JP2005184481A - Communication adapter and home network system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To cause another electrical apparatus on a network to recognize occurrence of communication abnormality if the communication abnormality occurs between an electrical apparatus for domestic use and a communication adapter for connecting the apparatus to the network. <P>SOLUTION: The communication adapter requests apparatus information for the electrical apparatus for domestic use after a power source is turned on. If there is no response to the request from the electrical apparatus for domestic use, the apparatus information is requested again after the lapse of a fixed time interval. If there is no response from the electrical apparatus for domestic use even after the request is repeated predetermined times, the communication adapter judges that communication abnormality occurs, and notifies the other electrical apparatus on the network of the communication abnormality. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication adapter used for connecting an electrical device to a network and performing remote control, remote monitoring, and the like from other electrical devices on the network.

  In a home network system in which multiple household electrical devices (home appliances) are connected to a home network, the home appliances have a communication program corresponding to a communication medium on the network and a communication control program for connecting to the network inside the device. In preparation. However, incorporating the communication program and the communication control program in the home appliance increases the control processing content of the home appliance and leads to an increase in the cost of the device. In addition, it is inconvenient because it cannot flexibly cope with a change in the communication method of the connected network.

Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a communication control unit used for communication with a network and a storage unit for a communication program are separated from household electrical appliances to be a detachable communication adapter. And the dynamic update means which automatically updates a communication program to the optimal thing is provided with the apparatus information of household appliances.
JP 2000-354053 A

  If the communication adapter is separated from the home appliance as in Patent Document 1, a communication error may occur between the home appliance and the communication adapter due to a runaway software of the communication adapter or a setting mismatch between the home appliance and the communication adapter. When this occurs, the home appliance cannot communicate with other devices connected to the network. In this case, even if the communication adapter receives a request for control, status acquisition, or the like from another device, it cannot communicate with the home appliance, and it cannot send a response notifying other devices that it cannot respond. There was a problem.

  Therefore, it is difficult to grasp the occurrence of abnormality from other devices. In particular, it is necessary for an electrical device such as a controller that performs remote control or remote monitoring to quickly detect that a communication abnormality has occurred and to bring the network into a normal state.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication adapter suitable for use in a home network system that can quickly recognize an abnormal state on a network when a communication abnormality occurs between an electrical device and a communication adapter. To do.

  The present invention is a home network system composed of a household electrical device and a communication adapter that connects the electrical device to a network so as to be communicable, wherein the communication adapter communicates with the electrical device; Communication monitoring means for monitoring the state of communication with the electrical equipment, and notification means for notifying the occurrence of an abnormality on the network when a communication abnormality is detected.

  When a communication abnormality occurs between the communication adapter and the electric device, it is notified on the network, so that another electric device connected to the network recognizes that it cannot communicate with the communication abnormal electric device. As a result, the network does not communicate with an electrical device having a communication error.

  Then, after notifying the network of the communication abnormality, the communication monitoring means continues monitoring, and when the communication monitoring means detects that communication is possible, the notification means notifies the network of normal communication. Even if a communication abnormality occurs, the cause may be noise, or the home appliance may be powered off. In these cases, since this is a temporary phenomenon, the communication abnormality is resolved. Therefore, by continuing monitoring, it is found that communication has become normal, and notifies other electrical devices connected to the network. Other electrical devices recognize that they can communicate, and communicate with the electrical devices as necessary.

  Here, the communication monitoring means determines the communication abnormality depending on whether or not transmission from the electric device is not performed for a certain period of time. The transmission from the electric device is a response to the request from the communication adapter, or the electric device itself transmits information.

  Specifically, the communication adapter connects a first communication interface unit that connects an electrical device that communicates in the first communication format and a network that communicates in a second communication format different from the first communication format. A second communication interface unit, a data conversion unit that mutually converts data in the first communication format and data in the second communication format, control communication through the first communication interface unit, and the electrical device And a control unit for monitoring the communication state. When detecting a communication abnormality, the control unit notifies the network of the occurrence of the abnormality through the second communication interface unit. That is, the communication means is configured by the first communication interface unit and the control unit, the communication monitoring unit is included in the control unit, and the notification unit is configured by the control unit and the second communication interface unit.

  When the control unit transmits a request signal instructing to notify the device information held by the electric device and does not receive a response from the electric device to the request signal, the control unit determines that the communication is abnormal. After notifying on the network, the control unit continuously monitors the presence / absence of transmission from the electric device, and when the transmission is detected, notifies the network of normal communication.

  In addition, the electrical device may itself detect the abnormality by monitoring the communication state. For this purpose, a control unit is provided that detects a communication abnormality depending on whether or not there is a response to data transmitted to the communication adapter. Then, when a communication abnormality occurs, the data is discarded. Thereby, unnecessary communication can be eliminated.

  Then, after the communication abnormality occurs, the control unit transmits the data when there is data to be notified. If a communication error occurs temporarily due to noise, etc., the error may be recovered after a lapse of time, so data can be transmitted by attempting communication with the communication adapter. .

  According to the present invention, when a communication abnormality occurs between the communication adapter and the electrical device, this abnormality is detected and immediately notified on the network. Therefore, other electrical devices such as a controller on the network can accurately recognize that the electrical device connected to the network is in an abnormal state where communication is not possible. As a result, communication with the electric device is not performed, and unnecessary communication on the network can be reduced. Therefore, in a system that operates a security application or the like, an accurate communication state of an electric device can be grasped, and reliability is improved.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the home network system of the present embodiment includes a home appliance 1 and a communication adapter 2 for connecting the home appliance 1 to a network. The communication adapter 2 relays communication between the connected home appliance 1 and another home appliance on the network or an electric device such as a controller. Here, the communication format between the home appliance 1 and the communication adapter 2 is different from the network communication format.

  The home appliance 1 includes an interface unit 3 for connecting to the communication adapter 2 and a control unit 4 for controlling communication with the communication adapter 2 through the interface unit 3. The control unit 4 includes a microcomputer and also controls the entire device.

  The communication adapter 2 includes a first interface unit 6 for connecting to the home appliance 1, a device communication control unit 7 for controlling communication with the electrical device 1 through the interface unit 6, and an input for connecting to the network. An output unit 8, a network communication control unit 9 that controls communication with electrical devices on the network through the input / output unit 8, and a data conversion unit that converts data in one communication format into data suitable for the other communication format 10 and a display unit 11 for displaying various types of information. The device communication control unit 7, the network communication control unit 9, and the data conversion unit 10 are included in a control unit 12 including a microcomputer that controls the entire device.

  The interface unit 3 of the home appliance 1 and the interface unit 6 of the communication adapter 2 are connected by a communication cable. The communication format between the home appliance 1 and the communication adapter 2 is not particularly limited. For example, a communication method using a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) is used. Further, communication may be performed wirelessly, and in this case, each of the interface units 3 and 6 is a wireless unit.

  The control unit 4 of the household electrical appliance 1 and the device communication control unit 7 of the communication adapter 2 execute a communication program for performing communication in a predetermined communication format. The network communication control unit 9 executes a communication program for performing communication using a communication method according to a network standard such as TCP / IP. The network is a LAN or a WAN. Alternatively, the Internet may be used.

  The input / output unit 8 is a connector or USB when the connection to the network is wired such as a communication cable, a telephone line, or a power line. In addition, when wirelessly connected like a wireless LAN, the wireless unit transmits and receives radio waves. That is, the input / output unit 8 is a second interface unit for connecting to a network.

  The control unit 4 of the home appliance 1 has a device information notification means 15. The device information notification means 15 transmits the device information held by the home appliance 1 to the communication adapter 2 according to a prescribed communication method. The device information is unique information in the home appliance 1 such as the model, function, model number, manufacturer name, date of manufacture, use history, MAC address in the home appliance 1. These pieces of information are stored in the memory, and the device information notification unit 15 transmits at least one of these pieces of information to the communication adapter 2 according to a predetermined format.

  The device communication control unit 7 of the communication adapter 2 includes a device information acquisition unit 16 and a communication abnormality detection unit 17. The device information acquisition unit 16 requests the home appliance 1 to transmit the device information and acquires the transmitted device information. Based on the acquired device information of the home appliance 1, the data converter 10 is set so that the home appliance 1 can communicate with the network. And the control part 12 transmits apparatus information to other electric equipments, such as a controller on a network.

  The communication abnormality detection means 17 monitors communication abnormality with the home appliance 1. And when there is no response from the household appliances 1 with respect to an apparatus information request | requirement or when there is no communication from the household appliances 1 after power-on, it is judged as communication abnormality. When the control unit 12 determines that the communication is abnormal, it notifies the outside. That is, the display unit 11 notifies the communication abnormality and notifies the occurrence of the abnormality on the network. In this case, it transmits to specific electric equipments, such as a controller. In addition, you may transmit to all the electric devices connected to the network.

  The device information request and response sequence from the communication adapter 2 to the home appliance 1 is the first operation when the communication adapter 2 is activated. Also, in addition to starting up, it should be done periodically after starting up. As a result, it is possible to confirm communication and communication partner, which is effective for communication.

  An example of the data configuration of the device information returned from the home appliance 1 is shown in FIG. At this time, in addition to the model data of the home appliances 1, if information such as special functions unique to each home appliance 1 is simultaneously sent to the communication adapter 2, the connected home appliance 1 can be identified in detail. become able to. This makes it possible to select a conversion program suitable for each special function.

  A communication data format used at the time of communication between the home appliance 1 and the communication adapter 2 will be described. In FIG. 3, an example of the data format for household appliance communication used at the time of communication between the household appliances 1 and the communication adapter 2 is shown. The communication data is composed of (5 + n) bytes up to the “FCC” code in order with the “HD” code as the first byte. Using this data format, the control unit 4 of the home appliance 1 and the device communication control unit 7 of the communication adapter 2 set or read out property codes defined for each home appliance 1.

  An example of air conditioner communication data is shown in FIG. In the case of controlling the air conditioner, for example, when setting the operation ON from the stop state, the cooling mode, and the temperature 25 degrees, the “PC” code shown in FIG. 3 is “0xF0”, the “CC” code is “0x61”, “DT” The first byte of the code is set to “0x01”, the second byte is set to “0x02”, and the third byte is set to “0x08”.

  Moreover, the example of the communication data for refrigerators is shown in FIG. For example, the response data to the inquiry as to whether the door is open / closed is “0xF1” for the “PC” code, “0x72” for the “CC” code, “0x00 (open)” for the first byte of the “DT” code, or 0x01 (closed) ”is set.

  An outline of processing of the data conversion unit 10 will be described. As an example, a case will be described in which the home appliance 1 is an air conditioner and the communication adapter 2 receives a command requesting a change in the operation state of the air conditioner from the network.

  First, data unique to network communication such as “network address” is deleted from received data in a format corresponding to the network standard and communication medium. Next, only data for the home appliance 1 is extracted, and the data is converted into setting data corresponding to an air conditioner control property (PC = 0xF0) that is a data format that can be processed by the home appliance 1. And it converts into the setting request | requirement message | telegram of the data format for household appliance communication, and transmits data with respect to an air-conditioner.

  In this way, by performing data conversion by the data conversion unit 10, it is possible to exchange the minimum necessary data with communication specifications unique to each home appliance. Therefore, the load applied to the home appliance 1 is reduced, and communication with the network can be easily performed.

  Next, the operation when the communication adapter 2 is activated will be described with reference to FIG. When the power is supplied and the operation starts, the communication adapter 2 transmits a device information request signal to the home appliance 1 (S001). The household electric appliance 1 that has received this device information request signal transmits a response signal including device information in response to the device information request. The communication adapter 2 that has received the response signal sets the function of the data conversion unit 10 based on the response signal (S002).

  The setting of the data conversion unit 10 is performed by selecting a conversion program prepared for each type of the home appliance 1 according to the device information of the home appliance 1. Or you may download the conversion program suitable for the classification of the household appliances 1 from the household appliances 1, and may download from the electrical equipment on a network similarly. Further, library data compressed and saved may be read from the memory.

  The control unit 12 of the communication adapter 2 transmits a home appliance registration request signal on the network as an announcement that the home appliance 1 can communicate with the network, and the startup sequence is completed (S003). When the device information request signal is transmitted, the communication abnormality detection means 17 of the control unit 12 determines whether or not no response exceeds a predetermined number of times if there is no response from the home appliance 1. If not exceeded, the device information is requested to the home appliance 1 again at regular time intervals (S001). If the number of non-responses exceeds a predetermined number, it is determined that communication is abnormal. The control unit 12 transmits that fact on the network (S010). Then, after waiting for a certain time interval again, the device information request sequence is repeated again (S001).

  After such a start-up sequence is completed, a state where there is no transmission from the network to the home appliance 1 or no transmission from the home appliance 1 to the network is referred to as an idling state. The communication adapter 2 requests device information from the home electric appliance 1 at a certain time interval in this idling state (S004). When there is a response from the home appliance 1 normally, the sequence of periodic device information request is repeated (S004).

  When the response is not normally returned from the home appliance 1, the control unit 12 determines whether or not the non-response exceeds the predetermined number of times. If not exceeded, after a certain time interval, device information is requested again from the home appliance 1 (S004, S005). If the number of non-responses exceeds the predetermined number, it is determined that the communication is abnormal, and that fact is transmitted to the network (S006).

  Thereafter, the device information request sequence is started again at a predetermined time interval (S008). The loop sequence is repeated until the response is returned normally from the home appliance 1 (S007). If the communication abnormality is resolved in the loop state or the home appliance 1 is turned on again and becomes in a communicable state, the communication adapter 2 communicates with the other electrical devices on the network. A telegram telling that it has become possible is transmitted (S009). After communication becomes possible, the device returns to a normal loop state in which device information is requested at regular time intervals. By the way, when the communication abnormality is not resolved, other electrical devices such as a controller on the network recognize that the communication abnormality is present, and therefore, if the abnormal state continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that there is no possibility of recovery. Then, the electric device attempts to restart to initialize the control unit 12 of the communication adapter 2 by remote operation. In addition, a service person will be dispatched to carry out inspections, repairs, etc., and repairs.

  Next, a communication sequence when power is turned on between home networks such as the home appliance 1, the communication adapter 2, and the controller will be described with reference to FIG. When the communication adapter 2 is activated and the device information acquisition means 16 transmits a device information request signal to the home appliance 1 prior to starting communication with the home appliance 1 (S701), the home appliance 1 is in a power-off state or the like. If communication is impossible, no response signal is returned. If a normal response is not returned to the device information request, the device information acquisition unit 16 resends the device information request again, for example, after 3 seconds (S702, S703). Thereby, the communication adapter 2 can acquire apparatus information as soon as it becomes a state which can communicate with the communication adapter 2 because the power supply of the household appliances 1 will be in an ON state.

  When the communication adapter 2 acquires device information from the response signal from the home appliance 1 (S704), the communication adapter 2 selects and confirms the data conversion unit 10 and confirms communication with the home appliance 1. Thereafter, a series of communication with the network side, such as transmission of a home appliance registration request signal for registering the home appliance 1 in the network such as a controller (S705) and reception of a home appliance registration response signal (S706). I do.

  As described above, when both communication is confirmed between the communication adapter 2 and the home electric appliance 1, communication with the network side can be performed for the first time. That is, even if the network communication function is separated from the home appliance 1 and the form of the communication adapter 2 is viewed from the network side, it can be handled as an integrated electric device. Even in a state where only the communication adapter 2 can communicate, the data conversion unit 10 cannot be set unless communication with the home appliance 1 is possible and the device information is not known. In such a case, since the communication adapter 2 does not perform communication with the network side, network communication congestion can be reduced.

  Next, FIG. 8 shows a communication sequence between the communication adapter 2 and the home appliance 1 after the setting of the data converter 10 and the network side such as a controller. The communication abnormality detection means 17 of the communication adapter 2 detects the presence / absence of a response signal from the home appliance 1 when a device information request is transmitted to the home appliance 1 at a constant period, for example, every 10 seconds. When the response signal is received, the type of the home appliance 1 and the operation state of the home appliance 1 are confirmed to determine that the communication is normal. If the response signal cannot be acquired from the home appliance 1, the device information request signal is retransmitted a predetermined number of times (S802). If communication is not possible due to this, it is determined that communication is abnormal. For example, by performing retransmission three times per second, if the communication abnormality is temporary due to noise or the like, the abnormality is immediately resolved, so that the communication abnormality can be accurately detected.

  When the control unit 12 of the communication adapter 2 detects a communication abnormality with the home appliance 1, the controller 12 notifies the controller on the network of the communication abnormality of the home appliance 1 and notifies the network side that the home appliance 1 cannot be controlled or monitored. (S803). Therefore, an electrical device such as a controller recognizes that the home appliance 1 cannot be controlled or monitored. Communication from the electrical device on the network to the home appliance 1 can be prevented, and network communication congestion can be reduced.

  Even after detecting a communication abnormality with the home appliance 1, the communication adapter 2 periodically transmits a device information request to the home appliance 1, for example, every 10 seconds (S <b> 802). Check the response signal. Thereby, the communication adapter 2 receives the response signal as soon as the communication adapter 2 becomes communicable, such as when the home appliance 1 is turned on (S804). The control unit 12 determines that the communication is normal when it is confirmed from the content of the response signal that the home appliance 1 has not been changed, for example, the type of the home appliance 1 matches. Then, the normal communication of the home appliance 1 is notified on the network, and the home appliance 1 can be controlled and monitored from the network side (S805).

  In the above description, the communication abnormality detection method based on the device information request from the communication adapter 2 has been described. However, when the home appliance 1 performs the polling communication from the home appliance 1 to the communication adapter 2 at a constant cycle, the home appliance 1 By detecting the absence of time reception, a communication abnormality can be detected.

  Here, when both the home appliance 1 and the communication adapter 2 are operating normally, the communication with the communication adapter 2 may suddenly become impossible due to the power of the home appliance 1 being turned off. Even in this case, by providing the communication abnormality detection means 17 in the communication adapter 2, the communication adapter 2 can detect a communication abnormality with the home appliance 1 and can notify the communication abnormality on the network. It is particularly suitable for connecting household appliances 1 such as a microwave oven, which automatically turn off after operation, to a network. That is, a communication abnormality (including a communication abnormality caused by power on / off of the home appliance 1) is detected on the communication adapter 2 side, and communication abnormality with the home appliance 1 on the network (control by turning off the home appliance 1 or the like) Notifications (including inability to do so). At this time, before the microwave oven is automatically powered off, the communication information is notified in advance from the microwave oven to the communication adapter 2 as device information. Therefore, since it is possible to distinguish between a communication abnormality due to a failure or the like and a communication abnormality due to power on / off, the communication adapter 2 can notify the network of the accurate state of the home appliance 1. Moreover, the controller that performs remote control or the like can correctly grasp the state of the home appliance 1 and can prevent confusion such as unnecessary communication.

  In the above home network system, the communication adapter 2 determines a communication abnormality. Instead of this, the home appliance 1 may determine a communication abnormality. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the control unit 4 of the home appliance 1 includes a device information notification unit 15, a communication abnormality detection unit 20, and a device control unit 21. A display unit 22 is also provided. The device communication control unit 7 of the communication adapter 2 includes device information acquisition means 16 and device information recording means 23.

  The device information notification unit 15, the communication abnormality detection unit 20, and the device information acquisition unit 16 have the same functions as those described above. The device control means 21 controls the operation of other electrical devices connected to the network based on its own operation and situation. The device information recording means 23 of the communication adapter 2 continuously records the latest device information of the home appliance 1 in the memory.

  FIG. 10 shows a communication sequence between the communication adapter 2 and the home appliance 1 and the network side such as a controller. The device information notifying unit 15 of the home appliance 1 changes the state of the home appliance 1 such as switching operation or changing the setting of operation conditions when a state change to be notified to an electric device on the network such as a controller occurs. Then, the device information is transmitted to the communication adapter 2 (S901). When the home appliance 1 does not receive a response signal for the device information notification from the communication adapter 2, the home appliance 1 performs retransmission a predetermined number of times. When the response signal cannot be received, it is determined that the communication is abnormal. For example, by performing retransmission three times per second, a temporary communication abnormality due to noise or the like can be eliminated, and a communication abnormality can be accurately detected. When the home appliance 1 detects a communication abnormality with the communication adapter 2, the home appliance 1 discards the transmission data to be notified and ends the transmission operation (S902).

  The home appliance 1 transmits a device information notification signal to the communication adapter 2 when a state change to be notified again to the electric devices on the network occurs (S901). At this time, if the communication adapter 2 is powered on and has recovered to a state in which communication with the home appliance 1 is possible, the communication adapter 2 can receive the device information notification signal. The communication adapter 2 returns a device information response signal to the home appliance 1 as a reception confirmation (S903), and the device information recording unit 23 records the received device information. Then, a home appliance information notification signal is transmitted to the home network side such as a controller (S904) to notify the network side of the latest state of the home appliance 1.

  By the way, when communication abnormality occurs even if the communication adapter 2 is powered on, the communication adapter 2 has the communication abnormality detection means 20 as described above, so that there is no communication with the home appliance 1 for a predetermined time. If this is detected, it is determined that there is a communication abnormality and can be notified on the network. Therefore, even a serious abnormality can be repaired.

  In this way, in the event of a communication error, discard the communication data that notifies the changed device information, and then send it every time the device information changes again, so that the latest device when the communication error is resolved Information can be notified. Therefore, the home electric appliance 1 does not need to secure a memory area for storing transmission data that could not be sent when a communication error occurred, and the circuit configuration is simplified and can be made inexpensive.

  In addition, the format of the device information notification includes not only the item in which the state change has occurred but also all information on the device to be notified. Thereby, the communication adapter 2 can confirm the latest state of the household electrical appliance 1 at a time from the apparatus information received after recovery from the communication abnormality. Moreover, since the communication adapter 2 constantly records the latest state of the home appliance 1, when there is a request for monitoring the operating state of the home appliance 1 from another electrical device on the network, the communication adapter 2 does not communicate with the home appliance 1. In addition, the latest device information can be returned. Therefore, the communication adapter 2 does not need to perform communication for inquiring of the household electrical appliance 1 each time an operation state monitor request is made, can respond quickly, and can improve communication efficiency.

  In addition, although the operation | movement regarding the apparatus information notification means 15 was demonstrated above, it is the same also about the apparatus control means 21 which controls the other electric equipment on a network from the household appliances 1. FIG. The device control means 21 performs an operation or situation for controlling other electrical devices, for example, an operation in which the user performs an interlock control of the humidifier by operating a remote control of the air conditioner, or when the humidity sensor of the air conditioner detects a humidity below a certain level. When the humidifier is operated, a device information control command is transmitted to the communication adapter 2. At this time, if a communication abnormality is detected, the transmission data is discarded and the transmission operation is terminated. When an operation or situation occurs again, new transmission data is transmitted.

  As described above, when a communication abnormality occurs, the communication adapter 2 or the home appliance 1 notifies the abnormality itself. When a communication abnormality is detected, the display unit 11 of the communication adapter 2 or the display unit 22 of the home appliance 1 displays this abnormal state and notifies the user. For example, when an operation for operating the humidifier is performed from an air conditioner, if a communication abnormality occurs, it is possible to prompt the user to perform the operation again by displaying that communication is not possible. Such notification may be performed by voice.

  Next, another form of communication adapter 2 is shown in FIG. The data conversion unit 10 of the communication adapter 2 includes conversion units an for a plurality of types of home appliances. Each conversion unit a to n has a conversion program corresponding to a plurality of types of home appliances 1. Arbitrary conversion units a to n are selected by the home appliance selection unit 25. For example, there is a conversion unit a as a data conversion unit for an air conditioner, a conversion unit b as a data conversion unit for a refrigerator, and a conversion unit c as a data conversion unit for a washing machine. Other configurations are the same as described above.

  Then, the device information acquisition unit 16 of the communication adapter 2 transmits a device information request signal to the home appliance 1 before starting communication with the home appliance 1. On the other hand, the device information notifying unit 15 of the home appliance 1 returns a response signal including the device information held by itself in response to the device information request signal from the communication adapter 2. The communication adapter 2 identifies the connected home appliance 1 based on the returned device information, and selects the corresponding converters a to n from the data converter 10. For example, when the device information data returned from the home appliance 1 is “air conditioner”, the air conditioner conversion unit a is selected.

  Thus, by preparing a conversion unit for each different household electrical appliance 1, the data conversion units 10 can be shared with each other even between different manufacturers. Therefore, the highly versatile communication adapter 2 can be realized. In addition, when a conversion unit is added according to a new model, it is possible to easily cope with the development efficiency.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Of course, many corrections and changes can be added to the said embodiment within the scope of the present invention. In the home network system, one home appliance is connected to the network through one communication adapter, but a plurality of home appliances are connected to one communication adapter, or a sub-communication adapter is further connected to the communication adapter. Also good. In the above embodiment, the communication adapter is separate from the home appliance, but may be detachably incorporated in the home appliance.

1 is a block diagram of main parts of a home appliance and a communication adapter in a home network system according to an embodiment of the present invention The figure which shows an example of the contents of apparatus information A figure showing data format used for communication between communication adapter and household appliances A figure showing an example of communication data for air conditioners The figure which shows an example of communication data for refrigerators Flowchart when detecting communication error between communication adapter and home appliance The figure which shows the communication sequence when starting the communication adapter The figure which shows the communication sequence at the time of communication adapter operation Main part configuration diagram of home appliances and communication adapters with communication abnormality detection function The figure which shows the communication sequence when detecting communication abnormality in household appliances Main part configuration diagram of home appliances and communication adapters of other forms

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Home appliance 2 Communication adapter 3 Interface part 4 Control part 6 1st interface part 7 Equipment communication control part 10 Data conversion part 11 Display part 15 Equipment information notification means 16 Equipment information acquisition means 17 Communication abnormality detection means

Claims (9)

A communication adapter for connecting an electric device so as to be able to communicate with a network, the communication means for communicating with the electric device, the communication monitoring means for monitoring the communication state with the electric device, and a communication abnormality is detected. And a notification means for notifying the occurrence of an abnormality on the network. 2. The communication according to claim 1, wherein after the notification on the network, the communication monitoring means continues monitoring, and when the communication monitoring means detects that communication is possible, the notification means notifies the network of normal communication. adapter. The communication adapter according to claim 1, wherein the communication abnormality is determined based on whether or not transmission from an electric device is not performed for a certain period of time. A first communication interface unit that connects electrical devices that communicate in a first communication format; a second communication interface unit that connects a network that communicates in a second communication format different from the first communication format; A data conversion unit that mutually converts data in the communication format and data in the second communication format, a control unit that controls communication through the first communication interface unit and monitors a communication state with the electrical device, When the communication unit detects a communication abnormality, the communication unit notifies the occurrence of the abnormality on the network through the second communication interface unit. The control unit continuously monitors the presence / absence of transmission from the electrical device after notifying on the network, and notifies the network of normal communication when detecting the transmission. Item 5. A communication adapter according to item 4. The control unit transmits a request signal instructing to notify the device information held by the electric device, and determines that the communication is abnormal when a response from the electric device to the request signal is not received. The communication adapter according to claim 4 or 5. A home network system comprising the communication adapter according to claim 1 and a home electric device. The electrical device includes a control unit that detects a communication abnormality depending on whether or not there is a response to data transmitted to the communication adapter, and the control unit discards the data when a communication abnormality occurs. The home network system described. 9. The home network system according to claim 8, wherein the control unit transmits the data when there is data to be notified after a communication abnormality occurs.

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