JP2006197487A - Remote monitoring and controlling system for multiple dwelling house and address distributing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote monitoring and controlling system for multiple dwelling house capable of automatically assigning the communication address of a network layer to a remote monitoring and controlling device, without depending on a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), and an address distributing device. <P>SOLUTION: In the remote monitoring and controlling system 1 for the multiple dwelling house provided with the remote monitoring and control device 13, a center server 11, and a gateway device 12, the gateway device is provided with the address distributing device for receiving provision of an address list showing a correspondence relation between an identifier for identifying and specifying the remote monitoring and control device 13 and the communication address of the remote monitoring and control device 13 from the center server 11, and the remote monitoring and control device 13 receives a communication address corresponding to the identifier of the remote monitoring and control device 13 from the address list by transmitting the previously stored identifier of the remote monitoring and control device 13 to the address distributing device and sets the received communication address as a communication address. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote monitoring control system for apartment houses and an address distribution device used in the remote monitoring control system.

  Various devices such as lighting devices, air conditioning devices, measuring devices, and security devices are installed in detached houses, apartment buildings such as condominiums and apartments, government buildings, halls, commercial buildings, office buildings, and factories. In recent years, due to advances in communication technology and the like, these devices are networked by being connected to each other via wired or wireless transmission paths, and remote monitoring and control devices are connected to this network. The equipment is to be monitored and / or controlled centrally.

  Furthermore, in recent years, with the development and spread of technology related to the Internet, the remote monitoring and control device is connected to the center server via the Internet, and using communication terminals equipped with application software used on the Internet such as web browsers and mailers, In response to a request from the communication terminal, the center server transmits a request signal for requesting the operation state of the device to the remote monitoring and control device via the Internet, thereby acquiring the operation state of the device and transmitting the request signal to the communication terminal. It is also possible to control the operation of the device by sending a control signal for controlling the operation of the device in response to a request from the communication terminal to the remote monitoring control device via the Internet. .

  In particular, recently, there are apartments called Internet condominiums whose selling point is that a resident can use the Internet since the start of moving in. In such an Internet apartment, a remote monitoring control device in a house that centrally monitors and / or controls devices in the dwelling unit is arranged in each dwelling unit, and the plurality of remote monitoring control devices are wired or wireless transmission paths. Are connected to each other so as to communicate with each other to form a local area network. A gateway device that mutually converts communication protocols is interposed between the local area network and the Internet so that mutual communication between the center server and the remote monitoring control device is possible. Services for remotely monitoring and / or controlling these devices are provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2).

In order to provide such a service, it is necessary to set a network layer communication address such as an IP address in the remote monitoring and control device, and an address that is usually a tool for setting a communication address by a user such as a contractor. The setting device was connected to the remote monitoring control device and set manually.
JP 2003-309580 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-309662

  By the way, since the communication address of the network layer is set in the remote monitoring control device by manual input, the operation is complicated and troublesome, and there is a disadvantage that the possibility of an input error cannot be excluded. In particular, when the number of dwelling units is large, this is a serious inconvenience. Further, when the communication address is set in the remote monitoring control device by the address setting device, there is a disadvantage that a certain skill is required for a user such as a constructor for the operation.

  There is also a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) that dynamically assigns an IP address when a communication terminal starts connection to the Internet and collects an IP address when the connection is terminated. Is dynamically changed, it is necessary to change the IP address of the remote monitoring and control device stored in the center server accordingly, which is not realistic.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is a remote monitoring and control system for apartment buildings that can automatically assign a communication address of a network layer to a remote monitoring and controlling device without using DHCP, and the remote monitoring control system. An object of the present invention is to provide an address distribution device used in a monitoring control system.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is arranged in a dwelling unit of an apartment house, and monitors and / or controls the operation of the device, and the operation status of the device as a monitoring result and / or control result. A remote monitoring and control device that transmits a status signal indicating, and a control that monitors the operation of the device and / or controls the operation of the device by transmitting a request signal that requests an operation state of the device to the remote monitoring and control device. A center server for controlling the operation of the device by transmitting a signal to the remote monitoring control device, a first communication protocol in the first network to which the center server is connected, and a second network to which the remote monitoring control device is connected The center server and the remote monitoring and control device by mutually converting the communication protocol with the second communication protocol In a remote monitoring and control system for an apartment house comprising a gateway device arranged in the apartment house that enables communication between the remote monitoring and control apparatus, the remote monitoring and control apparatus previously stores an identifier for identifying and specifying the remote monitoring and control apparatus A distribution request signal containing a first storage unit that performs the distribution request of the network layer communication address used for communication in the second network, and an identifier of the first storage unit. An address acquisition processing unit that acquires and sets the communication address by transmitting to the device, and the center server includes a second storage unit that stores in advance an address list indicating a correspondence relationship between the identifier and the communication address; An address provision processing unit for providing an address list in the second storage unit to a first address distribution device to be described later, When the address list is provided from the server and the distribution request signal is received from the remote monitoring control device, a communication address corresponding to the identifier contained in the distribution request signal is extracted from the address list. It further comprises a first address distribution device that returns a distribution signal to be received to the remote monitoring control device.

  And it is arrange | positioned at the dwelling unit of the apartment house which concerns on the other one aspect | mode of this invention, transmits the status signal which shows the operation state of the said apparatus as a monitoring result and / or control result while monitoring and / or controlling the operation | movement of an apparatus. The remote monitoring and control device, and monitoring the operation of the device by transmitting a request signal requesting the operation state of the device to the remote monitoring and control device and / or the control signal for controlling the operation of the device. A center server for controlling the operation of the device by transmitting to the control device, a first communication protocol in the first network to which the center server is connected, and a second communication protocol in the second network to which the remote monitoring control device is connected Communication between the center server and the remote monitoring control device is possible by mutually converting communication protocols A remote monitoring and control system for an apartment house comprising a gateway device arranged in the apartment house, wherein the remote monitoring and control apparatus stores in advance an identifier for identifying and specifying the remote monitoring and control apparatus; The communication address is transmitted by transmitting a distribution request signal containing the identifier of the first storage unit and information requesting distribution of the communication address of the network layer used for communication in the second network to the gateway device. And an address acquisition processing unit that acquires and sets the distribution request signal when the gateway device receives the distribution request signal from the remote monitoring control device and transfers the distribution request signal to the center server. A response signal containing the communication address corresponding to the identifier contained in the server is returned from the center server. An address distribution processing unit that returns the provided signal to the remote monitoring and control device in the case of being received, and the center server stores in advance an address list indicating a correspondence relationship between the identifier and the communication address And when receiving the distribution request signal transferred by the gateway device, the communication address corresponding to the identifier stored in the distribution request signal, taken out from the address list of the second storage unit, is stored. And an address provision processing unit that returns a provision signal to the gateway device.

  In the above-described remote monitoring and control system for an apartment house, the remote monitoring and control apparatus further includes a room number input unit for inputting a room number of a dwelling unit of the apartment house where the remote monitoring and control apparatus is arranged. The address acquisition processing unit further accommodates the room number input to the room number input unit in the distribution request signal, and the center server includes an identifier and a room number accommodated in the distribution request signal, A room number list creation process for creating a room number list indicating the correspondence between the room number and the communication address based on the identifier of the address list and the communication address, and further storing the room number list in the second storage unit It further has a section.

  Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, the device is arranged in the dwelling unit of the apartment house, and monitors and / or controls the operation of the device and transmits a status signal indicating the operation state of the device as a monitoring result and / or a control result. The remote monitoring and control device, and monitoring the operation of the device by transmitting a request signal requesting the operation state of the device to the remote monitoring and control device and / or the control signal for controlling the operation of the device. A center server for controlling the operation of the device by transmitting to the control device, a first communication protocol in the first network to which the center server is connected, and a second communication protocol in the second network to which the remote monitoring control device is connected Communication between the center server and the remote monitoring control device is possible by mutually converting communication protocols A remote monitoring and control system for an apartment house comprising a gateway device arranged in the apartment house, wherein the remote monitoring and control apparatus stores in advance an identifier for identifying and specifying the remote monitoring and control apparatus; When a distribution signal containing the identifier and a network layer communication address used for communication in the second network is received, it is determined whether or not the distribution signal is addressed to the own device. In some cases, an address acquisition processing unit that acquires and sets a communication address accommodated in the distribution signal, and the center server stores in advance an address list indicating a correspondence relationship between the identifier and the communication address. A second storage unit; and an address provision processing unit that provides an address list of the second storage unit to a second address distribution device to be described later. A second address distribution device for receiving the address list from the data server and transmitting the distribution signal containing the identifier extracted from the address list and the communication address corresponding to the identifier to the second network by broadcast communication. It is further provided with the feature.

  In the above-described remote monitoring and control system for apartment houses, the first or second address distribution device is incorporated in the gateway device.

  Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, it is arranged in a dwelling unit of an apartment house, and monitors and / or controls the operation of the device and transmits a status signal indicating the operation state of the device as a monitoring result and / or a control result. The remote monitoring and control device, and monitoring the operation of the device by transmitting a request signal requesting the operation state of the device to the remote monitoring and control device and / or the control signal for controlling the operation of the device. A center server for controlling the operation of the device by transmitting to the control device, a first communication protocol in the first network to which the center server is connected, and a second communication protocol in the second network to which the remote monitoring control device is connected Communication between the center server and the remote monitoring and control device is possible by mutually converting communication protocols A remote monitoring and control system for an apartment house comprising a gateway device arranged in the apartment house, wherein the remote monitoring and control apparatus includes a first storage unit that preliminarily stores an identifier for identifying and specifying the remote monitoring and control apparatus. A second storage unit that stores in advance an address list indicating a correspondence relationship between the identifier and a network layer communication address used for communication in the second network; and an address list of the second storage unit And an address provision processing unit that provides the address setting device to the address setting device, and is connected to the remote monitoring control device, and provides the identifier in the first storage unit from the remote monitoring control device and the second storage unit from the center server. Provided with the address list at the same time, and the communication corresponding to the identifier extracted from the address list. Address, characterized in that it comprises an address setting device for setting to the remote monitoring and control device as the communication address of the remote monitoring and control device.

  Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, the device is arranged in the dwelling unit of the apartment house, and monitors and / or controls the operation of the device and transmits a status signal indicating the operation state of the device as a monitoring result and / or a control result. A remote monitoring and control device that pre-stores an identifier that identifies and identifies the device itself, and monitoring and / or monitoring the operation of the device by transmitting a request signal requesting the operating state of the device to the remote monitoring and control device. The operation of the device is controlled by transmitting a control signal for controlling the operation of the device to the remote monitoring control device, and the identifier of the remote monitoring control device and the network layer used for communication in the second network to be described later A center server that pre-stores an address list indicating a correspondence relationship with a communication address, and a first network in the first network to which the center server is connected. Communication between the center server and the remote monitoring and control device is enabled by mutually converting the communication protocol between the communication protocol and the second communication protocol in the second network to which the remote monitoring and control device is connected. An address distribution device that distributes the communication address to the remote monitoring and control device, and is used in a remote monitoring and control system for an apartment that includes a gateway device that is disposed in the collective housing. The address list when receiving a distribution request signal containing the identifier stored in the remote monitoring control device and information requesting distribution of the communication address from the remote monitoring control device Communication address corresponding to the identifier stored in the distribution request signal The distribution signal for accommodating the scan, characterized in that it comprises a first address distribution processing unit to reply to the remote monitoring and control device.

  Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, the device is arranged in a dwelling unit of the apartment house, and monitors and / or controls the operation of the device and transmits a status signal indicating the operation state of the device as a monitoring result and / or a control result. A remote monitoring and control device that pre-stores an identifier that identifies and identifies the device itself, and monitoring and / or monitoring the operation of the device by transmitting a request signal requesting the operating state of the device to the remote monitoring and control device. The operation of the device is controlled by transmitting a control signal for controlling the operation of the device to the remote monitoring control device, and the identifier of the remote monitoring control device and the network layer used for communication in the second network to be described later A center server that pre-stores an address list indicating a correspondence relationship with a communication address, and a first network in the first network to which the center server is connected. Communication between the center server and the remote monitoring and control device is enabled by mutually converting the communication protocol between the communication protocol and the second communication protocol in the second network to which the remote monitoring and control device is connected. An address distribution device that distributes the communication address to the remote monitoring and control device, and is used in a remote monitoring and control system for an apartment that includes a gateway device that is disposed in the collective housing. A second address distribution processing unit for receiving the provision and transmitting the distribution signal containing the identifier extracted from the address list and the communication address corresponding to the identifier to the second network by broadcast communication; To do.

  In the remote monitoring control system and the address distribution device configured as described above, an address list indicating the correspondence between the identifier for identifying and specifying the remote monitoring control device and the communication address of the network layer used for communication in the second network is previously stored in the center. Based on the above-mentioned identifier stored in the server and pre-stored in the remote monitoring control device, the center server distributes it to the remote monitoring control device via the address distribution device or the address setting device, or by DHCP. And the network layer communication address can be automatically assigned to the remote monitoring controller. For this reason, it is not necessary to manually input the network layer communication address to the remote monitoring and control device, labor is saved, input errors can be eliminated, and a certain skill for input is provided by the installer. Not required by any user.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the structure which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in each figure shows that it is the same structure, The description is abbreviate | omitted.
(Configuration of the first embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a remote monitoring control system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the center server and the stored contents in the remote monitoring control system. 2A shows the configuration of the remote monitoring control system, FIG. 2B shows the configuration of the address list, and FIG. 2C shows the configuration of the room number list. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the gateway device in the remote monitoring control system. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a remote monitoring control device in the remote monitoring control system.

  In FIG. 1, a remote monitoring control system 1a includes a center server 11a, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) device 21 connected to the center server 11a so as to be able to communicate with each other, and a VPN device 21. To the Internet 22 that is communicably connected to each other, to the condominium sharing system 2 that is communicably connected to the VPN device 21 and disposed in the common part of the apartment (apartment house) M, The home remote monitoring control system 3 (3-101, 3-102,...) And the monitoring control terminal 29 that are communicably connected to each other and disposed in each dwelling unit of the apartment M are configured.

  Here, in this specification, when referring generically, it shows with the reference symbol which abbreviate | omitted the suffix, and when referring to an individual structure, it shows with the reference symbol which attached the suffix.

  The VPN device 21 is a device that connects the center server 11 and the gateway device 12 that communicate via the Internet 22 like a dedicated line mainly by using a tunneling technology and an encryption technology. The Internet 22 uses a so-called Internet protocol group such as HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), and TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol). A network such as a communication network. The Internet 22 is an example of a first network in the claims. The monitoring control terminal 29 receives a command (command) to monitor and / or control the operating state of each device arranged in the dwelling unit, transmits a communication signal containing the command to the center server 11a, and It is a communication terminal that receives a communication signal containing a result corresponding to a command from the center server 11a and displays the result. The monitoring control terminal 29 is a portable computer such as a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), and a notebook personal computer. For example, the monitoring control terminal 29 is a web browser or a mailer according to a command input method and a result display method. Includes general application software used on the Internet.

  The center server 11a is a server computer that manages information related to the in-home remote monitoring and control system 3 and information related to the condominium sharing system 2. For example, the center server 11a is a communication that requests an operation state of a device in accordance with a communication signal received from the monitoring control terminal 29. By transmitting a signal (request signal) to the home remote monitoring and control system 3 or the condominium service system 2, the operation of the device is monitored, and the operation state of the device is transmitted to the monitoring control terminal 29 as a monitoring result. A communication signal (control signal) for controlling the operation of the device in accordance with the received communication signal is transmitted to the in-home remote monitoring and control system 3 to control the operation of the device, and the operation state of the device is sent to the monitoring control terminal 29 as a control result. Or send. It should be noted that in the first embodiment, the center server 11a performs remote monitoring in the house in response to a request from a gateway device (hereinafter abbreviated as “GW device”) 12a in the condominium sharing system 2. A device ID, which is an identifier for identifying and specifying the remote monitoring and control device 13a in the control system 3, and a network layer used for communication in a local area network (hereinafter abbreviated as “LAN”) in the apartment M. An address list indicating the correspondence relationship with the communication address is transmitted to the GW apparatus 12a. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the center server 11a includes a central processing unit 101a, an internal storage unit 102a, a communication interface unit 103a, an input unit 104a, an output unit 105a, and an auxiliary storage. A unit 106a and a bus 107a are provided.

  The internal storage unit 102a is a so-called working memory that reads various programs executed by the central processing unit 101a from the auxiliary storage unit 106a and temporarily stores data during execution of the various programs. For example, the internal storage unit 102a is a volatile storage element. A random access memory (RAM) is provided. The communication interface unit 103a is an interface circuit that is connected to the VPN device 21 and transmits / receives communication signals to / from the condominium shared system 2 and the home remote monitoring control system 3 via the VPN device 21 and the Internet 22. A communication signal in accordance with the communication protocol of the Internet 22 is generated from the data from the processing unit 101a, and the communication signal from the Internet 22 is converted into data in a format that can be processed by the central processing unit 101a. The communication interface unit 103a is, for example, an Ethernet card, a 56K modem, a terminal adapter, an ADSL modem, or the like. The input unit 104a is a device that inputs various commands such as a command for operating the center server 11a and various data such as data to be stored in the center server 11a to the center server 11a, such as a keyboard and a mouse. . The output unit 105a is a device that outputs commands, data, and the like input from the input unit 104a. For example, the output unit 105a is a display device such as a CRT display, LCD, organic EL display, or plasma display, or a printing device such as a printer.

  The auxiliary storage unit 106a functionally includes an address list storage unit 121a that stores an address list and a room number list storage unit 122a that stores a room number list, and the GW device 12a receives the address list in response to a request from the GW apparatus 12a. Various programs such as an address list providing process program for executing an address list providing process provided to the device 12a, and various information such as information necessary for executing the various programs are stored. The auxiliary storage unit 106a is, for example, a nonvolatile storage element such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or a storage device such as a hard disk.

  The address list is a list showing a correspondence relationship between a device ID (Identification) that is an identifier for identifying and specifying the remote monitoring control device 13a and a communication address of the network layer used for communication in the LAN in the apartment M, The address list may be created for all remote monitoring control devices 13a, or may be created for each remote monitoring control device 13a sold for the property. When an address list is prepared for each remote monitoring control device 13a sold for the property as in the present embodiment, an identifier such as a property name is added to identify and specify the address list. As long as the device ID is different for each remote monitoring control device 13a, it may be an arbitrary symbol string or a plurality of symbol strings. For example, in the present embodiment, since the device ID is normally stored in the network card, the MAC address is used. . In this embodiment, since the LAN in the condominium M constitutes an intranet, the IP address is used as the communication address of the network layer. In particular, a private IP address is used from the viewpoint of effectively using resources of the IP address. The The communication address may be a global IP address. In particular, in IP version 6, there is no problem with exhaustion of IP addresses, so a global IP address may be used for common use in the LAN in the apartment M and the Internet 22. The address list 131 includes, for example, a device ID field 1311 for registering a device ID and an IP address field 1312 for registering an IP address that is a network layer communication address, as shown in FIG. It is a table which has each field and a record is created for each device ID.

  The room number list is an identifier for identifying and specifying each dwelling unit constituting the apartment M, for example, a room number such as No. 101 or No. 102, and a communication address of the network layer used for communication in the LAN in the apartment M. It is a list | wrist which shows the corresponding | compatible relationship. In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 2C, the room number list 132 includes a room number field 1321 for registering a room number and an IP address field 1322 for registering an IP address that is a network layer communication address. It is a table in which each field is provided and a record is created for each room number.

  The central processing unit 101a includes, for example, a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits, and functionally provides an address provision processing unit 111a that executes address list provision processing, and a room number list creation that creates a room number list A room number list creation processing unit 112a that executes processing is provided, and the internal storage unit 102a, the communication interface unit 103a, the input unit 104a, the output unit 105a, and the auxiliary storage unit 106a are controlled according to the functions according to various programs.

  The central processing unit 101a, the internal storage unit 102a, the communication interface unit 103a, the input unit 104a, the output unit 105a, and the auxiliary storage unit 106a are connected to the bus 107a so that data can be exchanged with each other. .

  Note that the center server 11a may further include an external storage unit 108a indicated by a broken line in FIG. The external storage unit 108a stores data with a recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable), and a DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disc Recordable). An apparatus that performs reading and / or writing, such as a flexible disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, a CD-R drive, and a DVD-R drive. The communication interface unit 103a is connected to a network and is a device for transmitting and receiving communication signals to and from other servers and clients via the network. When each program is not stored, the program may be installed in the auxiliary storage unit 106a via the external storage unit 108a from the recording medium on which these programs are recorded.

  The condominium sharing system 2 is a facility used jointly in the condominium M, and includes various facilities for connecting each in-home remote monitoring and control system 3 to the Internet 22. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the condominium sharing system 2 includes a router device 23 connected to the Internet 22 so as to be able to communicate with each other, and a switching hub (hereinafter referred to as “ SW-HUB ”) 24, VPN device 25 connected to SW-HUB 24 so as to communicate with each other, hub 26 connected to VPN device 25 so as to communicate with each other, and hub 26 to each other A gateway device (hereinafter abbreviated as “GW device”) 12a that is communicably connected and a gateway interface unit (hereinafter abbreviated as “GW-IFU”) that is communicably connected to the GW device 12a. 27) and an image server 28 connected to the hub 26 so as to communicate with each other.

  The router device 23 is a device that performs routing (path selection) of a communication packet by comparing the destination IP address of the received communication packet with a routing table stored therein. The SW-HUB 24 compares the transmission destination MAC address of the received communication packet with the communication address table stored therein, and sends out the communication packet only to the port connected to the terminal device of the transmission destination. It is a hub with The communication address table is a table showing the correspondence between MAC addresses and ports. The VPN device 25 is the same device as the VPN device 21 that faces the VPN device 21 in constructing a VPN on the Internet 22. The hub 26 is a device for branching and relaying the communication line, which is arranged at the center when the communication line is radiated in the LAN. The GW-IFU 27 is arranged between the GW apparatus 12a and an HA (Home Automation) system (not shown), and performs protocol conversion between the GW apparatus 12a and the HA system in the common part 3 of the apartment M. It is a device that enables communication. The image server 28 is a server computer that manages images taken by a camera (not shown) installed in a common part of the apartment M such as a lobby or a corridor. The taken image is periodically requested by the center server 11a. To the center server 11a.

  The GW apparatus 12a is arranged in the apartment M and communicates with each other between a communication protocol in the Internet 22 to which the center server 11a is connected and a communication protocol in the LAN to which the remote monitoring control apparatus 13a in the home remote monitoring control system 3 is connected. This is a device that enables communication between the center server 11a and the remote monitoring control device 13a by converting the protocol. In the present embodiment, since the private IP address is used in the LAN in the apartment M, the GW apparatus 12a converts the private IP address in the LAN in the apartment M and the global IP address in the Internet 22 to each other. Address Translation) function is further provided. Instead of the NAT function, a so-called NAPT (Network Address Port Translation) function for mutually converting the private IP address and TCP port number in the LAN in the condominium M and the global IP address and TCP port number in the Internet 22 is used. You may prepare. It should be noted that in the first embodiment, the GW apparatus 12a receives an address list from the center server 11a and receives an address distribution request signal from the remote monitoring control apparatus 13a. Address distribution device that returns an address distribution signal that contains the network layer communication address (IP address in this embodiment) corresponding to the device ID contained in the address distribution request signal that has been taken out to this remote monitoring control device 13a Is included. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the GW apparatus 12a includes a first communication interface unit 201a, a central processing unit 202a, a storage unit 203a, a second communication interface unit 204a, and an HA interface unit 205a. And a bus 206a.

  The first communication interface unit 201 a is connected to the hub 26 and is an interface for transmitting and receiving communication signals to and from the center server 11 a via the VPN device 25, SW-HUB 24, router device 23, Internet 22, and VPN device 21. A circuit that generates a communication signal in accordance with the communication protocol of the Internet 22 from data from the central processing unit 202a and converts the communication signal from the hub 26 into data in a format that can be processed by the central processing unit 202a. The first communication interface unit 201a is, for example, an Ethernet card, a 56K modem, a terminal adapter, an ADSL modem, or the like. The second communication interface unit 204a is connected to the hub 26 and is an interface circuit for transmitting and receiving communication signals to and from the home remote monitoring control system 3 via the VPN device 25 and the SW-HUB 24, and the central processing unit 202a. Communication data in accordance with the LAN (intranet) communication protocol in the condominium M is generated from the data from, and the communication signal from the hub 26 is converted into data in a format that can be processed by the central processing unit 202a. The second communication interface unit 204a is, for example, an Ethernet card. The HA interface unit 205a is connected to the GW-IFU 27, and is an interface for transmitting and receiving communication signals to and from the HA system in the common part of the apartment M via the GW-IFU 27 in accordance with the Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association (JEMA) standard. A circuit that generates a communication signal according to the communication protocol of the HA system from data from the central processing unit 202a and converts the communication signal from the GW-IFU 27 into data in a format that can be processed by the central processing unit 202a.

  The storage unit 203a functionally includes a provided address list storage unit 221a that stores the address list provided from the center server 11a, and includes various programs, communication addresses (IP addresses) of the network layer of the center server 11a, property names, and the like. Various data such as data necessary for executing the various programs and data generated during the execution of the various programs are stored. The storage unit 203a includes, for example, a volatile storage element such as a RAM serving as a so-called working memory of the central processing unit 202a, and a non-volatile storage element such as a ROM or a rewritable EEPROM.

  The central processing unit 202a includes, for example, a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits, and is functionally a gateway processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a “GW processing unit”) that converts communication protocols between a plurality of different communication protocols. ”211 a and an address distribution processing unit that requests and stores the provision of the address list and executes an address distribution process for distributing the communication address of the network layer in response to a request from the remote monitoring control device 13 a. 212a, and controls the first and second communication interface units 201a and 204a, the storage unit 203a, and the HA interface unit 205a according to the functions according to various programs.

  The first and second communication interface units 201a and 204a, the central processing unit 202a, the storage unit 203a, and the HA interface unit 205a are connected to the bus 206a so that data can be exchanged with each other.

  The in-home remote monitoring and control system 3 centrally monitors and / or controls one or a plurality of devices that are arranged in each dwelling unit of the apartment house and are connected to each other by a communication line. And a remote monitoring and control device 13a for monitoring and / or controlling the operation of the device according to the communication signal received from the center server 11a, and indicating the operation status of the device as a monitoring result and / or control result ( Status signal). In the example of the home remote monitoring and control system 3 shown in FIG. 1, a wall switch 31 and a lighting fixture 32, an air conditioner 34-1 and a water heater 34-2 of a JEM-A device 34 are shown as examples of the device. . In addition to the lighting fixture 32, the air conditioner 34-1 and the water heater 34-2, the devices include, for example, dwelling equipment such as electric locks, home appliances such as televisions, video tape recorders, DVD recorders and washing machines, computers, etc. Communication equipment such as information processing equipment, telephones and facsimile machines, pulse meters, thermometers, medical equipment such as blood oxygen meters and electrocardiographs, metering meters such as gas meters, electric meters and water meters, crime prevention equipment, disaster prevention equipment, temperature Sensors such as sensors and humidity sensors.

  The remote monitoring control device 13a monitors and / or controls the operation of the devices arranged in the dwelling unit and connected by the communication line according to the communication signal received from the center server 11a, and the monitoring results and / or the control results as devices. It is an apparatus which transmits the status signal which shows the operation state of. In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the remote monitoring control device 13a includes a central processing unit 301a, a storage unit 302a, a communication interface unit 303a, a contact input / output interface unit 304a, and an HA interface unit 305a. A serial interface unit 306a, a setting switch (hereinafter abbreviated as “setting SW”) 307a, and a bus 308a.

  The communication interface unit 303a is an interface circuit for communicating with the GW apparatus 12a via the communication line that constitutes the LAN in the condominium M, and from the data from the central processing unit 301a, the condominium M A communication signal in accordance with a communication protocol in the local LAN is generated, and a communication signal from a communication line constituting the LAN in the apartment M is converted into data in a format that can be processed by the central processing unit 301a. The communication interface unit 303a is, for example, an Ethernet card when the LAN in the condominium M uses Ethernet (registered trademark). Here, the remote monitoring control device 13, the SW-HUB 24, the VPN device 25, the hub 26 and the GW device 12 constitute a LAN in the apartment M. This LAN is an example of the second network in the claims.

  The contact input / output interface unit 304a is an interface circuit for opening / closing a relay contact using a signal line. For example, the contact input / output interface unit 304a opens / closes a relay contact provided in the wall switch 31. The lighting fixture 32 is turned off and turned on in response to the opening and closing of the relay contacts. The HA interface unit 305a is an interface circuit for performing communication in accordance with the Japan Electrical Manufacturers Association (JEMA) standard, generates a communication signal in accordance with the JEMA standard from the data from the central processing unit 301a, and from the HA line. Are converted into data in a format that can be processed by the central processing unit 301a. The HA line may be provided with a JEM-A interface unit (hereinafter abbreviated as “JEM-A IFU”) 33 for amplifying and relaying communication signals. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a JEM-A IFU 33-1 is interposed between the HA line connecting the remote monitoring control device 13a and the air conditioner 34-1 of the JEM-A equipment 34, and the remote monitoring is performed. A JEM-A / IFU 33-2 is interposed between the HA line connecting the control device 13a and the water heater 34-2 of the JEM-A equipment 34. The serial interface unit 306a is an interface circuit for performing serial communication that continuously transmits digital data bit by bit. For example, RS (Recommended Standard) -232C, RS-485, and USB (Universal Serial Bus). ) And the like. The setting SW 307a is a switch for inputting the start of an operation for acquiring a communication address of the network layer used for communication in the LAN in the apartment M to the remote monitoring control device 13a, and is, for example, a push button switch.

  The storage unit 302a functionally includes a device ID storage unit 321a that stores a device ID and an address storage unit 322a that stores the acquired communication address of the network layer, and acquires the communication address of the network layer using the device ID. Various programs such as an address acquisition processing program to be executed, and various information such as information necessary for executing the various programs and information generated during the execution of the various programs are stored. The storage unit 302a includes, for example, a volatile storage element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) serving as a so-called working memory of the central processing unit 301a, and a non-volatile storage element such as a ROM or a rewritable EEPROM. Is done.

  The central processing unit 301a is configured to include, for example, a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits, and functionally controls the operation of the device according to the communication signal received from the center server 11a, and the operation state of the device. A monitoring control processing unit 311a that executes processing to collect and transmit to the center server 11a, and an address acquisition processing unit 312a that acquires a network layer communication address using a MAC address as a device ID, and various types According to the program, the storage unit 302a, the communication interface unit 303a, the contact input / output interface unit 304a, the HA interface unit 305a, and the serial interface unit 306a are controlled according to the functions.

  The central processing unit 301a, storage unit 302a, communication interface unit 303a, contact input / output interface unit 304a, HA interface unit 305a, serial interface unit 306a, and setting SW 307a can exchange data with each other. Are respectively connected to the bus 308a.

  The center server 11a and the GW apparatus 12a communicate with each other via the VPN apparatus 21, the network 22, the router apparatus 23, the SW-HUB 24, the VPN apparatus 25, and the hub 26. The GW device 12a and the remote monitoring control device 13a communicate with each other via the SW-HUB 24, the VPN device 25, and the hub 26. The center server 11a and the image server 28 communicate with each other via the VPN device 21, the network 22, the router device 23, the SW-HUB 24, the VPN device 25, and the hub 26.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
(Operation of the first embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation when the GW apparatus receives an address list provided from the center server and the GW apparatus distributes addresses in response to a request from the remote monitoring control apparatus in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the GW apparatus and the center server when the GW apparatus receives provision of an address list from the center server in the first embodiment. FIG. 6A is a flowchart showing the operation of the GW apparatus in this case, and FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing the operation of the center server in this case. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the remote monitoring control device and the GW device when the GW device distributes an address in response to a request from the remote monitoring control device in the first embodiment. FIG. 7A is a flowchart showing the operation of the remote monitoring control device in this case, and FIG. 7B is a flowchart showing the operation of the GW device in this case.

  5 and 6, the GW apparatus 12a is incorporated into the condominium sharing system 2, the property name is input from the setting tool or the input unit (not shown), and, for example, when the power is turned on, the center of the GW apparatus 12a The address distribution processing unit 212a in the processing unit 202a creates a communication signal (address list provision request signal) addressed to the center server 11a that contains information requesting provision of the property name and address list, and sends it to the center server 11a. (C11, S11-GW).

  When this address list provision request signal is received (C12, S11-CS), the address provision processing unit 111a in the central processing unit 101a of the center server 11a is stored in the address list storage unit 121a of the auxiliary storage unit 106a. An address list 131 corresponding to the name is extracted, and a communication signal (address list providing signal) addressed to the GW device 12a that is the transmission source of the address list providing request signal, which accommodates the extracted address list, is generated and sent back. The list provision request signal is transmitted to the GW device 12a that is the transmission source (C13, S12-CS), and the process is terminated.

  When this address list provision signal is received (C14, S12-GW), the address distribution processing unit 212a in the central processing unit 202a of the GW apparatus 12a provides the address list 131 contained in the address list provision signal to the storage unit 203a. It memorize | stores in the address list memory | storage part 221a (C15, S13-GW), and complete | finishes a process.

  By operating in this way, the address list 131 relating to the apartment which has been stored in the center server 11a is downloaded from the center server 11a to the GW apparatus 12a and held in the GW apparatus 12a.

  5 and 7, when the remote monitoring control device 13a is installed in a residence of the condominium M, incorporated in the LAN in the condominium M and is turned on, for example, the central processing unit 301a of the remote monitoring control device 13a is turned on. The address acquisition processing unit 312a repeatedly determines whether or not the setting SW 307a has been operated (S21-R). When the setting SW 307a is operated (C21, Yes in S21-R), the address acquisition processing unit 312a provides the device ID and the communication address stored in the device ID storage unit 321a of the storage unit 302a. A communication signal (address distribution request signal) containing information requesting is created and transmitted to the LAN in the apartment M by broadcast communication (C22, S22-R). At this time, the address distribution request signal is broadcasted because the unique network layer communication address in the LAN in the apartment M is not assigned to the remote monitoring control device 13a. This is because the network layer communication address cannot be used. Broadcast communication includes broadcast and multicast. For example, broadcast is used in this embodiment.

  When this address distribution request signal is received (C23, S21-GW), the address distribution processing unit 212a in the central processing unit 202a of the GW apparatus 12a distributes the communication address by the remote monitoring control device 13a as the transmission source in the address distribution request signal. It is determined whether or not the product has a legitimate authority that can be received (C24, S22-GW). The determination of the presence / absence of legitimate authority is, for example, determining whether or not the device ID accommodated in the address distribution request signal is registered in the address list 131 stored in the provided address list storage unit 221a of the storage unit 203a. If the device ID is registered in the address list 131 of the provided address list storage unit 221a, it is determined that there is a legitimate authority, and the device ID is registered in the address list 131 of the provided address list storage unit 221a. If not, it is determined that there is no legitimate authority. This determination can prevent so-called impersonation.

  If the result of determination in step S22-GW is that there is a legitimate authority (Yes), the address distribution processing unit 212a provides the provided address based on the device ID contained in the address distribution request signal to distribute the communication address. An address distribution request signal that is retrieved from the address list 131 of the list storage unit 221a, retrieves a network layer communication address corresponding to the device ID accommodated in the address distribution request signal, and accommodates the retrieved network layer communication address A communication signal (address distribution signal) addressed to the transmission source remote monitoring control device 13a is generated and sent back to the remote monitoring control device 13a of the transmission source of the address distribution request signal (C25, S23-GW). ), The process is terminated. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S22-GW is that there is no legitimate authority (No), the address distribution processing unit 212a discards the address distribution request signal (S24-GW) and ends the processing.

  When this address distribution signal is received (C26, S23-R), the address acquisition processing unit 312a in the central processing unit 301a of the remote monitoring control device 13a stores the communication address stored in the address distribution signal in the address storage unit 302a. The communication address is stored in the unit 322a (C27, S24-R), and the process ends.

  Then, when the communication address is set in the remote monitoring control device 13a of each dwelling unit, for example, a user such as a contractor checks the correspondence between the room number of the dwelling unit and the communication address, creates a room number list, and enters the Internet 22 The created room number list is transmitted to the center server 11a using a connected personal computer or the like and stored in the center server 11a.

  By operating in this way, the remote monitoring control device 13a downloads the communication address from the address list 131 related to the apartment stored in the GW device 12a, and the address is set in the remote monitoring control device 13a. Thereafter, the remote monitoring control device 13a uses this communication address to communicate with the center server 11a via the GW device 12a to monitor and / or control the equipment.

  As described above, in the remote monitoring control system 1a according to the first embodiment, the center server 11a passes through the GW device 12a in which the address distribution device is incorporated, based on the device ID stored in advance in the remote monitoring control device 11a. Since it is distributed to the remote monitoring control device 13a, the network layer communication address (IP address in this embodiment) can be automatically assigned to the remote monitoring control device 13a without using DHCP. For this reason, it is not necessary to manually input the network layer communication address to the remote monitoring control device 13a, labor is saved, input errors can be eliminated, and a certain skill for input is provided by the installer. Is not required by the user.

Next, another embodiment will be described.
(Configuration of Second Embodiment)
In the remote monitoring control system 1a according to the first embodiment, the address list 131 managed by the center server 11a is downloaded to the GW apparatus 12a, and the GW apparatus 12a assigns a communication address in response to a request from the remote monitoring control apparatus 13a. In the remote monitoring control system 1b according to the second embodiment, the center server 11b distributes a communication address in response to a request from the remote monitoring control device 13a.

  Therefore, address distribution processing in which the address provision processing unit 111b in the central processing unit 101b of the center server 11b according to the second embodiment distributes a communication address to the remote monitoring control device 13a in response to a request from the remote monitoring control device 13a. When the address distribution processing unit 212b in the central processing unit 202b of the GW apparatus 12b according to the second embodiment receives the address distribution request signal from the remote monitoring control device 13a by broadcast communication, the address distribution request signal Is transferred to the center server 11b and when the address providing signal is received from the center server 11b, the address providing signal is transferred to the remote monitoring control device 13a. The provided address list storage unit 221b is provided in the storage unit 203b of the GW device 12b. And the storage unit 203b of the GW device 12b The configuration of the remote monitoring control system 1b according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the remote monitoring control system 1a according to the first embodiment, except that it is not always necessary to store the subject. Is omitted.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
(Operation of Second Embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an operation when the center server distributes an address in response to a request from the remote monitoring control device in the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the remote monitoring control device, the GW device, and the center server when the center server distributes addresses in response to a request from the remote monitoring control device in the second embodiment. FIG. 9A is a flowchart showing the operation of the remote monitoring control apparatus in this case, FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing the operation of the GW apparatus in this case, and FIG. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the center server in this case.

  8 and 9, when the remote monitoring control device 13a is installed in a residence of the condominium M and incorporated in the LAN in the condominium M, for example, when its power is turned on, the address in the central processing unit 301a of the remote monitoring control device 13a The acquisition processing unit 312a repeatedly determines whether or not the setting SW 307a has been operated (S31-R). Then, when the setting SW 307a is operated (C31, Yes in S31-R), the address acquisition processing unit 312a creates an address distribution request signal in the same manner as the processing S22-R shown in FIG. Broadcast to the LAN in M (C32, S32-R).

  When this address distribution request signal is received (C33, S31-GW), the address distribution processing unit 212b in the central processing unit 202b of the GW apparatus 12b receives the device ID and communication address accommodated in the received address distribution request signal. A communication signal (address provision request signal) addressed to the center server 11b that accommodates information requesting the provision of the information is generated and transmitted to the center server 11b (C34, S32-GW).

  When this address provision request signal is received (C35, S31-CS), the address provision processing unit 111b in the central processing unit 101b of the center server 11b receives the remote monitoring control device 13a having the device ID accommodated in the address provision request signal. Is a product with a legitimate authority that can receive distribution of the communication address (C36, S32-CS). The determination of the presence / absence of legitimate authority is, for example, determining whether the device ID accommodated in the address provision request signal is registered in the address list 131 stored in the address list storage unit 121a of the auxiliary storage unit 106a. If the device ID is registered in the address list 131, it is determined that there is a legitimate authority. If the device ID is not registered in the address list 131, it is determined that there is no legitimate authority. Is done.

  As a result of the determination in the process S32-CS, when there is a legitimate authority (Yes), the address provision processing unit 111b uses the address list based on the device ID accommodated in the address provision request signal to distribute the communication address. A search is made from the address list 131 of the storage unit 121a, the network layer communication address corresponding to the device ID accommodated in the address provision request signal is extracted, and the network layer communication address and the address provision request signal are retrieved. A communication signal (address providing signal) addressed to the GW device 12b that accommodates the device ID that is being sent is created and sent to the GW device 12b in order to send it back (C37, S33-CS), and the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S32-CS is that there is no legitimate authority (No), the address provision processing unit 111b discards the address provision request signal (S34-CS) and ends the processing.

  When this address providing signal is received (C38, S33-GW), the address distribution processing unit 212b in the central processing unit 202b of the GW apparatus 12b accommodates the communication address accommodated in the address providing signal. A communication signal (address distribution signal) addressed to the remote monitoring control device 13a having the device ID that has been assigned is created and transmitted to the remote monitoring control device 13a having the device ID contained in the address providing signal (C39). , S34-GW), the process ends.

  When this address distribution signal is received (C40, S33-R), the address acquisition processing unit 312a in the central processing unit 301a of the remote monitoring control device 13a stores the communication address stored in the address distribution signal in the address storage unit 302a. The communication address is stored in the unit 322a (C41, S34-R), and the process ends.

  Then, when the communication address is set in the remote monitoring control device 13a of each dwelling unit, for example, a user such as a contractor checks the correspondence between the room number of the dwelling unit and the communication address, creates a room number list, and enters the Internet 22 The created room number list is transmitted to the center server 11b using a connected personal computer or the like and stored in the center server 11b.

  By operating in this way, the remote monitoring control device 13a downloads the communication address from the address list 131 managed by the center server 11b, and the address is set in the remote monitoring control device 13a. Thereafter, the remote monitoring control device 13a uses this communication address to communicate with the center server 11b via the GW device 12b to monitor and / or control the equipment.

  As described above, in the remote monitoring control system 1b according to the second embodiment, the center server 11b directly distributes to the remote monitoring control device 13a based on the device ID stored in advance in the remote monitoring control device 11a. The network layer communication address (IP address in this embodiment) can be automatically assigned to the remote monitoring control device 13a without using DHCP. For this reason, it is not necessary to manually input the network layer communication address to the remote monitoring control device 13a, labor is saved, input errors can be eliminated, and a certain skill for input is provided by the installer. Is not required by the user.

Next, another embodiment will be described.
(Configuration of Third Embodiment)
The remote monitoring control system 1b according to the second embodiment is an embodiment in which the process of distributing communication addresses and the process of creating a room number list are executed separately, but the remote monitoring according to the third embodiment In the control system 1c, the process of creating a room number list is executed in conjunction with the process of distributing communication addresses.

  For this reason, the remote monitoring control system 13c according to the third embodiment further includes a room number input unit 309c for inputting a room number as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 4, and a central processing unit 301c of the remote monitoring control apparatus 13c. The address acquisition processing unit 312c further accommodates the room number input from the room number input unit 309c in the address distribution request signal, and the address distribution processing unit 212c in the central processing unit 202c of the GW apparatus 12c according to the third embodiment. And the room number list creation processing unit 112c in the central processing unit 101c of the center server 11c according to the third embodiment address the room number accommodated in the address distribution request signal. Except for creating the room number list based on the room numbers contained in the distribution request signal, the third The configuration of the remote monitoring control system 1c according to the embodiment are identical to those of the configuration of the remote monitoring and control system 1b according to the second embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

  The room number input unit 309c is generally composed of a digit that represents the floor number of the floor where the dwelling unit is located and a digit that represents the number of the dwelling unit assigned in order on the floor. For example, a dip switch or a multi-contact switch for inputting a digit number representing a floor number and a dip switch or a multi-contact switch for inputting a digit number representing a house number on the floor are provided. Composed. Moreover, since the room number input part 309c has memorize | stored normally a room number in the disaster prevention equipment arrange | positioned at each dwelling unit of a housing complex, for example, a disaster prevention equipment may be sufficient and it is comprised so that a room number may be acquired from disaster prevention equipment May be.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
(Operation of Third Embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an operation when the center server distributes an address in response to a request from the remote monitoring control device in the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the remote monitoring control device, the GW device, and the center server when the center server distributes an address in response to a request from the remote monitoring control device in the third embodiment. FIG. 11A is a flowchart showing the operation of the remote monitoring control apparatus in this case, FIG. 11B is a flowchart showing the operation of the GW apparatus in this case, and FIG. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the center server in this case.

  10 and 11, for example, a user such as a contractor installs the remote monitoring control device 13 c in the dwelling unit of the apartment M, incorporates it into the LAN in the apartment M, and inputs the room number of the dwelling unit from the room number input unit 309 c. (C51), and the power is turned on.

  For example, when the power is turned on, the address acquisition processing unit 312c in the central processing unit 301c of the remote monitoring control device 13c repeatedly determines whether the setting SW 307a has been operated (S41-R). When the setting SW 307a is operated (C52, Yes in S41-R), the address acquisition processing unit 312c, the device ID stored in the device ID storage unit 321a of the storage unit 302a and the room number input unit 309c. A communication signal (address distribution request signal with room number information) that accommodates the room number input from the terminal and information requesting the provision of a communication address is created and broadcasted to the LAN in the apartment M Transmit (C53, S42-R).

  When this address distribution request signal with room number information is received (C54, S41-GW), the address distribution processing unit 212c in the central processing unit 202c of the GW apparatus 12c is accommodated in the received address distribution request signal with room number information. A communication signal (address provision request signal with room number information) addressed to the center server 11c that accommodates the device ID and room number that is being provided and information that requests provision of the communication address is created and directed to the center server 11c. Transmit (C55, S42-GW).

  When this address provision request signal with room number information is received (C56, S41-CS), the address provision processing unit 111b in the central processing unit 101c of the center server 11c receives the room number in the same manner as the processing S32-CS shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the remote monitoring control device 13c having the device ID accommodated in the address providing request signal with information is a product with a legitimate authority that can receive distribution of the communication address (C57, S42-CS).

  As a result of the determination in step S42-CS, if there is a legitimate authority (Yes), the room number list creation processing unit 112c in the central processing unit 101c of the center server 11c stores the room number information to be registered in the room number list 132. The network layer corresponding to the device ID accommodated in the address provision request signal with room number information by searching the address list 131 of the address list storage unit 121a based on the device ID accommodated in the address provision request signal with attached address The communication address of the network layer and the room number accommodated in the address provision request signal with room number information are associated with each other and registered in the room number list 132 (C58, S43-CS). Similarly to the process S33-CS shown in FIG. 9, the address provision processing unit 111b creates an address provision signal addressed to the GW apparatus 12c, transmits it to the GW apparatus 12c (C59, S44-CS), and performs the process. Exit. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S42-CS is that there is no legitimate authority (No), the address provision processing unit 111b discards the address provision request signal with room number information (S45-CS) and ends the processing. .

  The address providing signal reception process (C60, S43-GW) and the address distribution signal transmission process (C61, S44-GW) executed by the GW apparatus 12c according to the third embodiment are the same as those in the second embodiment. Since this is the same as the address providing signal reception process (C38, S33-GW) and address distribution signal transmission process (C39, S34-GW) executed by the GW apparatus 12b, description thereof will be omitted. Further, the address distribution signal reception process (C62, S43-R) and the communication address setting process (C63, S44-R) executed by the remote monitoring control device 13c according to the third embodiment are the same as those in the second embodiment. Since this is the same as the address distribution signal reception process (C40, S33-R) and the communication address setting process (C41, S34-R) executed by the remote monitoring control device 13a according to the above, the description thereof is omitted.

  By operating in this way, the remote monitoring control device 13c downloads the communication address from the address list 131 managed by the center server 11c, and the address is set in the remote monitoring control device 13c. Thereafter, the remote monitoring control device 13c uses this communication address to communicate with the center server 11c via the GW device 12c to monitor and / or control the equipment. The center server 11c can create the room number list 132 in conjunction with the process of distributing the communication address.

  As described above, in the remote monitoring control system 1c according to the third embodiment, the center server 11c directly distributes to the remote monitoring control device 13c based on the device ID stored in advance in the remote monitoring control device 13c. The network layer communication address (IP address in this embodiment) can be automatically assigned to the remote monitoring control device 13c without using DHCP. For this reason, it is not necessary to manually input the communication address of the network layer to the remote monitoring control device 13c, labor is saved, input errors can be eliminated, and a certain skill for input is provided by the installer. Is not required by the user. The center server 11c can create the room number list 132 in conjunction with the process of distributing the communication address. For this reason, it is not necessary for a user such as a contractor to create a room number list and send it to the center server 11c, labor can be saved, input errors can be eliminated, and a fixed number for input is also possible. Skill is not required for users such as installers.

Next, another embodiment will be described.
(Configuration of Fourth Embodiment)
In the remote monitoring control system 1a according to the first embodiment, the address list 131 managed by the center server 11a is downloaded to the GW apparatus 12a, and the GW apparatus 12a assigns a communication address in response to a request from the remote monitoring control apparatus 13a. In the remote monitoring control system 1d according to the fourth embodiment, the address list 131 managed by the center server 11d is downloaded to the GW device 12d, and the GW device 12d sequentially transmits the communication addresses in order. This embodiment is distributed to the monitoring control device 13d. That is, the GW apparatus 12d receives an address list from the center server 11d and sends an address distribution signal containing a device ID extracted from the address list and a communication address corresponding to the device ID to the LAN in the apartment M. It incorporates an address distribution device that transmits by broadcast communication.

  For this reason, the address provision processing unit 111d in the central processing unit 101d of the center server 11d according to the fourth embodiment transmits the address list provision signal without waiting for the address list provision request signal. In the fourth embodiment, the address distribution processing unit 212d in the central processing unit 202d of the GW device 12d distributes the communication address to the remote monitoring control device 13d in order when the address list 131 is provided from the center server 11d. When the address acquisition processing unit 312d in the central processing unit 301d of the remote monitoring control device 13d receives an address distribution signal addressed to itself without transmitting an address distribution request signal, it communicates with the address storage unit 322a of the storage unit 302a. Except for storing and setting addresses, the fourth embodiment Since that configuration of a remote supervisory control system 1d is the same as the configuration of the remote monitoring and control system 1a according to the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
(Operation of Fourth Embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation when the GW device receives an address list provided from the center server and the GW device sequentially distributes communication addresses to the remote monitoring control devices in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 shows the center server, the GW apparatus, and the remote monitoring control when the GW apparatus receives the address list provided from the center server and the GW apparatus sequentially distributes the communication address to each remote monitoring control apparatus in the fourth embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an apparatus. FIG. 13A is a flowchart showing the operation of the center server in this case, FIG. 13B is a flowchart showing the operation of the GW apparatus in this case, and FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a remote monitoring control apparatus.

  12 and 13, for example, the construction of the condominium sharing system 2 and the in-house remote monitoring system 3 of each dwelling unit is completed, and a user such as a constructor manages the center server 11d with the completion of construction and the communication address of the GW device 12c. If the administrator is notified by communication means such as telephone or e-mail (C71), the address provision processing unit 111d in the central processing unit 101d of the center server 11d is stored in the address list storage unit 121 of the auxiliary storage unit 106. The address list 131 is taken out, a communication signal (address list providing signal) for accommodating the taken out address list is created, and transmitted to the GW apparatus 12d instructed by the administrator (C72, S51-CS).

  When this address list provision signal is received (C73, S51-GW), the address distribution processing unit 212d in the central processing unit 202d of the GW apparatus 12d provides the address list 131 contained in the address list provision signal to the storage unit 203a. It memorize | stores in the address list memory | storage part 221a (C74, S52-GW).

  Next, the address distribution processing unit 212d extracts the device ID and the network layer communication address registered in one record from the address list, and transmits a communication signal (address) containing the extracted device ID and the network layer communication address. Distribution signal) is created and transmitted to the LAN in the apartment M by broadcast communication (C75, S53-GW).

  When each remote monitoring control device 13d receives the address distribution signal by the broadcast communication (C76, S51-R), the address acquisition processing unit 312d in the central processing unit 301d sends the received address distribution signal to its own device. (C77, S52-R). For example, whether or not the device ID stored in the received address distribution signal matches the device ID stored in the device ID storage unit 321a of the storage unit 302a. If it matches, it is determined that it is destined for the own device, and if it does not match, it is determined that it is destined for another device.

  As a result of the determination in the process S52-R, when it is addressed to the own device (Yes), the address acquisition processing unit 312d displays the communication address accommodated in the received address distribution signal as the address storage unit 322a of the storage unit 302a. The communication address is set (C78, S53-R), and a communication signal (setting end notification signal) addressed to the GW apparatus 12d that contains information indicating that the communication address setting processing has been completed is created. An end notification signal is transmitted to the GW apparatus 12d (C79, S54-R), and the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S52-R is that it is destined for another device (No), the address acquisition processing unit 312d discards the received address distribution signal (S55-R) and ends the processing.

  When this setting end notification signal is received (C80, S54-GW), whether or not the address distribution processing unit 212d in the central processing unit 202d of the GW apparatus 12d has distributed all the communication addresses registered in the address list 131. Is determined (C81, S55-GW). For example, the address distribution processing unit 212d sequentially distributes from the IP address registered in the first record of the address list 131 and determines whether or not the final record of the address list 131 has been reached. Good. Alternatively, it may be determined by further providing a marker field for registering a distributed marker (mark) in the address list 131 and searching whether or not there is a record in which no distributed marker is registered in this marker field. .

  As a result of the determination in the process S55-GW, when the distribution of all communication addresses is completed, the address distribution processing unit 212d completes the distribution of all communication addresses and performs communication of each remote monitoring control device 13d. A communication signal (setting completion notification signal) addressed to the center server 11d that contains information indicating that address setting has been completed is created, and this setting completion notification signal is transmitted to the center server 11d (C82, S56-GW). The process is terminated. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S55-GW, if distribution of all communication addresses has not been completed, the address distribution processing unit 212d transfers the processing to step S53-GW to distribute the next communication address. return.

  Then, when the communication address is set in the remote monitoring control device 13d of each dwelling unit, for example, a user such as a contractor checks the correspondence between the room number of the dwelling unit and the communication address, creates a room number list, and enters the Internet 22 The created room number list is transmitted to the center server 11d using a connected personal computer or the like and stored in the center server 11d.

  By operating in this way, the remote monitoring control device 13d downloads the communication address from the address list 131 related to the apartment stored in the GW device 12d, and the address is set in the remote monitoring control device 13d. Thereafter, the remote monitoring control device 13d uses this communication address to communicate with the center server 11d via the GW device 12d to monitor and / or control the equipment.

  As described above, in the remote monitoring control system 1d according to the fourth embodiment, the center server 11d passes through the GW device 11d in which the address distribution device is incorporated, based on the device ID stored in advance in the remote monitoring control device 13d. Therefore, the network layer communication address (IP address in this embodiment) can be automatically assigned to the remote monitoring control device 13d without using DHCP. For this reason, it is not necessary to manually input the network layer communication address to the remote monitoring control device 13d, labor is saved, input errors can be eliminated, and a certain skill for input is provided by the installer. Is not required by the user.

  Here, in the remote monitoring control systems 1a and 1d according to the first and fourth embodiments, the GW device 12a is an address distribution device that distributes a communication address (IP address in each embodiment) to the remote monitoring control devices 13a and 13d. However, the address distribution device may be an individual device. For example, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 1, an address distribution device 41 that distributes a communication address (IP address in each embodiment) to the remote monitoring control devices 13a and 13d is connected to the SW-HUB 24 so that they can communicate with each other. The shared system 2 may be further provided. Such an address distribution device 41 includes, for example, a central processing unit that includes the address distribution processing units 212a and 212d but does not include the GW processing unit 211a, a storage unit similar to the storage unit 203a, and a communication similar to the second communication interface unit 204a. The interface unit and the bus 206a are provided with the same bus. The center servers 11a and 11d and the address distribution device 41 are the VPN device 21, the network 22, the router device 23, the SW-HUB 24, the VPN device 25, the hub 26, and the GW devices 12a and 12d (however, the address distribution processing unit 212a). , 212d, and only the GW processing unit 211a). The address distribution device 41 and the remote monitoring control devices 13a and 13d communicate with each other via the SW-HUB 24.

  Further, in the remote monitoring control system 1 according to the first to fourth embodiments described above, instead of incorporating the address distribution device into the GW device 12, as shown by a broken line in FIG. A communication signal that is connected to the unit 306 via the hub 35 and receives information from the remote monitoring control device 13 in response to the provision of the device ID in the storage unit 302 and requests to provide the device ID and address list. When the setting SW 307 is operated, the communication address corresponding to the device ID extracted from the address list is received from the center server 11 by receiving the address list in the auxiliary storage unit 106 from the center server 11. Set the remote monitoring control device 13 as the communication address of the remote monitoring control device 13 It may be configured to include less setting device 51. For communication between the address setting device 51 and the center server 11, so-called SSL (Security Sockets Layer) is used from the viewpoint of improving communication security.

  Such an address setting device 51 includes a web personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as “Web / PC”) 51a, which is a personal computer having a browser and a function for connecting to the Internet, and a browser for connecting to the Internet. It is configured by a web television (hereinafter abbreviated as “Web / TV”) 51b which is a television having a function.

  Then, after setting the communication address in the remote monitoring control device 13, the address setting device 51 sends a communication signal containing the device ID of the set remote monitoring control device 13, the set communication address, and the room number to the center server. 11 and the center server 11 may create a room number list.

It is a figure which shows the structure of a remote monitoring control system. It is a figure which shows the structure of the center server in a remote monitoring control system, and the memory content. It is a figure which shows the structure of the gateway apparatus in a remote monitoring control system. It is a figure which shows the structure of the remote monitoring control apparatus in a remote monitoring control system. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation when the GW device receives an address list provided from the center server and the GW device distributes addresses in response to a request from the remote monitoring control device in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the GW apparatus and the center server when the GW apparatus receives provision of an address list from the center server in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the remote monitoring control device and the GW device when the GW device distributes an address in response to a request from the remote monitoring control device in the first embodiment. In 2nd Embodiment, it is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement in case a center server distributes an address according to the request | requirement of a remote monitoring control apparatus. In 2nd Embodiment, it is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a remote monitoring control apparatus, a GW apparatus, and a center server in case a center server distributes an address according to the request | requirement of a remote monitoring control apparatus. In 3rd Embodiment, it is a sequence diagram which shows operation | movement in case a center server distributes an address according to the request | requirement of a remote monitoring control apparatus. In 3rd Embodiment, it is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a remote monitoring control apparatus, a GW apparatus, and a center server in case a center server distributes an address according to the request | requirement of a remote monitoring control apparatus. In 4th Embodiment, it is a sequence diagram which shows operation | movement in case a GW apparatus receives provision of an address list from a center server, and a GW apparatus distributes a communication address to each remote monitoring control apparatus in order. In the fourth embodiment, the operation of the center server, the GW apparatus, and the remote monitoring control apparatus when the GW apparatus receives an address list from the center server and the GW apparatus distributes communication addresses to each remote monitoring control apparatus in order. It is a flowchart to show.

Explanation of symbols

1a, 1b, 1c, 1d Remote monitoring control system 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d Center servers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d Gateway devices 13a, 13c, 13d Remote monitoring control device 29 Monitoring control terminal 41 Address distribution device 51a Web personal computer 51b Web television 101a, 101b, 101c, 101d, 201a, 201b, 201c, 201d, 301a, 301c, 301d Central processing unit 103a, 303a Communication interface unit 106a Auxiliary storage units 111a, 111b, 111d Address provision processing units 112a, 112c Room number list creation processing unit 121a Address list storage unit 122a Room number storage unit 131 Address list 132 Room number list 201a First communication interface unit 204a Second communication Interface unit 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d Address distribution processing unit 203a, 203b, 302a Storage unit 221a Provided address list storage unit 307a Setting switch 309a Room number input unit 312a, 312c, 312d Address acquisition processing unit 321a Device ID storage unit 322a Address storage unit

Claims (8)

A remote monitoring and control device that is arranged in a dwelling unit of an apartment house, monitors and / or controls the operation of the device, and transmits a status signal indicating the operation state of the device as a monitoring result and / or a control result;
By monitoring the operation of the device by transmitting a request signal requesting the operation state of the device to the remote monitoring control device and / or by transmitting a control signal for controlling the operation of the device to the remote monitoring control device. A center server for controlling the operation of the device;
By converting the communication protocol between the first communication protocol in the first network to which the center server is connected and the second communication protocol in the second network to which the remote monitoring control device is connected, the center server and the In a remote monitoring control system for an apartment house comprising a gateway device arranged in the apartment house that enables communication with a remote monitoring control apparatus,
The remote monitoring control device is
A first storage unit for storing in advance an identifier for identifying and specifying the remote monitoring and control device;
By transmitting a distribution request signal containing the identifier of the first storage unit and information requesting distribution of the communication address of the network layer used for communication in the second network to the first address distribution device described later, An address acquisition processing unit for acquiring and setting a communication address;
The center server is
A second storage unit that stores in advance an address list indicating a correspondence relationship between the identifier and the communication address;
An address provision processing unit for providing an address list of the second storage unit to a first address distribution device to be described later,
Communication corresponding to the identifier contained in the distribution request signal extracted from the address list when the address list is provided from the center server and the distribution request signal is received from the remote monitoring control device A remote monitoring control system for an apartment house, further comprising a first address distribution device that returns a distribution signal containing an address to the remote monitoring control device. A remote monitoring and control device that is arranged in a dwelling unit of an apartment house, monitors and / or controls the operation of the device, and transmits a status signal indicating the operation state of the device as a monitoring result and / or a control result;
By monitoring the operation of the device by transmitting a request signal requesting the operation state of the device to the remote monitoring control device and / or by transmitting a control signal for controlling the operation of the device to the remote monitoring control device. A center server for controlling the operation of the device;
By converting the communication protocol between the first communication protocol in the first network to which the center server is connected and the second communication protocol in the second network to which the remote monitoring control device is connected, the center server and the In a remote monitoring control system for an apartment house comprising a gateway device arranged in the apartment house that enables communication with a remote monitoring control apparatus,
The remote monitoring control device is
A first storage unit for storing in advance an identifier for identifying and specifying the remote monitoring and control device;
The communication address is obtained by transmitting a distribution request signal containing the identifier of the first storage unit and information requesting distribution of the communication address of the network layer used for communication in the second network to the gateway device. An address acquisition processing unit for acquiring and setting,
The gateway device is
When the distribution request signal is received from the remote monitoring control device, the distribution request signal is transferred to the center server, and a provision signal that contains a communication address corresponding to an identifier contained in the distribution request signal is An address distribution processing unit for returning the provided signal to the remote monitoring and controlling device when it is returned from the center server;
The center server is
A second storage unit that stores in advance an address list indicating a correspondence relationship between the identifier and the communication address;
When the distribution request signal transferred by the gateway device is received, the provision signal that contains the communication address corresponding to the identifier contained in the distribution request signal, taken out from the address list of the second storage unit An address providing processing unit that returns the message to the gateway device. The remote monitoring control device is
A room number input unit for inputting a room number of a dwelling unit of the apartment house where the remote monitoring and control device is disposed;
The address acquisition processing unit further accommodates the room number input to the room number input unit in the distribution request signal,
The center server is
Based on the identifier and room number accommodated in the distribution request signal, and the identifier and communication address of the address list, a room number list indicating the correspondence between the room number and the communication address is created and the room number is created. The remote monitoring control system for an apartment house according to claim 2, further comprising a room number list creation processing unit for further storing a list in the second storage unit. A remote monitoring and control device that is arranged in a dwelling unit of an apartment house, monitors and / or controls the operation of the device, and transmits a status signal indicating the operation state of the device as a monitoring result and / or a control result;
By monitoring the operation of the device by transmitting a request signal requesting the operation state of the device to the remote monitoring control device and / or by transmitting a control signal for controlling the operation of the device to the remote monitoring control device. A center server for controlling the operation of the device;
By converting the communication protocol between the first communication protocol in the first network to which the center server is connected and the second communication protocol in the second network to which the remote monitoring control device is connected, the center server and the In a remote monitoring control system for an apartment house comprising a gateway device arranged in the apartment house that enables communication with a remote monitoring control apparatus,
The remote monitoring control device is
A first storage unit for storing in advance an identifier for identifying and specifying the remote monitoring and control device;
When a distribution signal containing the identifier and a network layer communication address used for communication in the second network is received, it is determined whether or not the distribution signal is addressed to the own device. An address acquisition processing unit for acquiring and setting a communication address accommodated in the distribution signal in the case,
The center server is
A second storage unit that stores in advance an address list indicating a correspondence relationship between the identifier and the communication address;
An address provision processing unit that provides an address list of the second storage unit to a second address distribution device to be described later,
Second address distribution receiving the address list from the center server and transmitting the distribution signal containing the identifier extracted from the address list and the communication address corresponding to the identifier to the second network by broadcast communication A remote monitoring and control system for an apartment house, further comprising a device. The remote monitoring control system for collective housing according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the first or second address distribution device is incorporated in the gateway device. A remote monitoring and control device that is arranged in a dwelling unit of an apartment house, monitors and / or controls the operation of the device, and transmits a status signal indicating the operation state of the device as a monitoring result and / or a control result;
By monitoring the operation of the device by transmitting a request signal requesting the operation state of the device to the remote monitoring control device and / or by transmitting a control signal for controlling the operation of the device to the remote monitoring control device. A center server for controlling the operation of the device;
By converting the communication protocol between the first communication protocol in the first network to which the center server is connected and the second communication protocol in the second network to which the remote monitoring control device is connected, the center server and the In a remote monitoring control system for an apartment house comprising a gateway device arranged in the apartment house that enables communication with a remote monitoring control apparatus,
The remote monitoring control device is
A first storage unit for preliminarily storing an identifier for identifying and specifying the remote monitoring control device;
The center server is
A second storage unit that prestores an address list indicating a correspondence relationship between the identifier and a network layer communication address used for communication in the second network;
An address provision processing unit that provides an address setting device described later to the address list of the second storage unit;
Connected to the remote monitoring control device, received from the remote monitoring control device an identifier in the first storage unit and an address list in the second storage unit from the center server, and taken out from the address list A remote monitoring control system for an apartment house, comprising: an address setting device that sets a communication address corresponding to the identifier as a communication address of the remote monitoring control device in the remote monitoring control device. An identifier that is arranged in a dwelling unit of an apartment house, monitors and / or controls the operation of the device, transmits a status signal indicating the operation state of the device as a monitoring result and / or control result, and identifies and identifies the device in advance. A remote monitoring and control device for storing;
By monitoring the operation of the device by transmitting a request signal requesting the operation state of the device to the remote monitoring control device and / or by transmitting a control signal for controlling the operation of the device to the remote monitoring control device. A center server that controls the operation of the device and stores in advance an address list indicating a correspondence relationship between an identifier of the remote monitoring control device and a communication address of a network layer used for communication in the second network described later;
By converting the communication protocol between the first communication protocol in the first network to which the center server is connected and the second communication protocol in the second network to which the remote monitoring control device is connected, the center server and the An address used for a remote monitoring control system for an apartment house comprising a gateway device arranged in the apartment house that enables communication with the remote monitoring control apparatus, and distributing the communication address to the remote monitoring control apparatus In the distribution device,
A distribution request signal is received from the remote monitoring and control device, which receives the address list from the center server, and contains an identifier stored in the remote monitoring and control device and information requesting distribution of the communication address. A first address distribution processing unit that, when received, returns a distribution signal containing a communication address corresponding to an identifier contained in the distribution request signal extracted from the address list to the remote monitoring control device; An address distribution device characterized by this. An identifier that is arranged in a dwelling unit of an apartment house, monitors and / or controls the operation of the device, transmits a status signal indicating the operation state of the device as a monitoring result and / or control result, and identifies and identifies the device in advance. A remote monitoring and control device for storing;
By monitoring the operation of the device by transmitting a request signal requesting the operation state of the device to the remote monitoring control device and / or by transmitting a control signal for controlling the operation of the device to the remote monitoring control device. A center server that controls the operation of the device and stores in advance an address list indicating a correspondence relationship between an identifier of the remote monitoring control device and a communication address of a network layer used for communication in the second network described later;
By converting the communication protocol between the first communication protocol in the first network to which the center server is connected and the second communication protocol in the second network to which the remote monitoring control device is connected, the center server and the An address used for a remote monitoring control system for an apartment house comprising a gateway device arranged in the apartment house that enables communication with the remote monitoring control apparatus, and distributing the communication address to the remote monitoring control apparatus In the distribution device,
Second address distribution receiving the address list from the center server and transmitting the distribution signal containing the identifier extracted from the address list and the communication address corresponding to the identifier to the second network by broadcast communication An address distribution device comprising a processing unit.

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