JP2009294814A - Sensor information collection system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a load at a job site by constructing a sensor network for collecting and managing multi-spot information on the same time axis and simplifying installation and operation of the network, and to manage and store data obtained at the multi-spots, and to use and utilize circumstance determination information to be acquired from the obtained data in real time. <P>SOLUTION: In order to secure an infrastructure (communication and power source) which becomes a problem in the installation and operation of sensor network construction for collecting multi-spot information and to eliminate the complicatedness of setting due to the securement, a sensor unit is specialized in the collection and transmission of information, and the setting is performed by the Web interface of a base unit, and wirelessly transferred to a slave unit, and not only data collection but also determination in a sensor unit, determination in a base unit, and instructions or the like from the collected data make it is possible to use and utilize information acquired from both of the sensor unit and the base unit by using various output methods. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

The purpose of the present invention is to easily collect information on arbitrary observation points scattered in a wide area, perform analysis / judgment, and use the results over a wide area.・ Sensor network with reduced setting work.

Conventionally, there are regional sensor networks that use specific low-power radio and wide-area sensor networks that use the Internet, but in order to combine them for installation and operation, it is necessary to secure power sources and have specialized wireless knowledge. It is necessary to have a wide range of knowledge about the network, and general users who do not have specialized knowledge cannot easily start using the network. In addition, there is no sensor unit using radio that has an output that enables external device control.

In the conventional sensor information collection system, each sensor information is stored individually, and the user needs to collect and organize it. Therefore, it is possible to place multiple sensors at multiple points and perform quantitative observation. It was difficult. In addition, although some kind of communication infrastructure is required to automate the information collection work, a wireless system that does not require wiring is prominent when covering a wide outdoor area or installing in existing facilities. However, the construction of a system using wireless (stable operation, ensuring confidentiality) requires specialized knowledge, and a general user cannot easily start using it. Furthermore, there is a need to reduce the power consumption of the sensor unit so that it can be easily used even in an outdoor environment where it is difficult to secure a power supply, and a common time axis must be introduced so that the collected data can be easily compared. In order to solve these problems, the sensor unit that collects sensor information and the sensor information that the sensor unit sends are received, the roles are divided into the base unit that classifies and manages, and each relationship is used, Solve a problem. By constructing a sensor network that solves the problem and observes multiple points, an automatic control system that controls the alarm by issuing an alarm notification notifying the abnormality of the observation target as well as collecting data to the sensor installation location, etc. It can also be applied to real-time systems.

It is composed of a sensor unit that captures sensor information and transmits information, and a base unit that receives the transmitted information and performs identification, classification, analysis, and recording. An identification number unique to the sensor unit is added to the information transmitted from the sensor unit. Register the identification number of the sensor unit you want to collect in the base unit and check whether the received identification number is registered each time sensor information is received from the sensor unit. By adding the time stamp and performing processing (recording, monitoring, etc.) for each sensor unit, a sensor network using a plurality of sensor units can be constructed.

Because communication between the sensor unit and the base unit uses radio waves, it is necessary to prevent interference and ensure confidentiality. To prevent interference, change the channel used, exclusive processing using identification numbers and various IDs, and adjustment of transmission intervals However, communication encryption is effective for ensuring confidentiality. By making these settings in common on the base unit and enabling wireless transfer to the sensor unit, the setting effort can be greatly reduced. In addition, by using the unique identification number of the base unit to generate the encryption key necessary to ensure confidentiality, the sensor with confidentiality can be set simply by setting the identification number of the sensor unit in the base unit. A network can be constructed. Furthermore, higher confidentiality can be obtained by using an encryption key arbitrarily set by the user. By combining these measures with the measures of 0004, there is no special requirement for the wireless standards and specifications to be used, and data can be simply transmitted and received. For this reason, it is possible to select a free wireless standard according to the application.

The sensor unit employs a method of switching between a setting mode in which initial setting information is received from the base unit and an operation mode in which normal sensor information is collected and transmitted in the state of the setting changeover switch when the power is turned on. The setting mode is a mode that is necessary only when the operation is started or when the setting is changed. The setting information set by the base unit is received wirelessly and is written into the nonvolatile memory of the sensor unit. The operation mode is a normal use mode, which reads initial settings stored in a nonvolatile memory at the time of startup, collects and transmits sensor information, and operates and controls external devices. The operation mode includes a bidirectional communication mode in which a reception operation is performed in addition to a sensor information transmission operation, and a unidirectional communication mode in which a reception operation is not performed. Switching is performed according to the setting information received in the setting mode described above. In the two-way communication mode, an instruction from the base unit can be transmitted to the sensor unit at any time, so that it is possible to control devices and change parameters according to the situation at any time. On the other hand, the one-way communication mode is a mode in which the reception operation is eliminated by limiting the communication operation performed by the sensor unit to only transmission, and the power consumption is greatly reduced. In the intermittent interval from transmission to the next transmission, the power consumption of the wireless module and the CPU main clock are stopped while leaving the timer function with ultra-low power consumption, so that the power consumption in the intermittent interval can be greatly reduced. For this reason, the power consumption of the entire sensor unit can be effectively adjusted by changing the transmission interval. Also, in all operation modes, by having a common data format between the sensor unit and the base unit, the transmission data is limited to numbers, etc., thereby improving the compression efficiency of the transmission data and shortening the transmission time. Reduce power consumption required for transmission. A common data format is created on the base station in accordance with the sensor to be connected and wirelessly transferred using the setting mode, so that any sensor information that can be acquired by the sensor unit can be handled. With these measures, a system that can maintain high applicability even when the screen unit and input interface are omitted from the sensor unit, and that greatly solves problems in outdoor installation in terms of power consumption and durability. Become.

As for the power supply of the sensor unit, an independent power source using a solar panel and a commercial power source can be used exclusively. By incorporating a secondary battery, it is possible to cope with non-sunshine and power failure for several days to several months. Along with the power saving effect, it solves the problem of securing the power supply in the installation.

The base unit is equipped with a means (wired LAN, wireless LAN, or mobile phone) that can be connected to the Internet (wide area network) to check and change various settings, check the latest sensor information, and check sensor data recording data. However, it has a web interface so that it can be done using a browser. In addition, it has a mechanism for transferring collected data to a remote environment (data server) and a mechanism for transferring it as an e-mail attachment. Wide area sensor network can be constructed.

By linking the operation to connect the removable media to the base unit, the operation to copy the recording data stored in the base unit to the removable media and the operation to read the setting file prepared in the removable media in advance to the base unit, Recorded data can be collected and settings can be changed simply by connecting removable media, so operations and data can be easily collected even in areas where it is difficult to connect to the Internet (wide area network).

By using an NTP using an Internet connection or a GPS module, keeping the time of the base unit accurate, and adding a time stamp when receiving data, the data collected at multiple points are arranged on a common time axis, The accuracy of analysis and management can be increased. In addition, by using the position information (latitude, longitude, altitude) obtained from the GPS module, the target data can be uniquely identified in the four dimensions of time and position, and the GIS ( Cooperation with Geographic Information System is also easy. If there is no problem with the power supply situation on the sensor unit side, it is possible to control external devices on the sensor unit side based on the judgment on the base unit side by using the two-way communication mode that uses the time other than the transmission time as the reception mode. For example, it is possible to control the air conditioning in real time by utilizing the contact output function.

The simple construction of a sensor network using a base unit and multiple sensor units can greatly reduce installation and operation costs, creating an information collection environment that could only be introduced at some research institutions and factories. It can be provided to general individuals. As a result, a system capable of objectively confirming the work results performed as time-series data at any time can be constructed in various places. Data and visualization of work that has been performed depending on the feeling so far will be possible, leading to improved work efficiency and work automation. This is particularly effective in the field of agriculture that always needs to be observed in the gardens against nature, and can be expected to lead to the activation of the primary industry suffering from a shortage of successors and smooth generational changes. In addition, by connecting the base unit to a wide area network represented by the Internet, it is possible to construct a macro environment observation environment in a wide area.

In the present invention, it is important that a full-fledged sensor network can be easily used, and it is expected that the present invention will be introduced in various fields that have been avoided from the viewpoints of cost and operation. The Especially in the agricultural field, various judgments have been made based on the wisdom and experience that have been accumulated from generation to generation. However, due to the rapid environmental changes represented by global warming, Many phenomena that cannot be explained by knowledge occur. For this reason, there is a growing need for objectively capturing changes in the environment and leaving them as data. It is also important to keep feedback on changes in the status of work performed in real time, and to continue comparing behavior and results. Accumulated data is likely to affect various preventive measures and crop selection. . In order to increase the number of part-time farmers, the expansion of agriculture as a national policy, and the cultivation of large-scale farmers, it is necessary to always monitor the growth of crops near the garden. In the initial stage of the introduction, when we were worried while doing normal work, we started with a retrospective operation to confirm the data, and contributed to the situation judgment based on the data, implementation of preventive measures, selection of crop crops, etc. , By developing accurate warnings and automation of simple tasks that link data feature points and work, from agriculture that always relies on the experience of people sticking to the garden, more industrial, ie, data-based We can expect a shift to next-generation agriculture that aims for stable production.

The present invention includes a sensor unit that connects various sensors, reads and transmits sensor information, and a base unit that receives transmitted information and performs classification, storage, and monitoring based on a registered sensor unit number. It is a network. The sensor unit consists of a sensor, microcomputer, wireless module, and secondary battery, combined with a commercial power supply or an independent power supply using a solar panel, and in the event of a temporary power outage or shortage of solar radiation, the built-in secondary battery serves as a backup power source and is constant. Guarantees continuous operation of the period. The microcomputer in the sensor unit prepares a mode in which the wireless module is turned off except for data acquisition and transmission performed at a cycle determined by the initial setting, and part of the microcomputer operation is also stopped until the next transmission. The device is designed to reduce power consumption. In addition, the power consumption can be reduced by shortening the transmission time by compressing the transmission data. The initial setting of the sensor unit is set by the base unit, and the setting information is received and recorded from the base unit by starting the sensor unit in the setting mode. This eliminates the need for a setting interface in the sensor unit, thereby reducing power consumption and making a complicated operation for setting unnecessary. This greatly saves the trouble of adding a slave unit to the sensor network. The compact sensor unit is housed in a highly waterproof case so that it can be installed and used in any environment such as a greenhouse. The base unit consists of a microcomputer board with RS232C interface, USB interface, and LAN interface, nonvolatile memory for data recording, wireless module, and GPS module. It provides a management screen through the Web interface and identifies, classifies, analyzes, and receives information. Recording / forwarding and issuing of alarms (email, contact output, etc.) can be performed under accurate time management. The minimum operation required to actually start operation is to register the sensor unit number in the base unit. The base unit is located at the boundary between the uniquely configured sensor network and the IP network, and has a gateway function that can participate in both networks. As a result, the configured sensor network can be flexibly and easily connected to a wide area IP network (Internet), and a large-scale wide area sensor network can be easily realized. The data stored in the non-volatile memory of the base unit can be retrieved by various popular methods such as checking and downloading via the Web interface, copying using removable media, automatic transfer using network protocols, etc. The usage can be selected according to the user's operation mode. By greatly reducing the restrictions on installation and operation, sensor networks can be used in more situations.

Device configuration diagram (sensor unit) The wireless unit `` 1a '', storage unit `` 1b '', and power supply unit `` 1d '' are connected through the processing unit `` 1c '', and external sensors and control objects are also general-purpose interface `` 1e '' of the processing unit Connected through. By linking all the components through the processing unit, it is possible to make detailed setting changes according to usage conditions. Device configuration diagram (base unit) The wireless unit `` 2a '', storage unit `` 2b '', power supply unit `` 2d '' are connected through the processing unit `` 2c '', and external sensors and control objects are also general-purpose interface `` 2e '' of the processing unit Connected through. Device configuration diagram (sensor network) Sensor unit `` 3a '' to which various sensors for collecting observation point information are connected, relay unit `` 3b '' that relays communications, information received from sensor unit, stored, distributed, etc. It consists of a base unit that performs The base unit is connected to the network (LAN, WAN) “3d” to enable operation and data browsing via the network. Device configuration diagram (Wide area sensor network) By connecting the sensor network “4a” to the Internet “4b”, information is gathered to the data collection server “4c” on the Internet to form a wide area sensor network. Sensor network protocol hierarchy diagram The wireless communication protocol that composes the sensor network is composed of application layer “5a”, data processing layer “5b”, data link layer “5c”, and physical layer “5d”. This is a measure in the upper two layers of the data processing layer. Therefore, there is no limitation to the wireless standard defined in the physical layer, and any selection according to the usage environment is possible. The data link layer is provided with the wireless unit defined in the lower physical layer. The data processing layer may be designed freely according to the importance of confidentiality, and the available sensors defined in the application layer are not particularly limited.

Claims (8)

It consists of a sensor unit that can connect multiple sensors and transmit sensor information wirelessly, and a base unit that can receive sensor information transmitted by one or more sensor units wirelessly, at the sensor unit installation point and the base unit installation point. Categorize and manage the collected sensor information with accurate time information using the sensor unit's unique identification number registered in the base unit and NTP (Network Time Protocol) and GPS (Global Positioning System) information. -A sensor information collection system that can handle multi-point information in a unified manner on the same time axis by storing it, and has a mechanism that allows judgment / determination and notification / instruction to the outside in real time. In wireless communication between the sensor unit and the base unit, initial settings and setting changes such as channel changes for avoiding interference and encryption settings for maintaining communication confidentiality are performed on the base unit, and the sensor unit is wirelessly connected. The sensor information collection system according to claim 1, wherein the setting information can be transferred / registered by using a sensor. The sensor information collection system according to claim 1, wherein the GPS connected to the base unit can automate the setting of time and location information necessary for installation and operation with high accuracy. Connect the base unit to a network connected to a wide area network such as the Internet, collect sensor information acquired on a server located on the wide area network, download sensor information via the network, change settings, and even removable media. The sensor information collection system according to claim 1, wherein the data collection and setting change using can be performed. The sensor information collection system according to claim 1, wherein an external output provided in the sensor unit can be changed by a command from the base unit or a judgment of the sensor unit itself.
2. The sensor information collection system according to claim 1, wherein the base unit has a condition determination function, and can be linked to processing such as mail transmission, data transfer, and external output switching arbitrarily combined under specific conditions. . The sensor information collection system according to claim 1, wherein a relay unit (repeater) for extending a communication distance can be installed in wireless communication between the sensor unit and the base unit. The sensor information collection system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit is controlled specifically for acquisition and transmission of sensor information, thereby saving power of the sensor unit and increasing flexibility of installation and operation.