JP2009088657A - Faucet controller and system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce power consumption of a faucet controller having a slave section and a master section by shortening communication time between the slave section and the master section. <P>SOLUTION: The faucet controller has a slave section performing an operation for detecting an object, and a master section 1 which can perform half-duplex communication with the slave section and controls a control object constituting a faucet system based on detection data obtained by detection operation at the slave section. Each microcomputer in the slave section and the master section operates at a first operation frequency under a state not performing communication, and operates at a second frequency higher than the first operation frequency under a state performing communication. The master section has a write signal, a read signal and a detection command signal. The master section has a first operation mode where the write signal and the detection command signal are not transmitted after the read signal is transmitted, and the slave section performs the detection operation and reply of detection data in response to transmission of the read signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an object detection operation, an electromagnetic valve, a pump, and a heater in a faucet system that automatically discharges hand washing water or soap water or blows out drying air in response to detection of an object such as a hand. The present invention relates to a faucet control device that controls a control target such as a fan.

  In the faucet system as described above, for the purpose of improving the design and usability, a sensor unit that detects an object is placed near the water outlet (water faucet), while an electromagnetic valve provided in the water supply path to the faucet is controlled. In many cases, the control unit is arranged separately from the sensor unit.

  In addition to the function of detecting an object and discharging hand washing water as described above, the faucet system discharges soapy water by driving a pump, or drives heater and fan to supply air for drying. In some cases, it has a function of spraying. In such a faucet system, a plurality of sensor units are set as slave units, and a control unit that controls a control target such as an electromagnetic valve according to detection data obtained from the plurality of slave units is set as a master unit. A system configuration that operates while performing communication may be employed.

  In many cases, an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) system is employed for communication between the plurality of slave units and the master unit.

  Patent Document 1 discloses whether each slave unit is a low-speed slave device or a high-speed slave device in order to increase the speed and reduce the power consumption of a system that performs communication using the I2C method. A system for changing the clock signal frequency of the master bus clock line is disclosed. In this system, when the slave device to be communicated is a low-speed slave device, the clock signal is supplied only to the master bus clock line on the low-speed slave device side, and when the slave device to be communicated is a high-speed slave device, the high-speed slave device is supplied. A clock signal is supplied only to the master bus clock line on the device side.

In order to reduce power consumption, the microcomputer included in each of the master unit and each slave unit can be switched to an operation state at a frequency lower than the operation frequency at the time of communication when communication is not performed. Many.
JP 2003-141061 A

  However, even if a system such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 is employed or the operation frequency switching function as described above is employed, it is sufficient if communication itself takes time. Low power consumption cannot be expected.

  The master unit (control unit) commands the slave unit (sensor unit) to detect an object, and the slave unit returns the detection result for several milliseconds to several tens of milliseconds. As a result, the communication time becomes longer. For this reason, it is necessary to further shorten the communication time.

  The present invention provides a faucet control device that can further shorten the communication time between a slave unit (sensor unit) and a master unit (control unit).

The faucet control device according to one aspect of the present invention is capable of half-duplex communication between a slave unit that performs an object detection operation and the slave unit, and based on detection data obtained by the detection operation of the slave unit. And a master unit that controls a control target constituting the faucet system. The master unit and the slave unit each have a microcomputer, and the microcomputer of the control unit and the sensor unit operates at the first operating frequency when communication is not performed, and the first operating frequency when communication is performed. Operating at a higher second operating frequency. The master unit then writes a write signal for switching the communication direction from the master unit to the slave unit, instructs a detection operation from the master unit to the slave unit, reads a signal for switching the communication direction from the slave unit to the master unit, and from the slave unit. With a detection command signal that returns detection data that is the detection result,
The slave unit has a first operation mode in which the slave unit returns the detection operation and the detection data in response to the transmission of the read signal without transmitting the write signal and the detection command signal after transmitting the read signal from the master unit. The detection operation is performed in the first operation mode.

  In a state where communication is not performed, operation is performed at the first operating frequency, power consumption is suppressed, and in a state where communication is performed, operation is performed at a second operation frequency higher than the first operation frequency to perform quick processing. However, since the required power consumption increases, in the first operation mode, the detection operation and detection data are transmitted to the slave unit in response to transmission / reception of the read signal without transmission / reception of the write signal and detection command signal. Therefore, the communication time can be greatly shortened. For this reason, the microcomputer can reduce the power consumption of the faucet control device in order to reduce the communication time with a high power consumption.

  In addition, the faucet control device according to another aspect of the present invention is capable of half-duplex communication between a slave unit having a microcomputer that performs an object detection operation and the slave unit, and by detecting the slave unit. And a master unit including a microcomputer that controls a control target constituting the faucet system based on the obtained detection data. Each microcomputer operates at a first operating frequency when communication is not performed, and operates at a second operating frequency higher than the first operating frequency when communication is performed. Then, the master unit is a write signal that switches the communication direction from the master unit to the slave unit, a detection command signal that commands detection operation from the master unit to the slave unit, and returns detection data that is the detection result from the slave unit, And a stop condition signal indicating the end of communication, and when the stop condition signal indicating the end of communication is transmitted without transmitting a detection command signal after transmission of the write signal from the master unit, the slave unit performs the detection operation. The second operation mode is performed, and the detection operation is performed in the second operation mode.

  In the second operation mode, after the transmission / reception of the write signal, it is possible to cause the slave unit to perform the detection operation in accordance with the transmission / reception of the stop condition signal having a small number of bits without performing transmission / reception of the detection command signal having a large number of bits. Therefore, the communication time can be shortened. Similarly, the microcomputer can reduce the power consumption of the faucet control device because the communication time with a large amount of power consumption is reduced.

  Here, in the second operation mode, the slave unit returns an ACK signal and a NACK signal to the master unit in response to normal reception and abnormal reception of communication from the master unit, respectively, and the master unit converts at least the ACK signal. You may make it control a control object based on it.

  As described above, the transmission time can be further shortened by transmitting the ACK signal and the NACK signal having a smaller number of bits (for example, 1 bit) as compared to the detected data as compared to the detected data (for example, 8 bits).

  The master unit has a third operation mode in which the slave unit returns detection data in response to transmission of a read signal after transmission of a write signal and a detection command signal, and detects an object within a predetermined time. The detection operation may be performed in the third operation mode according to the frequency.

  Power consumption increases according to the frequency of detection of an object within a predetermined time, but by performing the detection operation in the third operation mode with quick response, the usability is compatible with both low consumption and response according to the frequency of use. A faucet control device with good quality can be provided.

  And by using the faucet control device as described above, it is possible to realize a faucet system with good responsiveness and low power consumption.

  According to the present invention, the communication time between the slave unit and the master unit can be shortened. For this reason, the communication load of the master unit and the slave unit can be reduced and the power consumption can be reduced. In particular, when the microcomputer of the slave unit and the master unit operate at a higher operating frequency than when communication is not performed in a state where communication is performed, a higher power consumption reduction effect can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a faucet system that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Reference numeral 101 denotes a spout as a faucet, which is fixed to the upper surface of the washbasin counter 110. A water pipe 102 is accommodated in the spout 101. The tip opening of the water conduit 102 is fixed inside the water outlet of the spout 101.

  Reference numeral 103 denotes a water supply channel that supplies water from the water supply to the water conduit 102 via the water stop valve 104 and the constant flow valve 105. The water stop valve 104 is a manually operated valve for switching between the inflow of tap water into the water supply channel 103 and the cutoff thereof. The constant flow valve 105 allows tap water having a constant flow rate to flow into the water supply channel 103 regardless of fluctuations in the water pressure.

  The hand wash water electromagnetic valve 5 is provided on the downstream side of the constant flow valve 105 in the water supply path 103. The hand wash water electromagnetic valve 5 is controlled by the controller 1 to open and close the water supply passage 103. By opening the hand wash water electromagnetic valve 5, tap water from the water supply channel 103 flows out from the spout of the spout 101 through the water conduit 102. Moreover, water discharge from the spout 101 is stopped by closing the electromagnetic valve 5 for hand-washing water.

  A hand washing water sensor 2 is accommodated in the spout 101 and detects a hand (object) 108 approaching the spout 101. Specifically, the hand 108 is detected by emitting infrared light from the light projecting element and photoelectrically converting the infrared light reflected by the hand 108 by the light receiving element. The same applies to other sensors 3 and 4 described later.

  The controller 1 controls the hand wash water electromagnetic valve 5 according to the detection data from the hand wash water sensor 2. The controller 1 is separated from the hand-washing water sensor 2 and other sensors 3 and 4 which will be described later, and is accommodated under the wash-stand counter 110.

  Reference numeral 106 denotes a soap discharge plug, and the soap sensor 3 for detecting the hand 108 is accommodated therein. A soap supply hose 111 is connected to the soap discharge plug 106, and a soap pump 6 is connected to the soap supply hose 111. The controller 1 drives the soap pump 6 according to the detection data from the soap sensor 3. The soap pump 6 pumps soap water from the soap water tank 107 and discharges it from the soap discharge plug 106 via the soap supply hose 111.

  Reference numeral 112 denotes a dry air duct. A drying sensor 4 for detecting the hand 108 is provided in the vicinity of the drying air duct 112. The controller 1 drives the drying fan 7 and the drying heater 8 in the fan / heater unit 113 according to the detection data from the drying sensor 4. Thus, the warm air from the fan / heater unit 113 is blown to the hand 108 through the dry air duct 112.

  FIG. 2 shows the electrical configuration of the faucet system of this embodiment. The controller 1 serving as a control unit functions as a master unit that controls the system, and the sensors (sensor units) 2, 3, and 4 function as slave units that are controlled by the master unit. The controller 1 and the sensors 2, 3 and 4 perform half duplex communication with each other through the I2C bus. The I2C bus includes a power supply line VDD, a clock supply line SCL, a data transmission line SDA, and a ground (GND) line.

  The sensors 2, 3, and 4 transmit detection data representing detection / non-detection of the object (hand 108) to the controller 1 through SDA. As described above, the controller 1 controls the electromagnetic valve 5 for the hand-washing water, the soap pump 6 and the drying fan, which are the objects to be controlled, according to the detection data from the hand-washing sensor 2, the soap sensor 3, and the drying sensor 4. The drying heaters 7 and 8 are controlled respectively.

  In FIG. 3, the structure of the controller 1 which is a master part, and the sensor 2 for the hand-washing water which is one of the slave parts is shown. The configuration of the sensor 3 for soap and the sensor 4 for drying which are other slave units is the same as the configuration of the sensor 2 for hand-washing water.

  The controller 1 includes a master transmission / reception unit 12 and a master microcomputer 11. On the other hand, the hand-washing water sensor 2 has a slave transmission / reception unit 22, a slave microcomputer 21, and a detection data memory 23 as a storage means.

  The master microcomputer 11 communicates with the slave microcomputer 21 through the master transmission / reception unit 12 and the slave transmission / reception unit 22. The master and slave microcomputers 11 and 12 are in a mode that operates at a first operating frequency when communication is not performed (hereinafter referred to as a low speed mode), and a second operating frequency that is higher than the first operating frequency when communication is performed. Mode (hereinafter referred to as high-speed mode).

  As described above, the hand-washing sensor 2 is provided with the light projecting element 25 and the light receiving element 26 for detecting the hand 108. For example, the slave microcomputer 21 reads the output current from the light receiving element 26 by causing the light projecting element 25 to emit light several times. Hereinafter, this series of operations is referred to as a light projection operation. Then, the average value of the read output current is calculated, and detection data representing detection / non-detection of the object is generated according to whether the average value is higher than a predetermined level. The slave microcomputer 21 stores the generated detection data in the detection data memory 23.

  The master microcomputer 11 and the slave microcomputer 21 perform the following communication process and operation according to a computer program stored therein.

  In this embodiment, the master microcomputer 11 and the slave microcomputer 21 have a first operation mode and a third operation mode.

  The third operation mode is used, for example, in a time zone in which the faucet system is frequently used (for example, from morning to midnight). Communication processing and operation (hereinafter collectively referred to as processing) of the master microcomputer 11 and the slave microcomputer 21 in the third operation mode will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG.

  In process 1-1 in FIG. 4, the master microcomputer 11 shifts from the low speed mode to the high speed mode. Thereafter, in process 1-2, the master microcomputer 11 outputs a clock signal for performing communication. Thereafter, the output of the clock signal (processing 1-2) is performed every time communication between the master microcomputer 11 and the slave microcomputer 21 is performed.

  Next, in process 1-3, the master microcomputer 11 transmits the following signals to the slave microcomputer 21 in the following order.

・ Start condition signal to notify the start of communication (1 bit)
・ Slave address signal (7 bits) for designating the slave part (slave microcomputer 21) to be communicated
A write signal (1 bit) that commands the operation of the slave unit.

  Here, in process 1-4, the slave microcomputer 21 specified by the slave address signal shifts from the low speed mode to the high speed mode.

  Further, at the end of the process 1-3, the slave microcomputer 21 receives an ACK (acknowledgement) signal (1 bit) when the write signal is normally received, and NACK when the slave microcomputer 21 does not normally receive (abnormal reception occurs). A (Negative Acknowledgment) signal (1 bit) is returned to the master microcomputer 11.

  The master microcomputer 11 that has received the NACK signal may transmit the signal to the slave microcomputer 21 again. This is the same when the master microcomputer 11 receives a NACK signal in other processes described later and when the slave microcomputer 21 receives a NACK signal from the master microcomputer 11.

In the process 1-5, the master microcomputer 11 that has received the ACK signal sends the slave microcomputer 21 a response.
-Projection command signal (8 bits) as a detection command signal for performing an object detection operation
Send.

  The slave microcomputer 21 returns an ACK signal to the master microcomputer 11 when the projection command signal is normally received, and a NACK signal when it is not normally received.

The master microcomputer 11 that has received the ACK signal
A stop condition signal that informs the end of communication is transmitted to the slave microcomputer 21.

  In process 1-6, the master microcomputer 11 shifts from the high speed mode to the low speed mode, and a predetermined time (for example, 1 ms or 31.25 ms) required for the light projection operation and detection data generation by the slave microcomputer 21. To wait.

  In process 1-7, the slave microcomputer 21 performs a light projection operation in response to the light projection command signal, and further generates detection data representing detection / non-detection of the object. Thereafter, in process 1-8, the slave microcomputer 21 also shifts from the high speed mode to the low speed mode.

  The master microcomputer 11 that has been waiting for a predetermined time shifts again from the low-speed mode to the high-speed mode in processing 1-9. In processing 1-10, the master microcomputer 11 transmits the following signals to the slave microcomputer 21 in the following order.

-Start condition signal-Slave address signal-Read signal (1 bit) for commanding (replying) detection data to the slave microcomputer 21
At the end of the process 1-10, the slave microcomputer 21 shifts from the low-speed mode to the high-speed mode (process 1-4 '). When the read signal is normally received, the ACK signal is not normally received. Returns a NACK signal to the master microcomputer 11.

Subsequently, in process 1-11, the slave microcomputer 21 responds to the read signal,
・ Detection data (8 bits)
Is returned to the master microcomputer 11.

At the end of the process 1-11, the master microcomputer 11 returns an ACK signal to the slave microcomputer 21 when the detection data is normally received, and returns a NACK signal to the slave microcomputer 21 when the detection data is not normally received.
-Send a stop condition signal to the slave microcomputer 21.

  The master microcomputer 11 that has received the detection data indicating the detection of the object performs control for starting the operation to be controlled (opening operation of the hand-washing electromagnetic valve 5, driving of the soap pump 6, the drying fan 7, and the drying heater 8). Do.

  When detection data indicating non-detection of an object is received after the start of the operation, control for stopping the operation may be performed.

  Thereafter, in process 1-6 ′, the master microcomputer 11 shifts from the high speed mode to the low speed mode. In the process 1-12, the slave microcomputer 21 also shifts from the high speed mode to the low speed mode.

  This completes the processing in the third operation mode.

  The first operation mode is used in a time zone (for example, from midnight to morning) other than the high-frequency use time zone described above.

  The processing of the master microcomputer 11 and the slave microcomputer 21 in the first operation mode will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG.

  In the third operation mode described above, the slave microcomputer 21 performs a light projection operation and a detection data generation operation in accordance with the write signal and the light projection command signal transmitted from the master microcomputer 11, and further the master microcomputer 11. Detected data was returned in response to the read signal from.

  However, in the first operation mode, the slave microcomputer 21 performs a light projection operation and a detection data generation operation in accordance with the read signal continuously transmitted from the master microcomputer 11, and further generates the detection data. It is stored (stored) in the detection data memory 23 shown in FIG. Then, in response to the read signal transmitted from the master microcomputer 11, the detection data stored in the detection data memory 23 is returned to the master microcomputer 11.

  Processing 2-1 in FIG. 5 is a light projection operation (and detection data) performed in response to a read signal (shown in parentheses in the drawing) transmitted from the master microcomputer 11 to the slave microcomputer 21 last time. The operation of storing the detected data in the detected data memory 23).

  In process 2-2, the master microcomputer 11 shifts from the low speed mode to the high speed mode. In process 2-3, the master microcomputer 11 outputs a clock signal for performing communication. Thereafter, the output of the clock signal (processing 2-3) is performed each time communication between the master microcomputer 11 and the slave microcomputer 21 is performed.

  Furthermore, in process 2-4, the master microcomputer 11 transmits the following signals to the slave microcomputer 21 in the following order.

・ Start condition signal (1 bit)
・ Slave address signal (7 bits)
-Read signal (1 bit).

  Here, the read signal has a meaning of a light projection operation command (hereinafter also simply referred to as a light projection command) to the slave microcomputer 21 and a detection data return command. In other words, when the slave microcomputer 21 receives the read signal without receiving the write signal after receiving the previous read signal, the slave microcomputer 21 treats the read signal as a light emitting command and a detection data return command.

  The slave microcomputer 21 specified by the slave address signal shifts from the low-speed mode to the high-speed mode in the process 2-5. When the read signal is normally received at the end of the process 2-4, an ACK signal (1 bit) is received. If not received normally (abnormal reception occurs), a NACK signal (1 bit) is returned to the master microcomputer 11 respectively.

In process 2-6, the slave microcomputer 21 generates and stores in the detection data memory 23 by the light projection operation (process 2-1) corresponding to the previously received read signal in accordance with the read signal received this time.
・ Detection data (8 bits)
Is returned to the slave microcomputer 11.

  Here, a case will be described in which the detection data to be returned is detection data generated by a light projection operation corresponding to the read signal received last time (immediately before) and stored in the detection data memory 23. However, the detection data generated by the light projecting operation corresponding to the read signal received before the previous time (for example, the previous time) and stored in the detection data memory 23 may be used.

At the end of the process 2-6, the master microcomputer 11 transmits an ACK signal to the slave microcomputer 21 when the detection data is normally received, and a NACK signal when the detection data is not normally received. Furthermore, the master microcomputer 11
・ Stop condition signal (1 bit)
Is transmitted to the slave microcomputer 21.

  When the master microcomputer 11 receives the detection data indicating the detection of the object, the master microcomputer 11 performs control to start the operation of the control target. When detection data indicating non-detection of an object is received after the start of the operation, control for stopping the operation may be performed. Thereafter, in process 2-7, the master microcomputer 11 shifts from the high speed mode to the low speed mode.

  On the other hand, the slave microcomputer 21 returns the detection data stored in the detection data memory 23 to the master microcomputer 11, and then performs a light projection operation and generation of detection data in process 2-8, and the generated detection data is displayed. Stored in the detection data memory 23. Then, the slave microcomputer 21 shifts from the high speed mode to the low speed mode in process 2-9.

  The master microcomputer 11 repeats the processes 2-2 to 2-9 described above at the next read signal transmission timing. Among these, the detection data returned from the slave microcomputer 21 to the master microcomputer 11 in the process 2-6 ′ is the detection data generated by the light projection operation in the previous process 2-8 and stored in the detection data memory 23. is there.

  Thus, the communication process and operation in the first operation mode are completed.

  As described above, in the first operation mode, the light projection operation and the return of the detection data are performed to the slave microcomputer 21 according to the continuous transmission / reception of the read signal without the transmission / reception of the write signal and the light projection command signal. Can be made. For this reason, communication time can be shortened compared with the 3rd operation mode which requires transmission / reception of a write signal, a light projection command signal, and a read signal. For this reason, the communication load of the master microcomputer 11 and the slave microcomputer 21 can be reduced, and power consumption can be reduced.

  Moreover, in the first operation mode, it is obtained by the light projecting operation performed before the light projecting operation performed in response to receiving the current read signal (command signal) and stored in the detection data memory 23. The detection data is returned to the master microcomputer 11. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time from when the master microcomputer 11 transmits a projection command (read signal) to the slave microcomputer 21 until the detection data is returned to the master microcomputer 11. Therefore, both communication time can be shortened more.

  By adopting such a first operation mode, the operation time in the high-speed mode of each microcomputer that shifts to the high-speed mode when performing communication can be shortened, and the power consumption of the faucet control device as a whole Can be reduced.

  The right side of FIG. 5 shows processing of the master and slave microcomputers 11 and 21 when the operation mode is further shifted from the first operation mode to the third operation mode. Process 1-1 to process 1-12 are the same as the processes shown in FIG. In process 1-7, the slave microcomputer 21 performs a light projection operation according to the write signal and the light projection command signal. The detection data obtained at this time is sent to the master microcomputer 11 according to the read signal immediately after that. Send back. Further, since the read signal does not have a meaning of a light projection command, the slave microcomputer 21 does not perform a light projection operation.

  An outline of the operation of the master microcomputer 11 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The master microcomputer 11 is initially operating in the low speed mode.

  At the timing of communication, in step 100, the master microcomputer 11 shifts from the low speed mode to the high speed mode.

  In step 101, the master microcomputer 11 determines whether or not a signal to be transmitted to the slave microcomputer 21 after this is a light projection command in the high frequency use time zone. If it is not a flood command in the high usage time zone, the process proceeds to step 102 and the third operation mode is entered.

  In step 102, the master microcomputer 11 determines whether the signal transmitted to the slave microcomputer 21 is a write signal or a read signal. If it is a write signal, the process proceeds to step 103. If it is a read signal, the process proceeds to step 107.

  In step 103, the master microcomputer 11 sets the address (slave address) of the slave part to be designated. Then, a slave address signal is transmitted to the slave microcomputer 21 following the start condition signal.

  Next, in step 104, a write signal is transmitted to the slave microcomputer 21.

  In step 105, the master microcomputer 11 transmits a light projection command signal to the slave microcomputer 21 in response to receiving the ACK signal from the slave microcomputer 21.

  Next, the master microcomputer 11 that has received the ACK signal from the slave microcomputer 21 transmits a stop condition signal to the slave microcomputer 21 in step 106. Then, the process proceeds to step 111 to shift from the high speed mode to the low speed mode.

  On the other hand, when the process proceeds from step 102 to step 107, the master microcomputer 11 sets a slave address as in step 103. Then, a slave address signal is transmitted to the slave microcomputer 21 following the start condition signal.

  Next, in step 108, the master microcomputer 11 transmits a read signal to the slave microcomputer 21.

  Subsequently, at step 109, the master microcomputer 11 receives the detection data transmitted from the slave microcomputer 21. If the detection data is normally received, an ACK signal is returned to the slave microcomputer 21, and if the detection data is not normally received, a NACK signal is returned to the slave microcomputer 21.

  If the detection data is received normally, the process proceeds to step 110, where the master microcomputer 11 transmits a stop condition signal to the slave microcomputer 21.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 111, where the master microcomputer 11 starts the operation of the control target according to the detection data indicating the detection of the object, or stops the operation of the control target according to the detection data indicating the non-detection of the object. Or Then, the high speed mode is shifted to the low speed mode.

  On the other hand, if it is a light projection command in the high frequency use time period in step 101, the process directly proceeds to step 107 to enter the first operation mode.

  In the first operation mode, in step 107, as in the third operation mode, the master microcomputer 11 sets a slave address. Then, a slave address signal is transmitted to the master microcomputer 21 following the start condition signal.

  Next, in step 108, the master microcomputer 11 transmits a read signal to the slave microcomputer 21. The read signal transmitted here has the meaning of a projection command and a detection data return command.

  Subsequently, at step 109, the master microcomputer 11 receives the detection data transmitted from the slave microcomputer 21. The detection data received here is the detection data stored in the detection data memory 23 after the slave microcomputer 21 performs a light projecting operation on the previously transmitted read signal.

  The master microcomputer 11 returns an ACK signal to the slave microcomputer 21 when the detection data is normally received, and a NACK signal when the detection data is not normally received.

  If the detection data is received normally, the process proceeds to step 110, where the master microcomputer 11 transmits a stop condition signal to the slave microcomputer 21.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 111, where the master microcomputer 11 starts the operation of the control target according to the detection data indicating the detection of the object, or stops the operation of the control target according to the detection data indicating the non-detection of the object. Or Then, the high speed mode is shifted to the low speed mode.

  Next, an outline of the operation of the slave microcomputer 21 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The slave microcomputer 21 initially operates in the low speed mode.

  In step 200, the slave microcomputer 21 determines whether or not a communication interrupt from the master microcomputer 11 has occurred. If no interrupt occurs, repeat this step. If an interrupt has occurred, the process proceeds to step 201, where it is confirmed that the slave address signal from the master microcomputer 11 designates the slave microcomputer 21, and the low-speed mode is shifted to the high-speed mode.

  In step 202, the slave microcomputer 21 determines whether the signal received from the master microcomputer 11 is a write signal or a read signal. If it is a write signal, the process proceeds to step 203 to enter the third operation mode.

  In step 203, the slave microcomputer 21 receives the light projection command signal transmitted from the master microcomputer 11.

  In step 204, the slave microcomputer 21 confirms whether or not a stop condition signal transmitted from the master microcomputer 11 has been received. If not received, this process is repeated. If received, the process proceeds to step 205.

  In step 205, the slave microcomputer 21 sets a write signal reception flag indicating that the write signal has been received. Then, the process proceeds to Step 206.

  In step 206, the slave microcomputer 21 performs a light projecting operation, generates detection data, and then proceeds to step 213 to shift from the high speed mode to the low speed mode.

  In step 202, if the signal received from the master microcomputer 11 is a read signal, the process proceeds to step 207.

  In step 207, the slave microcomputer 21 returns detection data to the master microcomputer 11 in accordance with the received read signal. In the third operation mode, the detection data returned here is detection data obtained by the light projection operation performed in step 206 in the current routine.

  Next, the slave microcomputer 21 proceeds to step 210 by receiving an ACK signal as a communication interrupt from the master microcomputer 11 in step 208 and confirming reception of a stop condition signal in step 209. If the respective signals are not received in steps 208 and 209, the processing is repeated.

  In step 210, the slave microcomputer 21 determines whether or not the write signal reception flag is set. When the write signal reception flag is set (that is, in the third operation mode), the write signal reception flag is cleared at step 211 and the process proceeds to step 213.

  In step 213, the slave microcomputer 21 shifts from the high speed mode to the low speed mode.

  On the other hand, if the write signal reception flag is not set in step 210, that is, if the read signal is received without receiving the write signal and the projection command signal without proceeding from step 202 to step 206, the process proceeds to step 212. Proceed to enter the second operation mode.

  In step 212, the slave microcomputer 21 performs a light projection operation and stores the detection data generated by the light projection operation in the detection data memory 23. Then, the process proceeds to step 213 to shift from the high speed mode to the low speed mode.

  When the read signal is received at step 202 in the next routine, the slave microcomputer 21 returns the detection data stored in the detection data memory 23 at step 212 in the previous routine to the master microcomputer 11 at step 207. Hereinafter, in the second operation mode, step 208 → step 209 → step 210 → step 212 → step 213 → step 200 → step 201 → step 202 → step 207 are repeated.

  8 and 9 show processing of the master microcomputer 11 and the slave microcomputer 21 in the second operation mode in the faucet control device that is Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The faucet control device of the present embodiment is also used in the faucet system described in the first embodiment. For this reason, the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment are assigned to the respective components.

  In the present embodiment, the third operation mode basically operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, in the second operation mode, after receiving the write signal from the master microcomputer 11, the slave microcomputer 21 receives the stop condition signal without receiving the projection command signal that is the original detection command signal. In response to this, a light projection operation and a detection data generation operation are performed. Further, the slave microcomputer 21 returns an ACK signal / NACK signal to the master microcomputer 11 as detection data indicating detection / non-detection of an object (instead of detection data). The master microcomputer 11 controls the controlled object in response to receiving the ACK signal.

  In the second operation mode, in the process 3-1 in FIGS. 8 and 9, the master microcomputer 11 shifts from the low speed mode to the high speed mode. In process 3-2, the master microcomputer 11 outputs a clock signal for performing communication. Thereafter, the output of the clock signal (processing 3-2) is performed each time communication between the master microcomputer 11 and the slave microcomputer 21 is performed.

  Furthermore, in process 3-3, the master microcomputer 11 transmits the following signals to the slave microcomputer 21 in the following order.

・ Start condition signal (1 bit)
・ Slave address signal (7 bits)
Write signal (1 bit).

  Here, in process 3-5, the slave microcomputer 21 specified by the slave address signal shifts from the low speed mode to the high speed mode.

  The slave microcomputer 21 returns an ACK signal (1 bit) to the master microcomputer 11 when the write signal is normally received, and a NACK signal (1 bit) when the write signal is not normally received.

  The master microcomputer 11 that has received the NACK signal may transmit the signal to the slave microcomputer 21 again. This is the same when the master microcomputer 11 receives a NACK signal in other processes described later and when the slave microcomputer 21 receives a NACK signal from the master microcomputer 11.

The master microcomputer 11 that has received the ACK signal transmits to the slave microcomputer 21 at the end of the process 3-3.
・ Stop condition signal (SC in the figure)
Is transmitted to the slave microcomputer 21. In processing 3-4, the master microcomputer 11 shifts from the high speed mode to the low speed mode, and a predetermined time (for example, 1 ms or 31.25 ms) required for the light projection operation and detection data generation by the slave microcomputer 21. To wait.

  The write signal + stop condition signal here has a meaning of a light projection command to the slave microcomputer 21. In other words, when the slave microcomputer 21 receives the stop condition signal without receiving the projection command signal after receiving the write signal, it treats this write signal + stop condition signal as a projection command.

  For this reason, in process 3-6, the slave microcomputer 21 performs a light projection operation and a detection data generation operation in accordance with the write signal + stop condition signal. In step 3-7, the slave microcomputer 21 shifts from the high speed mode to the low speed mode.

After elapse of the predetermined time, the master microcomputer 11 that has shifted to the high-speed mode in the process 3-1 ′ is directed to the slave microcomputer 21 in the processes 3-8 (FIG. 8) and 3-8 ′ (FIG. 9).
・ Start condition signal (1 bit)
・ Slave address signal (7 bits)
・ Read signal (1 bit)
Are sent in this order.

  8, the slave microcomputer 21 returns an ACK signal to the master microcomputer 11 when the detection data indicates the detection of the object.

  The master microcomputer 11 that has received the ACK signal transmits a stop condition signal to the slave microcomputer 21 and also performs control target operations (opening operation of the electromagnetic valve 5 for washing hands, soap pump 6, drying fan 7 and drying heater 8). The control to start driving) is performed.

  In step 3-10, the master microcomputer 11 shifts from the high speed mode to the low speed mode. The slave microcomputer 21 receives the stop condition signal after shifting from the low-speed mode to the high-speed mode in processing 3-9, and shifts again from the high-speed mode to the low-speed mode.

  Here, FIG. 8 shows a case where the slave microcomputer 21 that has returned the ACK signal to the master microcomputer 11 immediately shifts from the high speed mode to the low speed mode.

  However, as shown in FIG. 10, after returning the ACK signal, in order to make the master microcomputer 11 confirm that the ACK signal was correctly output in response to the detection of the object, the processing is actually performed in processing 3-11. The detected data may be transmitted to the master microcomputer 11. Thereby, the reliability of a system can be improved more.

  In this case, after confirming the detection data, the master microcomputer 11 transmits a stop condition signal to the slave microcomputer 21 and starts an operation to be controlled. In Step 3-10 ′, the high speed mode is shifted to the low speed mode.

  The slave microcomputer 21 shifts from the high speed mode to the low speed mode in processing 3-12 by receiving the stop condition signal from the master microcomputer 11 after the transmission of the detection data is completed.

  On the other hand, if the detection data indicates non-detection of the object in the processing 3-8 ′ in FIG. 9, the slave microcomputer 21 returns a NACK signal to the master microcomputer 11.

  The master microcomputer 11 that has received the NACK signal transmits a stop condition signal to the slave microcomputer 21 and shifts from the high speed mode to the low speed mode. However, when a NACK signal indicating non-detection of an object is received after the start of the operation to be controlled, control may be performed to stop the operation, and then the high-speed mode may be shifted to the low-speed mode.

  Then, the slave microcomputer 21 that has received the stop condition signal shifts from the high speed mode to the low speed mode in process 3-9.

  This completes the communication process and operation in the second operation mode.

  As described above, in the second operation mode, in addition to the write signal, the projection command signal having a large number of bits is not transmitted / received, and the slave responds to the continuous transmission / reception of the write signal and the stop condition signal having a small number of bits. Since the microcomputer 21 can perform the light projecting operation, the communication time can be shortened compared to the third operation mode described in the first embodiment. For this reason, the communication load of the master microcomputer 11 and the slave microcomputer 21 can be reduced, and power consumption can be reduced.

  In addition, in the second operation mode described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the slave microcomputer 21 returns an ACK signal / NACK signal with a small number of bits to the master microcomputer 11 instead of detection data with a large number of bits. To do. Thereby, communication time can be shortened more.

  And by adopting such a second operation mode, the operation time in the high-speed mode of each microcomputer that shifts to the high-speed mode when performing communication can be shortened, and the faucet control device as a whole Power consumption can be reduced.

  An outline of the operation of the master microcomputer 11 in this embodiment (operation in the third and second operation modes) is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The master microcomputer 11 is initially operating in the low speed mode.

  At timing of communication, in step 500, the master microcomputer 11 shifts from the low speed mode to the high speed mode.

  In step 501, the master microcomputer 11 determines whether the signal transmitted to the slave microcomputer 21 is a write signal or a read signal. If it is a write signal, the process proceeds to step 502. If it is a read signal, the process proceeds to step 508.

  In step 502, the master microcomputer 11 sets the address (slave address) of the slave part to be designated. Then, a slave address signal is transmitted to the slave microcomputer 21 following the start condition signal.

  Next, in step 503, the write signal is transmitted to the slave microcomputer 21.

  In step 504, the master microcomputer 11 determines whether or not a signal to be transmitted to the slave microcomputer 21 thereafter is a light projection command in a high frequency use time zone. If it is not a flood command in the high usage time zone, the process proceeds to step 505 to enter the third operation mode.

  In step 505, in response to receiving an ACK signal from the slave microcomputer 21, a projection command signal is transmitted to the slave microcomputer 21.

  Next, in step 507, the master microcomputer 11 that has received the ACK signal from the slave microcomputer 21 transmits a stop condition signal to the slave microcomputer 21. Then, the process proceeds to step 515 to shift from the high speed mode to the low speed mode.

  On the other hand, in step 508, the master microcomputer 11 sets a slave address as in step 502. Then, a slave address signal is transmitted to the slave microcomputer 21 following the start condition signal.

  Next, in step 509, the master microcomputer 11 transmits a read signal to the slave microcomputer 21.

  Subsequently, in step 510, the master microcomputer 11 confirms whether or not the light projection command transmission flag is set. The projection command transmission flag is a flag indicating that a projection command has been transmitted to the slave microcomputer 21, and is set in step 506 which does not pass in the third operation mode. If the projection command transmission flag is not set (cleared), the process proceeds to step 511.

  In step 511, the master microcomputer 11 receives the detection data transmitted from the slave microcomputer 21. If the detection data is normally received, an ACK signal is returned to the slave microcomputer 21, and if the detection data is not normally received, a NACK signal is returned to the slave microcomputer 21.

  If the detection data is normally received, the process proceeds to step 513, and the master microcomputer 11 transmits a stop condition signal to the slave microcomputer 21.

  Next, the process proceeds to step 515 via step 514 (clearing the projection command transmission flag), and the master microcomputer 11 starts the operation of the control target according to the detection data indicating the detection of the object, The operation of the control target is stopped according to detection data indicating detection. Then, the high speed mode is shifted to the low speed mode.

  On the other hand, if it is a light projection command in the high frequency use time period in step 504, the process proceeds to step 506 to enter the second operation mode.

  In step 506, the master microcomputer 11 sets a projection command transmission flag.

  Next, at step 507, the master microcomputer 11 transmits a stop condition signal to the slave microcomputer 21. In this way, in the second operation mode, the master microcomputer 11 transmits a stop condition signal to the slave microcomputer 21 without transmitting a projection command signal after transmitting the write signal. Then, the process proceeds to step 515 to shift from the high speed mode to the low speed mode.

  In the second operation mode, in step 508, the master microcomputer 11 sets a slave address as in the third operation mode. Then, a slave address signal is transmitted to the slave microcomputer 21 following the start condition signal.

  Next, in step 509, the master microcomputer 11 transmits a read signal to the slave microcomputer 21.

  Subsequently, in step 510, the master microcomputer 11 confirms whether or not the light projection command transmission flag is set. If the projection command transmission flag is set, the process proceeds to step 512.

  In step 512, the master microcomputer 11 determines whether an ACK signal as detection data or a NACK signal transmitted from the slave microcomputer 21 has been received. When an ACK signal is received (when an object is detected), the process proceeds to step 516 to start the operation of the control target. Then, after transmitting a stop condition signal to the slave microcomputer 21 in step 513, the process proceeds to step 514.

  On the other hand, when the NACK signal is received (when the object is not detected), the operation of the control target is stopped as it is or the operation proceeds to step 513, and the stop condition signal is transmitted to the slave microcomputer 21, and then to step 514. move on.

  In step 514, the master microcomputer 11 clears the projection command transmission flag, proceeds to step 515, and shifts from the high speed mode to the low speed mode.

  Next, an outline of the operation of the master microcomputer 11 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The slave microcomputer 21 initially operates in the low speed mode.

  In step 600, the slave microcomputer 21 determines whether or not a communication interrupt from the master microcomputer 11 has occurred. If no interrupt occurs, repeat this step. If an interrupt has occurred, the process proceeds to step 601, where it is confirmed that the slave address signal from the master microcomputer 11 designates the slave microcomputer 21, and the low-speed mode is shifted to the high-speed mode.

  In step 602, the slave microcomputer 21 determines whether the signal received from the master microcomputer 11 is a write signal or a read signal. If it is a write signal, the process proceeds to step 603.

  In step 603, the slave microcomputer 21 determines whether or not a stop condition signal has been received from the master microcomputer 11 next to the write signal. If the stop condition signal has not been received, the process proceeds to step 604 to enter the third operation mode.

  In step 604, the slave microcomputer 21 confirms whether or not a projection command signal has been received from the master microcomputer 11. If not received, the process returns to step 603, and if received, the process proceeds to step 605.

  In step 605, the slave microcomputer 21 determines whether or not a stop condition signal has been received from the master microcomputer 11. If not received, this step is repeated. If received, the process proceeds to step 606.

  In step 606, the slave microcomputer 21 performs a light projecting operation and generates detection data, and then proceeds to step 616 to shift from the high speed mode to the low speed mode.

  In step 602, if the signal received from the master microcomputer 11 is a read signal, the process proceeds to step 611.

  In step 611, the slave microcomputer 21 determines whether or not the output setting of the ACK signal or the NACK signal is set. Here, the output setting of the ACK signal / NACK signal is performed in steps 609 and 610 which do not pass in the third operation mode. When the output setting of the ACK signal or the NACK signal is not made, the process proceeds to step 612, and the slave microcomputer 21 returns detection data (8 bits) obtained by the light projecting operation to the master microcomputer 11. Then, the process proceeds to Step 614.

  In step 614, the slave microcomputer 21 confirms whether or not an ACK signal indicating normal reception of detected data has been received from the master microcomputer 11, and repeats this step if no ACK signal has been received. If an ACK signal is received, the process proceeds to step 615.

  In step 615, the slave microcomputer 21 confirms whether or not a stop condition signal has been received from the master microcomputer 11, and if not, repeats this step. To low speed mode.

  On the other hand, when the stop condition signal is received after the write signal from the master microcomputer 11 in step 603, the process proceeds to step 607, and the slave microcomputer 21 enters the second operation mode.

  In step 607, the slave microcomputer 21 performs a light projection operation and a detection data generation operation.

  Next, in step 608, the slave microcomputer 21 determines whether the generated detection data indicates object detection or non-detection. When the detection of the object is indicated, the process proceeds to step 609 to set the output of the ACK signal. When the non-detection of the object is indicated, the process proceeds to step 610 and the output setting of the NACK signal is performed. Then, the process proceeds to step 616 to shift from the high speed mode to the low speed mode.

  Further, when the process proceeds from step 602 to step 611, the slave microcomputer 21 determines whether or not the output setting of the ACK signal or the NACK signal is made as described above. If the output setting of the ACK signal or NACK signal has been made, the process proceeds to step 613, and the slave microcomputer 21 returns the ACK signal or NACK signal set in step 609 or 610 to the master microcomputer 11 as detection data. To do.

  Then, the process proceeds to step 616 through steps 614 and 615 to shift from the high speed mode to the low speed mode.

  Note that, even in the second operation mode of the present embodiment, as in the second operation mode described in the first embodiment, the light projection operation is performed in response to reception of the write signal + stop condition signal (command signal). Alternatively, the detection data obtained by the previously performed light projection operation and stored in the detection data memory 23 may be returned to the master microcomputer 11. As a result, the master microcomputer 11 transmits a light projection command (write signal + stop condition signal) to the slave microcomputer 21 until detection data (ACK signal / NACK signal) is returned to the master microcomputer 11. The time can be shortened. Therefore, both communication time can be shortened more.

  Also in the second operation mode of the first embodiment described above, as in the second mode of the present embodiment, the slave microcomputer 21 receives detection data indicating object detection / non-detection (instead of detection data). In addition, the ACK signal / NACK signal may be returned to the master microcomputer 11 respectively.

  Each embodiment described above is only a representative example, and various modifications and changes can be made to each embodiment in carrying out the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Schematic which shows the structure of the faucet system containing the faucet control apparatus which is Example 1 of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a faucet control device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a partial configuration of the faucet control device according to the first embodiment. The time chart which shows the process in the 3rd operation mode in the faucet control apparatus of Example 1. FIG. The time chart which shows the process in the 1st operation mode in the faucet control apparatus of Example 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the master microcomputer in the faucet control device of the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the slave microcomputer in the faucet control device of the first embodiment. The time chart which shows the process (at the time of object detection) in the 2nd operation mode in the faucet control apparatus which is Example 2 of this invention. The time chart which shows the process (at the time of object non-detection) in the 2nd operation mode in the faucet control apparatus which is Example 2. FIG. The time chart which shows the process (at the time of object detection) in the 2nd operation mode in the faucet control apparatus which is a modification of Example 2. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of a master microcomputer in the faucet control device of Embodiment 2. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the slave microcomputer in the faucet control device of the first embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Controller (master unit)
2 Hand wash water sensor (slave part)
3 Sensor for soap (slave part)
4 Drying sensor (slave part)
5 Electromagnetic valve for hand washing water 6 Pump for soap 7 Drying fan 8 Drying heater 11 Master microcomputer 21 Slave microcomputer 23 Detection data memory 101 Spout 106 Soap discharge plug 112 Drying air duct

Claims (5)

A slave unit equipped with a microcomputer for detecting an object;
A half-duplex communication with the slave unit is possible, and a master unit including a microcomputer that controls a control target constituting the faucet system based on detection data obtained by the detection operation of the slave unit. A faucet control device,
Each of the microcomputers operates at a first operating frequency in a state where communication is not performed, and operates at a second operating frequency higher than the first operating frequency in a state where communication is performed,
The master unit is a write signal that switches the communication direction from the master unit to the slave unit, and a read signal that commands a detection operation from the master unit to the slave unit and switches the communication direction from the slave unit to the master unit. And a detection command signal for returning detection data as a detection result from the slave unit,
The master unit sends back the detection operation and the detection data in response to the transmission of the read signal without transmitting the write signal and the detection command signal after transmitting the read signal. A faucet control device having a first operation mode to be performed and performing the detection operation in the first operation mode. A slave unit equipped with a microcomputer for detecting an object;
A half-duplex communication with the slave unit is possible, and a master unit including a microcomputer that controls a control target constituting the faucet system based on detection data obtained by the detection operation of the slave unit. A faucet control device,
Each of the microcomputers operates at a first operating frequency in a state where communication is not performed, and operates at a second operating frequency higher than the first operating frequency in a state where communication is performed,
The master unit detects a write signal for switching the communication direction from the master unit to the slave unit, and a detection command for instructing a detection operation from the master unit to the slave unit and returning detection data as a detection result from the slave unit. A signal and a stop condition signal indicating the end of communication,
When the master unit transmits a stop condition signal indicating the end of communication without transmitting the detection command signal after transmitting the write signal from the master unit, the slave unit performs the detection operation. A faucet control device having an operation mode and performing the detection operation in the second operation mode. The slave unit returns an ACK signal and a NACK signal to the master unit as the detection data according to detection and non-detection of the object, respectively.
In the second operation mode, the slave unit returns an ACK signal and a NACK signal to the master unit in response to normal reception and abnormal reception of communication from the master unit, respectively.
The faucet control device according to claim 2, wherein the master unit controls the control target based on at least the ACK signal.   The master unit has a third operation mode in which the slave unit returns the detection data in response to transmission of the read signal after transmission of the write signal and the detection command signal, and within a predetermined time The faucet control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detection operation is performed in the third operation mode in accordance with a detection frequency of the object. The faucet control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A faucet system having a control object controlled by the faucet control device.