JP2006268369A - Sensor data management device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sensor data management device for outputting sensor data that can be handled like sensor data that are collected in the same cycle even in the case of sensor data collected in different cycles. <P>SOLUTION: When an external device makes a request to output sensor data at prescribed time (S11), even when the sensor data at the prescribed time do not exist, the reliability of sensor data at another time at the prescribed time is calculated (S14), and the calculated reliability and the sensor data at the other time are outputted (S15). Thus, a sensor data processing side can process the sensor data as synchronous data by referring to the reliability. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sensor data management apparatus that manages sensor data.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a sensor data management device that facilitates sensor data management by adding sensor data acquisition times to a large amount of sensor data and accumulating the sensor data in a time series (see Patent Document 1). .)
In such a sensor data management device, for example, when acquiring and storing image information obtained by photographing a work object and information of a plurality of systems generated by the system, each information is different from other information. Although the data is collected at different periods, according to the above-described sensor data management device, the sensor data is stored in association with the time information, so that the management becomes easy.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-049209

  However, when comparing information collected at different periods, there may be no corresponding data based only on time information. For example, when it is desired to compare the data series A (t) acquired at a cycle of 3 seconds and the data series B (t) acquired at a cycle of 5 seconds at time t = 5, the data of the data series A (t) exists. I can't make a comparison.

Even if synchronous data exists, if the acquired sensor data has an error and the data processing is performed using the sensor data having the error, appropriate data processing can be performed. There was a problem that I could not.
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and even if sensor data is collected at different periods, the reliability together with the sensor data can be handled as sensor data collected at the same period. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sensor data management device that outputs.

  In addition, even if the sensor data has an error, the present invention provides an error so that appropriate processing of the sensor data can be performed on the data processing device side when there is a correlation with the sensor data acquired later. An object of the present invention is to provide a sensor data management device that can output the reliability of certain sensor data.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a reliability function having sensor data, a time at which the sensor data is acquired, and a time variable for calculating the reliability of the sensor data. , A receiving means for receiving a sensor data acquisition request at a predetermined time from the outside, and a determination means for determining the sensor data acquired immediately before the predetermined time by searching the database And calculating means for calculating the reliability of the determined sensor data by using the reliability function using a time difference between the predetermined time and the determined acquisition time of the sensor data as a parameter, and the determination Output means for outputting the calculated sensor data and the reliability of the calculated sensor data. Sadeta management device, is.

  Further, according to the second invention of the present invention, the database storing the sensor data and the time when the sensor data was acquired in association with each other, and the receiving means for receiving the sensor data acquisition request from the outside at a predetermined time , Based on a determination means for determining sensor data at the predetermined time by searching the database, a value of the sensor data at the predetermined time, and a value of the sensor data acquired after the predetermined time. Sensor data management comprising calculation means for calculating the reliability of the sensor data at the current time, and output means for outputting the determined sensor data and the reliability at the calculated current time Device.

According to the present invention, there is provided a sensor data management device capable of outputting sensor data so that even sensor data collected at different periods can be handled like sensor data collected at the same period. can do.
Further, according to the present invention, even if there is an error in the sensor data, it is possible to perform appropriate processing of the sensor data on the data processing apparatus side when there is a correlation with the sensor data acquired later. It is possible to provide a sensor data management device capable of outputting the reliability of the sensor data having an error in the sensor data.

Hereinafter, a sensor data management device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a sensor data management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the figure, the sensor data management apparatus 1 is directly connected to sensors 2-1 to 2-n that output sensor data, and manages sensor data from the sensors 2-1 to 2-n. The sensor data management device 1 outputs sensor data and its reliability based on a sensor data acquisition request from the external device 3 at a predetermined time.

The sensor data management apparatus 1 includes a data input unit 11, a data management unit 12, a timer 13, a database 14, and a data output interface 15.
The data input unit 11 is used to input sensor data from the sensors 2-1 to 2-n and deliver it to the data management unit 12, and the data input unit 11- corresponding to the sensors 2-1 to 2-n. 1 to 11-n.

  Here, the case where the sensor 2 is directly connected to the data input unit 11 is shown. However, when sensor data is received via a network, a network interface is provided in the data input unit 11 to input data. The units 11-1 to 11-n may be combined into one.

  The data management unit 12 acquires the sensor data delivered from the data input unit 11, acquires the acquisition time from the timer 13, and stores the acquired sensor data and the acquisition time as a set in the database 14, Sensor data and reliability obtained based on an acquisition request indicating which sensor data of which sensor is input from the external device 3 via the data output interface 15 are requested via the data output interface 15. It manages the overall processing of the sensor data management apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, such as processing to be output to the external device 3.

  The database 14 includes a table in which the sensor ID and the reliability function are associated as shown in FIG. 2, and a table in which the data ID, sensor ID, time, and sensor data are associated as shown in FIG. It has. The table shown in FIG. 2 and the table shown in FIG. 3 are associated using the sensor ID as a key.

The data output interface 15 delivers an acquisition request indicating which sensor data of which sensor from the external device 3 is requested to be acquired to the data management unit 12, and outputs the sensor data and the reliability output from the data management unit 12. The degree is output to the external device 3.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between sensor data and a reliability function. As shown in FIG. 2, the reliability function is stored in association with each sensor ID. FIG. 4A shows the sensor data of the sensor 2-1, and FIG. 4B shows the reliability function associated with the sensor 2-1. The reliability decreases linearly with time. It is a function. FIG. 4C shows the sensor data of the sensor 2-2, and FIG. 4D shows the reliability function associated with the sensor 2-2. The reliability decreases in a reverse parabolic shape with time. It is a degree function. FIG. 4E shows sensor data of the sensor 2-n, and FIG. 4F shows a reliability function associated with the sensor 2-n. The reliability decreases parabolically with time. It is a function.

  In FIG. 4, a case where the data management unit 12 receives a data acquisition request at time t1 via the data output interface 15 will be described. When the data acquisition request is a data acquisition request of the sensor 2-1, since data exists at the time t1, the sensor data of the sensor 2-1 at the time t1 and the value of the reliability function at the time t1, here 100 % Is output. In the case of the data acquisition request of the sensor 2-2, there is no data at the time t1, so the sensor data immediately before the sensor 2-2 and the value of the reliability function at the time t1, in this case, 0% are output. In the case of the data acquisition request of the sensor 2-n, since there is no data at the time t1, the sensor data immediately before the sensor 2-n and the value of the reliability function at the time t1, in this case, 40% are output.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the sensor data collection operation of the sensor data management unit.
First, the data management unit 12 determines whether sensor data is input from the sensor 2 via the data input unit 11 (S1). If it is determined in S1 that sensor data is input, the current time is acquired from the timer 13 (S2), and the acquired current time (data reception time) and the sensor data are associated with the sensor ID in FIG. The table is stored (S3), and the process returns to S1.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a sensor data output method in the data management unit.
The data management unit 12 determines whether or not there is a data output request from the external device 3 via the data output interface 15 (S11). If it is determined in S11 that there is a data output request, the current time is acquired from the timer 13 (S12), and the latest sensor data of the sensor that has requested the data output from the database 12 and the latest sensor data. The reception time corresponding to is acquired (S13).

  Thereafter, a reliability function corresponding to the ID of the sensor for which the data output request has been made is acquired from the database shown in FIG. 2, and based on the current time acquired in S12 and the data reception time acquired in S13, The reliability is calculated by using the reliability function (S14), the latest sensor data acquired in S13 and the reliability calculated in S14 are output (S15), and the process returns to S11.

Next, the reliability calculation method in S14 will be specifically described.
Here, a method for obtaining the reliability of the sensor 2-1 will be described.
For example, it is assumed that the reliability function A (t) set for the sensor 2-1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is set as follows, with the reliability set to 0-1.

A (t) = 1-at (1)
Here, a is a positive integer. When such a reliability function A (t) is set, the reliability at the time (t = 0) when the data management unit 12 receives the sensor data is “1”. The reliability decreases monotonously and becomes “0” at the time of t = 1 / a.

Here, the value of the parameter t used in the reliability function A (t) is the current time indicating the time when the data output request acquired in S12 of FIG. 6 is received and the sensor data from the sensor 2-1. This is the time difference from the corresponding data reception time.
For example, in FIG. 7, when the time when the data output is requested is the current time tnow and the latest sensor data acquisition time is tnew, the sensor data 2 which is the latest sensor data is output and the reliability (Tnow-tnew) is given as a parameter t of the function, and the reliability of the current time in the sensor data 2 is α as shown in FIG.

  In the above description, the method for calculating the reliability of the latest sensor data at the current time when the data output request is received has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any time at any time. The reliability of the acquired sensor data may be calculated.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a method of calculating the reliability of sensor data acquired at a time closest to that time at an arbitrary time.
The data management unit 12 determines whether or not there is a data output request from the external device 3 through the data output interface 15 (S21). If it is determined in S21 that there is a data output request, the time for calculation of reliability included in the data output request is acquired (S22), and acquired from the database 12 in the past from the time to be calculated. The latest sensor data is acquired from the sensor data, and the reception time corresponding to the latest sensor data is acquired (S23).

Thereafter, a reliability function corresponding to the ID of the sensor for which the data output request is made is acquired from the database shown in FIG. 2, and the calculation target time acquired in S22 and the data reception time acquired in S23. Based on the time difference, the reliability is calculated by using the reliability function (S24), and the latest sensor data acquired in S23 and the reliability calculated in S24 are output (S25). Return to the process.
<Other embodiments>
In the above-described embodiment, the method for obtaining the reliability by the method of setting the reliability function in advance for each sensor has been described. However, the reliability may be obtained by setting the reliability determination algorithm in advance for each sensor. .

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the sensor data management device and the sensor. As shown in the figure, the sensor data management device 21 is connected with a camera 22 that functions as a sensor and a tag reader 23 that functions as a sensor.
The camera 22 outputs a camera image to the sensor data management device 21, and the tag reader 23 detects a plurality of RF (Radio Frequency) tags 31-1 to 31-n and outputs detection signals to the sensor data management device 21. .

  The sensor data management device 21 acquires a detection signal from the tag reader 23 and a camera image from the camera 22, and the RF tags 31-1 to 31-n exist in a detectable region of the tag reader 23 at a certain time. It is assumed that the acquired camera image is displayed within the area.

11A is a diagram for explaining the level of the detection signal inside and outside the RF tag area of the tag reader, and FIG. 11B is a diagram for explaining the output of the tag reader. c) is a diagram for explaining the reliability D (t) of missing data.
As shown in FIG. 11A, when the RF tag is outside the area, the level of the detection signal is 0 (low), and when the RF tag is inside the area, the level of the detection signal is a constant value (high). It is.

The tag reader 23 outputs data at a predetermined acquisition period Δt. However, as shown in FIG. 11B, the detection may fail even though the RF tag is in the area (FIG. 11B). Data 3).
As shown in FIG. 11C, the reliability D (t) in the data 3 is calculated according to the value of the sensor data acquired after the time when the corresponding data is acquired.

  FIG. 12 shows the reliability of the sensor data missed in the sensor that is assumed to acquire the same sensor data for a certain period of time as shown in FIG. FIG.

First, as a premise, the data itself having a value of 0 at t0 has a reliability of “1”.
As an initial value, n = 0 is set (S31), and sensor data A (t0) at tn = t0 is acquired (S32). The sensor data A (t0) at this time is “0” as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 11C, the reliability D (0) = 1 (S33).

  Next, n = n + 1 is set (S34), and sensor data A (tn) after Δt is acquired (S35). Then, it is determined whether or not A (t0) = A (tn) (S36). If A (t0) = A (tn) is not satisfied, the reliability D (n) = D ( n-1) × b (S37). Here, b is a decrease rate.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S36 that A (t0) = A (tn) is established, the reliability is set to D (n) = D (n-1) (S38). After the end of the process in S37 or S38, it is determined whether or not the time tn is a time before the current time (tn <current time) (S39).

  If it is determined in S39 that the time tn is not earlier than the current time, the process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined in S39 that the time tn is a time before the current time, it is determined whether n> N (N: number of repetitions) (S40), and it is determined that n> N is not satisfied. If so, the process returns to S34.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S40 that n> N, n = n + 1 is set (S41), D (n) = D (n-1) is set (S42), and the time tn is present. A determination is made as to whether the time is earlier than the time (tn <current time) (S43).
If it is determined in S43 that the time tn is not earlier than the current time, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S43 that the time tn is earlier than the current time, the process returns to S41.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sensor data at t0 is compared with the sensor data at t1, and if the values are the same, the reliability is maintained as it is. If the values are different, there is a possibility that they will be missed, so the reliability is a value multiplied by the reduction rate b. Thereafter, the above processing is repeated until the current time is reached or the preset number of repetitions is reached.

  That is, according to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to determine erroneous detection by assigning reliability according to the value of subsequent data as time passes. For example, with respect to the “missing” data in FIG. 11B, the value after one step and two steps after that is “within the area” continuously, so that the erroneous detection data is gradually reduced by lowering the reliability. Can be treated as data with low reliability.

If the image acquisition cycle is long, the brightness at the time of display is lowered (thinned) with the passage of time, so that it is possible to intuitively determine whether the image is at that time or an old image. Good.
Therefore, according to the sensor data management device according to the embodiment of the present invention, even when the sensor data at the requested time does not exist, the sensor data at the time other than the requested time and the sensor data Therefore, the sensor data processing apparatus can perform synchronization processing with other sensor data on the basis of the reliability of the sensor data. As a result, accurate control can be performed on the sensor data.

  Even if the sensor data has an error, by using the correlation with the sensor data acquired after acquiring the sensor data, the reliability of the erroneous sensor data at that time is output. The data processing side can perform appropriate data processing in consideration of reliability.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  In addition, the method described in the embodiment is, for example, a magnetic disk (floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, etc.), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD) as programs (software means) that can be executed by a computer (computer). , MO, etc.), a semiconductor memory (ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.) or the like, or can be transmitted and distributed via a communication medium. The program stored on the medium side includes a setting program that configures software means (including not only the execution program but also a table and data structure) in the computer. A computer that implements this apparatus reads a program recorded on a recording medium, constructs software means by a setting program as the case may be, and executes the above-described processing by controlling the operation by this software means. The recording medium referred to in this specification is not limited to distribution, but includes a storage medium such as a magnetic disk or a semiconductor memory provided in a computer or a device connected via a network.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the sensor data management apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the table with which sensor ID and the reliability function were matched. It is a figure which shows the table with which sensor ID, time, and sensor data were matched. It is a figure which shows the relationship between sensor data and a reliability function. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the collection operation | movement of the sensor data of a sensor data management part. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the output method of the sensor data in a data management part. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between sensor data and time. It is a figure for demonstrating the reliability function of sensor data. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the calculation method of the reliability of the sensor data acquired at the time nearest to the arbitrary time. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a sensor data management apparatus and a sensor. (A) is a diagram for explaining the level of the detection signal inside and outside the RF tag area of the tag reader, (b) is a diagram for explaining the output of the tag reader, and (c) is the reliability D of the missing data. It is a figure for demonstrating (t). It is a flowchart for demonstrating the method of calculating the reliability of the sensor data missed in the sensor assumed that the same sensor data is acquired for a fixed period using the reliability determination algorithm preset for every sensor.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Sensor data management apparatus, 2 ... Sensor, 3 ... External apparatus, 11 ... Data input part, 12 ... Data management part, 13 ... Timer, 14 ... Database, 15 ... Data output interface

Claims (10)

A database that stores sensor data, a time when the sensor data is acquired, and a reliability function having a time variable for calculating a reliability for the sensor data in association with each other;
Receiving means for receiving a sensor data acquisition request at a predetermined time from the outside;
Determining means for determining sensor data acquired immediately before the predetermined time by searching the database;
Calculating means for calculating the reliability of the determined sensor data by using the reliability function as a parameter of a time difference between the predetermined time and the acquisition time of the determined sensor data;
An output unit for outputting the determined sensor data and the reliability of the calculated sensor data. A database that stores sensor data in association with the time when the sensor data was acquired;
Receiving means for receiving a sensor data acquisition request at a predetermined time from the outside;
Determining means for determining sensor data at the predetermined time by searching the database;
Calculation means for calculating the reliability of the sensor data at the predetermined time at the current time based on the value of the sensor data at the predetermined time and the value of the sensor data acquired after the predetermined time;
The sensor data management apparatus comprising: output means for outputting the determined sensor data and the reliability at the calculated current time. The calculating means includes
A process of comparing the value of the sensor data at the predetermined time with the value of the sensor data at the time after the predetermined time is sequentially performed on the sensor data acquired every data acquisition period after the predetermined time. A comparison means;
The sensor data management apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a determination unit that determines the reliability of the sensor data at the current time of the predetermined time based on the result of the comparison.   4. The sensor data management apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the comparison means performs the comparison process a predetermined number of times.   4. The sensor data management apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the comparison unit sequentially performs the comparison process on the sensor data at the current time from the sensor data at the time in the data acquisition cycle next to the predetermined time. Sensor data management method in a sensor data management apparatus comprising a database that stores sensor data, a time at which the sensor data was acquired, and a reliability function having a time variable for calculating a reliability for the sensor data in association with each other In
Receive sensor data acquisition request from the outside at a predetermined time,
Determine the sensor data acquired immediately before the predetermined time by searching the database,
By using the reliability function with the time difference between the predetermined time and the determined acquisition time of the sensor data as a parameter, the reliability of the determined sensor data is calculated,
A sensor data management method comprising: outputting the determined sensor data and the reliability of the calculated sensor data. In the sensor data management method in the sensor data management device comprising a database that stores the sensor data in association with the time when the sensor data was acquired,
Receive sensor data acquisition request from the outside at a predetermined time,
By determining the sensor data at the predetermined time by searching the database,
Based on the value of the sensor data at the predetermined time and the value of the sensor data acquired after the predetermined time, the reliability at the current time of the sensor data at the predetermined time is calculated,
A sensor data management method comprising: outputting the determined sensor data and the reliability at the calculated current time. A program used in a sensor data management apparatus including a database that stores sensor data, a time at which the sensor data is acquired, and a reliability function having a time variable for calculating a reliability for the sensor data in association with each other. In
The program is stored in the sensor data management device.
A function to receive and receive a sensor data acquisition request at a predetermined time from the outside;
A function of determining sensor data acquired immediately before the predetermined time by searching the database;
A calculation function for calculating the reliability of the determined sensor data by using the reliability function as a parameter of a time difference between the predetermined time and the acquisition time of the determined sensor data;
A program comprising: an output function for outputting the determined sensor data and the reliability of the calculated sensor data. In the program in the sensor data management device comprising a database that stores the sensor data in association with the time when the sensor data was acquired,
The program is stored in the sensor data management device.
A receiving function for receiving a sensor data acquisition request from a predetermined time from the outside;
A determination function for determining sensor data at the predetermined time by searching the database;
A calculation function for calculating the reliability of the sensor data at the predetermined time at the current time based on the value of the sensor data at the predetermined time and the value of the sensor data acquired after the predetermined time;
A program comprising: an output function for outputting the determined sensor data and the reliability at the calculated current time. The calculation function is provided in the sensor data management device.
The process of comparing the value of the sensor data at the predetermined time with the value of the sensor data at the time after the predetermined time is sequentially performed on the sensor data acquired every data acquisition period after the predetermined time. A comparison function
The program according to claim 9, further comprising a determination function that determines the reliability of the sensor data at the current time of the predetermined time based on the result of the comparison.

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