor-specific control units [i] 31-1 to 31-N generate reception control signals [i] for the sensor devices [i]. Each pulse of the reception timing [i] indicates that the sensor signal [i] transmitted from the sensor device [i] has been received. The sensor-specific control unit [i] generates a reception control signal [i] for each sensor device [i] based on the pulse of the reception timing [i]. In the reception control signal [i], a period “1” indicates a reception period for receiving the sensor signal [i], and a period “0” indicates a reception stop period.

  The arithmetic unit 32 inputs each reception control signal [i], performs a logical sum operation of negative logic outputs, and outputs a power-down signal. In other words, the power-down signal is “1” only when the reception control signals [i] (i = 1... N) all indicate “0” (reception stop period). 0 ”. When the power down signal is “1”, power down is performed to stop the function of the wireless receiving unit 10.

  FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the control unit 30 shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, time Ts [i] is a sensor signal transmission cycle by the sensor device [i]. The waiting time Tw [i] is the time of the reception stop period of the reception control signal [i], and is made smaller than Ts [i] ± error. The reception control signal [i] changes to “1” (reception period) when the waiting time Tw [i] elapses after the reception timing [i] changes to “0”. The reception control signal [i] changes to “0” (reception stop period) according to the pulse input of the reception timing [i]. When there is no pulse input at the reception timing [i], the reception control signal [i] = 1 is continued.

  Next, another configuration example (referred to as a control unit 30a) of the control unit 30 of the sensor base device 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 30a shown in FIG. 4 includes N sensor-specific control units [i] (i = 1 ... N) 31a-1 to 31a-N, a calculation unit 32, and a reception control timer 33. ing.

  The reception control timer 33 newly provided in the configuration example shown in FIG. 4 repeats “0” to “Ct−” at a Tt cycle (Tt is a time equal to or longer than the waiting time Tw [i] (i = 1... N)). It is a counter that counts up to “1”. The reception control timer value output by the reception control timer 33 is incremented by 1 at a constant interval Tc from “0” to “Ct−1”, and returns to “0” after time Tc after becoming “Ct−1”. Here, in the reception control timer 33, the reception control timer value Cw [i] represents a time corresponding to the waiting time Tw [i]. That is, the time from the reception control timer value reaching “0” to Cw [i] matches the waiting time Tw [i].

  The sensor-specific control units [i] 31a-1 to 31a-N generate a reception control signal [i] for each sensor device [i] based on the pulse of the reception timing [i] and the reception control timer value. As described above, at each reception timing [i], the pulse at the reception timing [i] indicates that the sensor signal [i] transmitted by the sensor device [i] has been received. In the reception control signal [i], a period “1” indicates a reception period for receiving the sensor signal [i], and a period “0” indicates a reception stop period.

  As shown in the timing chart of FIG. 5, the sensor-specific control units [i] 31 a-1 to 31 a -N set the reception control signal [i] to “0” when a pulse is input at the reception timing [i] (for example, time t41). And a value obtained by adding the count value Cw [i] to the reception control timer value at this time is held as a count value (calculated value) Ca [i]. However, if the added result exceeds Ct-1, the value obtained by subtracting Ct is held. Then, the reception control timer value is monitored, and when this value reaches the count value Ca [i], the reception control signal [i] is changed to “1” (for example, time t42). However, the count value Ca [i] or the like may be adjusted so as to allow an error corresponding to the monitoring interval.

  The calculating part 32 is the same structure as the calculating part 32 of FIG. That is, each reception control signal [i] is input, a logical OR operation of negative logic output is performed, and a power down signal is output. Therefore, the power down signal is “1” only when the reception control signals [i] (i = 1... N) all indicate “0”, and “0” otherwise. When the power down signal is “1”, power down is performed to stop the function of the wireless receiving unit 10.

  With reference to the timing chart of FIG. 5 and the flowchart of FIG. 6, the operation of the sensor-specific control units [i] 31a-1 to 31a-N shown in FIG. 4 will be described. Each sensor-specific control unit [i] 31a-1 to 31a-N first sets the reception control signal [i] to “1” (step S101). Next, it is determined whether or not the reception timing [i] matches “1” (step S102).

  If the reception timing [i] does not match “1” (“N” in step S102), it is determined whether or not the reception control signal [i] matches “0” (step S103). If there is no pulse input (“1” input) at the reception timing [i], the reception control signal [i] is set to “1” in step S101, so the reception control signal [i] matches “0”. Without ("N" in step S103), the process of step S102 is performed again. Thereafter, the processes of steps S102 to S103 are repeatedly executed until there is a pulse input at the reception timing [i].

  On the other hand, if there is a pulse input at the reception timing [i] (eg, time t41 in FIG. 5), it is determined in step S102 that the reception timing [i] matches “1” (“Y” in step S102). The control signal [i] is set to “0” (step S104). Then, a value obtained by adding a predetermined count value Cw [i] corresponding to the waiting time Tw to the reception control timer value is held as the count value Ca [i] (step S105). However, in step S105, when the calculation result Ca [i] exceeds Ct-1, the value obtained by subtracting Ct is set as the calculation result Ca [i].

  Next, in step S103, it is determined whether or not the reception control signal [i] matches “0”. In this case, the reception control signal [i] matches “0” (“Y” in step S103). Then, it is determined whether or not the reception control timer value substantially matches the count value Ca [i] (step S106). Here, an error caused by the time required for the monitoring process is allowed. In this case, since the reception control timer value does not substantially match the count value Ca [i] (“N” in step S106), the process of step S102 is performed. Thereafter, steps S102, S103, S106, S102, S103, S106, S102, and so on are repeated until the waiting time Tw [i] has elapsed.

  When the waiting time Tw [i] has elapsed, since it is determined that the reception control timer value substantially matches the count value Ca [i] (“Y” in step S106), the reception control signal [i] is set to “1”. It is set (step S107, time t42 in FIG. 5). Thereafter, the reception control signal [i] is held at “1” until there is a pulse input at the next reception timing [i] (steps S102, S103, S102,...).

  The reception timing [i] used in the determination process in step S102 is a signal indicating that the sensor signal [i] transmitted by the sensor device [i] has been received, and its pulse width (reception timing [i] Is set to be longer than the time required for the monitoring process in steps S102 to S107. In addition, although the determination process of step S102 can repeatedly perform “Y” determination on the same pulse signal, a process of performing “Y” determination only once can be added.

  In this example, the monitoring process is repeated, but it is implemented by CPU interrupt processing triggered by the determination of “reception timing [i] == 1” or “reception control timer value ≈ Ca [i]”. Is also possible. Further, these determinations can be simultaneously performed by a circuit.

  With the above configuration, after receiving each sensor signal [i], the sensor base apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 generates a reception control signal [i] indicating a reception stop period of the waiting time Tw [i], and this reception control. In a period in which all signals [i] (i = 1... N) indicate a reception stop period, the radio reception unit 10 is instructed to stop reception by a power down signal. Power consumption can be reduced by the reception stop control of the wireless reception unit 10.

  Next, a second embodiment of the sensor base device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The sensor base device 1b shown in FIG. 7 includes a radio reception unit 10b, a reception processing unit 20, a control unit 30b, and a power supply unit 40b. The radio reception unit 10a has a configuration corresponding to the radio reception unit 10 in FIG. 1, and the radio reception unit 10b in FIG. 7 functions as a radio reception unit by stopping part or all of the power supply from the power supply unit 40b. Is stopped and the power consumption is reduced. The control unit 30b is different from the control unit 30 of FIG. 1 in that a power down signal is output to the power supply unit 40b. The reception processing unit 20 in FIG. 7 has the same configuration as that in FIG.

  The power supply unit 40b controls the power supply voltage output to the wireless reception unit 10b according to the power down signal, and reduces the power consumption of the wireless reception unit 10b. As described above, it is also possible to realize power management by inputting the power down signal to the radio reception unit 10b, but by inputting the power down signal to the power supply unit 40b and controlling the power supply voltage supplied by the power supply unit 40b. In this case, the power-down signal is a signal for controlling the power supply voltage supplied to the wireless reception unit 10b, and is output from the control unit 30b to the power supply unit 40b.

  Next, a third embodiment of the sensor base device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The sensor base device 1c shown in FIG. 8 includes a radio reception unit 10c, a reception control processing unit 50c, a power supply unit 40c, and a reception control timer 33c.

  The wireless reception unit 10c receives a signal using a wireless reception unit included in the wireless reception unit, and outputs the received signal. Power consumption is reduced by stopping the function of the wireless reception means in response to the power down signal.

  When the received signal includes the sensor signal [i] wirelessly transmitted from the sensor device [i] (i = 1 ... N), the reception processing control unit 50c receives the sensor signal [i] as an input. In response, a power down signal is generated. At this time, it is confirmed that the sensor device ID [i] is written in a predetermined format at a predetermined position in the received signal, and each received signal is transmitted from which sensor device [i]. ]. The period until the waiting time Tw [i] elapses from the input of the sensor signal [i] is the reception stop period of the sensor signal [i], and the reception stop periods of the sensor signal [i] (i = 1 ... N) overlap. In the period, the power down signal indicates reception stop of the wireless reception unit 10c. The reception processing control unit 50c also performs predetermined sensor signal reception processing on the sensor signal [i] (collects information included in the sensor signal and notifies the center of the information).

  The reception control timer 33c operates at a Tt cycle (Tt is equal to or greater than Tw [i] (i = 1 ... N)), and outputs a reception control timer value that is incremented by 1 at a constant interval Tc from “0” to Ct. To do. The reception control timer value having reached Ct−1 returns to “0” after Tc. The time from the reception control timer value “0” to Cw [i] matches the waiting time Tw [i].

  The power supply unit 40c supplies power to the wireless reception unit 10c, the reception processing control unit 50c, and the reception control timer 33c.

  The power down signal is a signal for instructing whether or not to power down the radio reception unit 10c (reducing power consumption by stopping the reception function of the radio reception unit 10c). The reception processing control unit 50c performs radio reception. Output to the unit 10c. When the power down signal is “1”, power down is performed to stop the function of the wireless reception unit 10c.

  The received signal is a radio signal converted into a format that can be easily processed by the reception processing control unit 50c, and includes the sensor signal [i] transmitted from the sensor device [i] (i = 1 ... N). Signal.

  The reception control timer value increases by 1 every time Tc from “0” to “Ct−1”. However, “Ct−1” is followed by “0”.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the reception processing control unit 50c in the sensor base device 1c of FIG. In the flowchart of FIG. 9, first, each reception control value [i] corresponding to each sensor device [i] (i = 1... N) is set to “1”, and each sensor signal [i] is received. A possible state is set (step S201). Then, while monitoring the presence / absence of a reception signal corresponding to each sensor device [i] (processing within a one-dot chain line), the power-down signal is controlled according to the value of the reception control value [i] (steps S204 to S204). S204).

  If there is a received signal (“Y” in step S205), any one of the sensor devices ID [i] from the receiving device [1] to the receiving device [N] in a predetermined format at a predetermined position in the received signal. It is confirmed whether there is a description (steps S206 to S209). When there is a description of the sensor device ID [i] (“Y” in step S208), the reception control value [i] is set to “0” and the reception state of the sensor device [i] is set to the reception stop period. (Step S210). Next, a reception control timer value corresponding to the standby time is set to the calculated value Ca [i] (step S211), and reception processing for the received signal is performed (step S212). On the other hand, if the sensor device ID [i] up to the receiving device [N] cannot be confirmed in step S207, the process for the received signal is not performed (“Y” in step S207 → step S213).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S205 that there is no received signal (“N” in step S205), or if the processing after step S206 is performed, reception control from i = 1 to N is performed in steps S213 to S218. If the value [i] is “0” (“Y” in step S215), it is determined whether or not the reception control timer value indicates a value corresponding to a predetermined waiting time (step S216). ), When it is a corresponding value, a process of setting each reception control value [i] to “1” is performed (step S217).

  In step S211, the calculation value Ca [i] is set to a value obtained by adding a predetermined count value Cw [i] to the reception control timer value. At this time, the calculation result Ca [i] exceeds Ct-1. In this case, a process of subtracting Ct is performed. In step S216, it is assumed that a match / mismatch is determined with a range that allows an error caused by the time required for the monitoring process. Unless otherwise noted, the same variable in each figure represents the same value or is used for the same purpose.

  Further, the reception process for the reception signal in step S212 means, for example, a predetermined sensor signal reception process performed on the reception signal. For example, processing such as collecting information included in the sensor signal and notifying the center is performed.

  Further, in this example, the monitoring process is repeated, but it is also possible to implement by a CPU interrupt process triggered by the determination of “reception control timer value Ca [i]”.

  Next, referring to the timing chart of FIG. 10, the sensor-specific control units [1] to [N] (31-1 to 31-N or 31a-1 to 31a-N described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4). ) Will be described. In this example, each sensor-specific control unit [i] (i = 1 ... N) receives a sensor signal [i] from the sensor device [i] periodically, It is assumed that state transition belonging to one of two states, that is, a non-connection state in which the signal [i] cannot be received, is managed.

  In the connected state, a reception control signal [i] that generates a reception stop period from the input of the reception timing [i] until the waiting time Tw [i] elapses is generated. The transition from the connected state to the non-connected state is performed when the sensor signal [i] cannot be received even though the reception period has elapsed for a certain time Tr [i].

  In the non-connected state, the reception period of the fixed time Tp [i] waiting for the sensor signal [i] to return to the connected state and the reception stop period of the fixed time Tq [i] are repeated until the sensor signal [i] is received. The reception control signal [i] is generated. When the sensor signal [i] is received, the state transits to the connected state.

  In the operation example described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, since the reception period is continued until the sensor signal [i] can be received, for example, when communication with the sensor device [i] cannot be performed for some reason, it is consumed. There is a possibility that electric power becomes large. However, this operation can be eliminated in this operation example.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of FIG. 10, and is applied to the sensor-specific control units [i] 31 a-1 to N of FIG. 4. Here, in each variable shown in FIG. 11, the time from the reception control timer value from “0” to Cw [i] matches Tw [i]. The time from when the reception control timer value reaches “Cr [i]” is equal to Tr [i]. The time from when the reception control timer value reaches “Cp [i]” is equal to Tp [i]. The time from when the reception control timer value reaches “0” to Cq [i] matches Tq [i].

  In FIG. 11, first, in step S301, the state is set to “not connected”, the reception control signal [i] is set to “1”, the reception period is set, and the calculation value Ca [i] is set to the reception control timer value + Cp [i ] Is set. In step S302, it is determined whether the reception timing [i] is “1”, that is, whether it is the reception timing. If it is the reception timing (“Y” in step S302), the state is set to “not connected” in step S303, the reception control signal [i] is set to “0”, the reception stop period is set, and the calculated value Ca [i ] Is set to the reception control timer value + Cw [i]. Here, when the calculated value Ca [i] exceeds Ct−1, a process of subtracting Ct is performed (hereinafter, the same applies to the processes of steps S306, S308, S310, and S311).

  On the other hand, if it is not the reception timing (“N” in step S302), the setting of the reception control signal [i] and the calculated value Ca [i] are set based on the current state and the setting value of the reception control signal [i]. Change settings and, in some cases, state.

  When the state is “connection state” and the reception control signal [i] is “0”, the reception control signal [i] is set to “1”, and the calculated value Ca [i] is the reception control timer value + Cr [i]. (Steps S305 to S306). When the state is “connected state” and the reception control signal [i] is “1”, the state is set to “non-connection state”, the reception control signal [i] is set to “0”, and the calculated value Ca [ i] is set to the reception control timer value + Cq [i] (steps S307 to S308). When the state is “not connected” and the reception control signal [i] is “0”, the reception control signal [i] is set to “1” and the calculated value Ca [i] is set to the reception control timer value + Cp [i ] (Steps S309 to S310). If none of these applies, the reception control signal [i] is set to “0”, and the calculated value Ca [i] is set to the reception control timer value + Cq [i] (step S311). Then, after the above processing, the processing after step S302 is executed again.

  In this example, the monitoring process is repeated, but it can also be implemented by CPU interrupt processing triggered by the determination of “reception timing [i] == 1” or “reception control timer value≈Ca [i]”. Is possible. Further, these determinations can be simultaneously performed by a circuit.

  Next, referring to the timing chart of FIG. 12, the sensor-specific control units [1] to [N] (31-1 to 31-N or 31a-1 to 31a-N described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4). ) Will be described. In this example, each sensor-specific control unit [i] (i = 1 ... N) receives a sensor signal [i] from the sensor device [i] periodically, A connection protection state in which the signal [i] cannot be received but the connection with the sensor device [i] is maintained and a connection state in which the sensor signal [i] cannot be received and the sensor device [i] is disconnected. It is assumed that state transitions belonging to any of the three states are managed.

  In the connected state, a reception control signal [i] that generates a reception stop period from the input of the reception timing [i] until the waiting time Tw [i] elapses is generated. The transition from the connection state to the connection protection state is performed when the sensor signal [i] cannot be received even though the reception period has elapsed for a certain time Tr [i].

  In the connection protection state, the reception stop period of the fixed time Ts [i] −Tr [i] and the reception period of the fixed time Tr [i] that waits for the sensor signal [i] to return to the connection state are the maximum M. A reception control signal [i] is generated that repeats a number of times. Here, when the sensor signal [i] is received, the state transits to the connected state. If the sensor signal [i] cannot be received even after reaching M times, the state transits to a non-connection state (in FIG. 12, the case of M = 4 is illustrated).

  As the operation in the unconnected state, the operation example shown in FIG. 10 is applicable. In the operation example described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, the power consumption can be reduced when the sensor signal [i] is completely periodically communicated. However, by applying this example, the sensor signal [i] Even when there is a mixture of communication timings and non-communication timings (however, the timing of not communicating M + 1 times or more will not continue), power consumption can be reduced (for example, the sensor device periodically measures However, it is determined whether or not to transmit a sensor signal according to the measurement result, and at least once every M + 1 times).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of FIG. 12, which is applied to the sensor-specific control units [i] 31a-1 to N in FIG. Here, in each variable shown in FIG. 11, the time from the reception control timer value from “0” to Cw [i] matches Tw [i]. The time from when the reception control timer value reaches “0” to Cs [i] matches Ts [i]. The time from when the reception control timer value reaches “Cr [i]” is equal to Tr [i]. The time from when the reception control timer value reaches “0” to Cm [i] matches Ts [i] −Tr [i]. The time from when the reception control timer value reaches “Cp [i]” is equal to Tp [i]. The time from the reception control timer value from “0” to Cq [i] matches Tq [i].

  In this example, in addition to the operations shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the operation in the connection protection state shown in FIG. 12 is performed. In FIG. 13, the processes of steps S401 to S408 correspond to the processes of steps S301 to S310 of FIG. The processes in steps S415 to S417 in FIG. 13 correspond to the processes in steps S309 to S311 in FIG. Explanation of these processes is omitted. Also, in each process such as step S401, when the calculated value Ca [i] exceeds Ct-1, a process of subtracting Ct is performed.

  In the process shown in FIG. 13, when the determination is “N” in step S407, the reception control signal [i] is determined when the state is “connection protection state” and the reception control signal [i] is “0” in step 409. “1” is set, and the calculation value Ca [i] is set to the reception control timer value + Cr [i] (steps S409 to S410). When the state is “connection protection state” and the reception control signal [i] is “1”, the reception control signal [i] is set to “0”, and the calculated value Ca [i] is set to the reception control timer value + Cm [i And the variable m is incremented by 1 (steps S411 to S412). Next, it is determined whether or not the variable m matches the constant M. If they match, the state is set to “not connected”, and the calculated value Ca [i] is set to the reception control timer value + Cq [i]. Set (steps S413 to S414). Then, after the above processing, the processing after step S415 or step S402 is executed again.

  In this example, the monitoring process is repeated, but this is implemented by CPU interrupt processing triggered by the determination of “reception timing [i] == 1” or “reception control timer value≈Ca [i]”. It is also possible. Further, these determinations can be simultaneously performed by a circuit.

  The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the respective parts can be integrated or further separated. Moreover, the aspect of this invention can also be considered as a sensor system which consists of a sensor base apparatus and a sensor apparatus.

The block diagram which shows the structural example of 1st Embodiment of the sensor base apparatus of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control unit 30 in FIG. 1. The timing chart for demonstrating the operation example of the control part 30 of FIG. The block diagram which shows the other structural example of the control part 30 of FIG. The timing chart for demonstrating the operation example of the control part 30a of FIG. The flowchart for demonstrating the operation example of control part [1]-[N] according to sensor of FIG. The block diagram which shows the structural example of 2nd Embodiment of the sensor base apparatus of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structural example of 3rd Embodiment of the sensor base apparatus of this invention. The flowchart for demonstrating the operation example of the reception process control part 50c of FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining another operation example of the sensor-specific control units [1] to [N] in FIG. 2 or FIG. 4. The flowchart for demonstrating the other operation example of the control parts [1]-[N] according to sensors of FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining still another operation example of the sensor-specific control units [1] to [N] in FIG. 2 or FIG. 4. 6 is a flowchart for explaining still another operation example of the sensor-specific control units [1] to [N] in FIG. 4.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1b, 1c Sensor base device 10, 10b, 10c Radio reception unit 20 Reception processing unit 30, 30a, 30b Control units 31-1 to N, 31a-1 to N Sensor-specific control units [1] to [N]
32 arithmetic units 33, 33c reception control timers 40, 40b, 40c power supply unit 50c reception processing control unit

Claims (4)

In a sensor base device that receives a signal from a sensor device that wirelessly transmits a sensor signal including a sensor value obtained by measuring predetermined information,
Means for receiving sensor signals from a plurality of sensor devices and identifying the sensor device that has transmitted the sensor signals according to sensor device identification information included in the received sensor signals;
For each of the plurality of sensor devices [i] (i = 1 ... N), the sensor device [i] transmits a sensor according to the reception state of the sensor signal [i] transmitted by each sensor device [i]. When the sensor signal [i] is received from the reception control signal [i] indicating either the reception period waiting for the reception of the signal [i] or the reception stop period not waiting for the reception of the sensor signal [i] Means for generating a reception suspension period until a predetermined waiting time elapses;
A sensor base device comprising: means for stopping reception during a period in which all reception control signals [i] (i = 1 ... N) indicate a reception stop period. The reception control signal [i] has predetermined reception periods for waiting for reception of the sensor signal [i] and reception stop periods for not waiting for reception of the sensor signal [i] according to predetermined conditions. The sensor base device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor base device is generated so as to be repeated at a predetermined time interval. In a control method of a sensor base device that receives a signal from a sensor device that wirelessly transmits a sensor signal including a sensor value obtained by measuring predetermined information,
A process of receiving sensor signals from a plurality of sensor devices and identifying the sensor device that has transmitted the sensor signals according to sensor device identification information included in the received sensor signals;
For each of the plurality of sensor devices [i] (i = 1 ... N), the sensor device [i] transmits a sensor according to the reception state of the sensor signal [i] transmitted by each sensor device [i]. When the sensor signal [i] is received from the reception control signal [i] indicating either the reception period waiting for the reception of the signal [i] or the reception stop period not waiting for the reception of the sensor signal [i] A process of generating a reception suspension period until a predetermined waiting time elapses;
A method of controlling a sensor base apparatus, comprising: a step of stopping reception in a period in which all reception control signals [i] (i = 1... N) indicate a reception suspension period. A sensor device that wirelessly transmits a sensor signal including a sensor value obtained by measuring predetermined information;
Means for receiving sensor signals from a plurality of sensor devices and identifying the sensor device that has transmitted the sensor signals according to sensor device identification information included in the received sensor signals;
For each of the plurality of sensor devices [i] (i = 1 ... N), the sensor device [i] transmits a sensor according to the reception state of the sensor signal [i] transmitted by each sensor device [i]. When the sensor signal [i] is received from the reception control signal [i] indicating either the reception period waiting for the reception of the signal [i] or the reception stop period not waiting for the reception of the sensor signal [i] Means for generating a reception suspension period until a predetermined waiting time elapses;
A sensor base device comprising: means for stopping reception during a period in which all reception control signals [i] (i = 1... N) indicate a reception suspension period.

Images