JP2012023774A - Power line communication device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power line communication device and program capable of controlling electric power of a network system without using a server device.SOLUTION: Each of PCMs 1, 3, and 4 has: a power line communication function part that performs communication via a power line connected by a plug; a power detection function part that detects a power value output to various equipment via an outlet; and a general-purpose communication function part that performs external interface communication. In a management mode, a serial number of the PCM and a model type of a connection device connected with each PCM are registered to a management tool preliminarily, and data of the connection device is sequentially acquired via the connected PCM to the registered serial number (S106). A personal computer produces a management table with the management tool automatically (S107). For example, an additional function or a target level or the like is set to the management table produced with the management tool (S108).

Description

  The present invention relates to a power line communication device and a program.

  A technique that can realize stable operation of the entire system by managing the power consumption of devices connected to a network has been conventionally proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this patent document 1, while detecting the power consumption of the whole network system, the network system is controlled so that the power consumption does not exceed a certain level, and a stable system operation is realized. A control method is disclosed.

JP 2002-142385 A

  An object of this invention is to provide the power line communication apparatus and program which can perform the power control of a network system, without using a server apparatus.

  For this purpose, a power line communication apparatus to which the present invention is applied includes a power plug connected to the power line, a power supply means for supplying power to the connected device from the power line via the power plug, and the power supply means. A power line communication device comprising a detecting means for detecting the amount of power supplied to the device, and an external communication interface for communicating with a terminal device, and another power line communication device connected by a power line at the request of the terminal device Acquisition means for acquiring power supply information about other devices connected to the other power line communication device from power line communication using a power line as a communication medium, and power supply information about the other devices acquired by the acquisition means Transmission means for transmitting to the terminal device through the external communication interface.

  Here, a receiving unit that receives an instruction to shift to the management mode from the terminal device via the external communication interface is provided, and when the instruction is received by the receiving unit, another power line communication device connected by a power line The management mode can be notified by power line communication in the order of serial numbers given in advance. In addition, based on the serial number and a preset model type of the other device, data of the other device can be sequentially obtained from the other power line communication device by power line communication. .

  From another point of view, a program to which the present invention is applied includes a power supply plug connected to a power line, and a computer device mounted on a power supply device that supplies power from the power line via the power plug to a connected device. In addition, a detection function for detecting the amount of power supplied to the device and a connection from another power line communication device connected by a power line according to a request from a terminal device that performs communication via an external communication interface are connected to the other power line communication device. An acquisition function for acquiring power supply information for another device by power line communication using a power line as a communication medium, and power supply information for the other device acquired by the acquisition function is transmitted to the terminal device through the external communication interface. The transmission function is realized.

According to claim 1, it is possible to control the power of the network system without using a server device.
According to the second aspect, the burden on the user accompanying the power control can be reduced as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to claim 3, as compared with the case of claim 2, the burden on the user accompanying the power control can be further reduced.
According to claim 4, it is possible to control the power of the network system without using a server device.

It is a schematic block diagram explaining the system using the power line communication apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure explaining a power line communication apparatus, (a) is an external appearance perspective view, (b) is a block diagram. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of a unit part. It is a block diagram of a memory | storage part. It is a figure explaining a power line communication apparatus, (a) is an external appearance perspective view, (b) is a block diagram. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of a unit part. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the initial setting about the power monitoring using a power line communication apparatus. It is a figure which shows the management table automatically created with the management tool. It is a figure which shows the management table completed by input. It is a graph which shows transition of the electric power by which electric power monitoring is performed, a vertical axis | shaft is electric energy and a horizontal axis is time. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the control mode about the power monitoring using a power line communication apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the control mode about the power monitoring using a power line communication apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the control mode about the power monitoring using a power line communication apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the control mode about the power monitoring using a power line communication apparatus. It is a timing chart explaining the shift from management mode to control mode. It is the schematic for demonstrating the relationship between the actual value of electric energy, and an integrated value. It is a timing chart which shows the relation between electric energy and a target level in time series. It is a timing chart which shows the relation between electric energy and a target level in time series. It is a timing chart which shows the relation between electric energy and a target level in time series. It is a timing chart which shows the relation between electric energy and a target level in time series. It is a timing chart which shows the relation between electric energy and a target level in time series. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the maintenance mode about the power monitoring using a power line communication apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the control mode about the power monitoring using a power line communication apparatus. It is a schematic block diagram explaining the system using the power line communication apparatus which concerns on the application example of this Embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a system (power feeding system) using the power line communication apparatus according to the present embodiment.
The system shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, a system for energy saving management of the entire office equipment. As shown in FIG. 1, a personal computer 1 or a humidifier 2 as a power consuming device or a power management target is connected to a power line PL wired in an office from a power company via power line communication devices (power feeding devices) 10 and 20. The multifunction devices 3A and 3B are connected. That is, the power of the power line PL is supplied to the personal computer 1, the humidifier 2, and the multifunction machines 3 </ b> A and 3 </ b> B through the power line communication devices 10 and 20. In other words, the personal computer 1, the humidifier 2, and the multifunction machines 3A and 3B are connected via the power line communication devices 10 and 20 and the power line PL.

  A power line communication device 10 is attached to the humidifier 2 that does not have a communication function. A power line communication device 20 is attached to the personal computer 1 and the multifunction machines 3A and 3B having a communication function. Although these power line communication apparatuses 10 and 20 have the same basic configuration, they have different parts as described later. The power line communication device 20 connected to the personal computer 1 may be referred to as PCM1, the power line communication device 10 connected to the humidifier 2 may be referred to as PCM2, and the power line communication device 20 connected to the multifunction machine 3A may be referred to as PCM3. The power line communication device 20 connected to the multifunction machine 3B may be referred to as PCM4.

  Here, the personal computer 1 is a device that is loaded with various application software and that receives various types of application processing such as document creation upon receiving power supply from the power line PL. The humidifier 2 is a device for increasing the humidity of the room by using, for example, a vaporization type, an ultrasonic type, a heat type, a hybrid type, or the like using the electric power of the power line PL. The multifunction machines 3A and 3B are image devices having functions such as a scanner, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a copying machine, and operate by being supplied with power from the power line PL.

2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating the power line communication device 10, where FIG. 2A is an external perspective view, and FIG. 2B is a configuration diagram.
As shown in FIG. 2, the power line communication apparatus 10 is connected to the apparatus main body 11, a power supply path 12 (see FIG. 2B) disposed inside the apparatus main body 11, and the power supply path 12. And a power cord 13 extending outward from the apparatus main body 11. The power line communication device 10 is provided at the tip of the power cord 13, and is provided on a power plug (commercial power input unit) 14 connected to an outlet (not shown) of the power line PL (see FIG. 1) and on the outer surface of the device body 11. And an outlet (output unit, outlet) 15 for outputting electric power from the power supply path 12 to various devices (power monitored devices). The power supply path 12, the power cord 13, the power plug 14, and the outlet 15 can constitute power supply means.

  In addition, the power line communication device 10 includes a unit portion (see FIG. 2B) 16 between the power cord 13 and the outlet 15. The unit 16 can be referred to as a power line communication unit and a power information detection unit. That is, the unit unit 16 as an acquisition unit transmits and receives a power line superimposed signal through the power line PL to and from another power line communication device connected by the power line PL (see FIG. 1). Further, the unit section 16 as a detecting means detects power consumption input from the power line PL through the power cord 13. Thus, it can be said that the power line communication device 10 is obtained by adding various intelligence functions to a so-called table tap.

The power line communication device 10 also includes a power switch unit (switching means) 17 disposed in the power supply path 12 of the device body 11. The power switch unit 17 is located in the power supply path 12 between the unit unit 16 and the outlet 15. The power switch unit 17 is connected to the control unit 16b so that ON / OFF control is performed by the control unit 16b (see FIG. 3). That is, when the power switch unit 17 is turned off by the control unit 16b, power supply to the device connected to the outlet 15 is cut off.
More specifically, the power switch unit 17 is located downstream of the unit unit 16 so that power can be supplied to the unit unit 16 even when the power supply is interrupted by the power switch unit 17. ing. In other words, it is not necessary to energize the dedicated energy-saving management server device or the dedicated device that has the role of the power monitoring function, and it is only necessary to energize only the power communication function device of each individual device to be monitored. .

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the unit section 16.
As shown in FIG. 3, the unit unit 16 includes a clamp coil 16a for detecting a current flowing through the power supply path 12, and a control unit (CPU for controlling power line communication while controlling based on the detection result of the clamp coil 16a. 16b. The control unit 16b also serves as computing means or summing means for computing the sum of power supply amounts of the entire power feeding system, and also serves as judgment means or monitoring means for judging whether or not power saving is necessary. The control unit 16b also serves as a control unit or a suppression unit that controls power saving of a device to be fed, and also serves as an instruction unit that instructs other power line communication devices 20 to perform power saving control. The function of the control unit 16b is also provided in the control unit 26b described later.

  The control unit 16b will be further described. The control unit 16b includes a power detection function unit 16b1, a power line communication function unit 16b2, and a power cutoff function unit 16b3. The power detection function unit 16b1 detects a power value by receiving a detection result of the clamp coil 16a and performing a predetermined calculation. The power line communication function unit 16b2 transmits / receives a predetermined signal to / from the power supply path 12 according to a predetermined procedure. The power cut-off function unit 16b3 cuts off power supply in response to an instruction from the power detection function unit 16b1 or the power line communication function unit 16b2.

  Further, the unit 16 converts the current of the power supply path 12 from alternating current to direct current, and transmits and receives between the power supply path 12 and the control section 16b, the direct current power supply section 16c supplying the direct current to the control section 16b. And a filter 16d for power line communication that cuts off signals other than the signal for use.

The unit unit 16 includes a number setting unit (setting unit) 16e for setting a unit number of the unit unit 16, a number of the apparatus main body 11, an identification number or a unique ID number (hereinafter abbreviated as a unit number). Yes. The unit unit 16 includes an automatic setting unit 16f for automatically setting a unit number. The unit section 16 includes a storage section (storage means) 16g as a non-volatile memory (NVM (Non Volatile Memory)) for storing the unit number set by the number setting section 16e and the automatic setting section 16f. Yes. Therefore, for example, at the time of shipment, the unit number is set in advance by manual setting by the number setting unit 16e and stored in the storage unit 16g, and then the unit number by manual setting is connected by the automatic setting unit 16f when connected to the power line PL. It can be used to automatically change and store in the storage unit 16g.
In the present embodiment, the number setting unit 16e and the automatic setting unit 16f are provided. However, it may be configured to include only one of them.
Further, the storage unit 16g as a non-volatile memory here refers to a memory that can rewrite data and retain data after the power is turned off, for example, flash memory, EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). Etc. can be used.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the storage unit 16g.
As shown in FIG. 4, the storage unit 16g includes a serial number storage unit 16g1 that stores the serial number set by the number setting unit 16e (see FIG. 3) and the automatic setting unit 16f (see FIG. 3). The storage unit 16g includes a power monitoring information storage unit 16g2 that stores various types of power monitoring information. Further, the storage unit 16g includes a shared information storage unit 16g3 that stores information shared with the other power line communication devices 10 and 20 by the power line communication function unit 16b2 (see FIG. 3).

  5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the power line communication device 20, where FIG. 5A is an external perspective view, and FIG. 5B is a configuration diagram. The basic configuration of the power line communication device 20 shown in FIG. 5 is the same as that of the power line communication device 10 shown in FIG. That is, the power line communication device 20 includes a device main body 21, a power supply path 22 (see FIG. 5B), a power cord 23, a power plug 24, an outlet 25, and a power switch unit 27. These may have the same configuration as the device main body 11, the power supply path 12, the power cord 13, the power plug 14, the outlet 15, and the power switch unit 17 in the power line communication device 10.

  In addition, the power line communication device 20 includes an external interface (communication means) 28 provided on the outer surface of the device main body 21. The external interface 28 can be constituted by, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface, or the like. Therefore, the power line communication device 20 can exchange various information through the external interface 28.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the unit section 26.
The basic configuration of the unit section 26 shown in FIG. 6 is the same as that of the unit section 16 shown in FIG. That is, the unit unit 26 includes a clamp coil 26a, a DC power supply unit 26c, a filter 26d, a number setting unit 26e, an automatic setting unit 26f, and a storage unit 26g. These may have the same configuration as the clamp coil 16a, DC power supply unit 16c, filter 16d, number setting unit 16e, automatic setting unit 16f, and storage unit 16g in the unit unit 16, respectively.

  The unit section 26 includes a control section 26b having a power detection function section 26b1, a power line communication function section (acquisition means) 26b2, a power shut-off function section 26b3, and a general-purpose communication function section (transmission means, reception means) 26b4. Yes. The power detection function unit 26b1, the power line communication function unit 26b2, and the power cut-off function unit 26b3 have the same configuration as the power detection function unit 16b1, the power line communication function unit 16b2, and the power cut-off function unit 16b3 shown in FIG. it can. The general-purpose communication function unit 26b4 here transmits and receives a predetermined signal to and from a device connected to the external interface 28 according to a predetermined protocol.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of initial setting (management mode) for power monitoring using the power line communication devices 10 and 20. The personal computer 1 is preinstalled with an application (management tool) so as to be able to shift to a management mode for managing the power line communication devices 10 and 20, that is, the PCMs 1 to 4 (see FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the initial setting is performed using the personal computer 1, but it is also conceivable to perform the initial setting using a UI (not shown) of the multifunction peripherals 3A and 3B (see FIG. 1).
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the power line communication devices 10 and 20, the personal computer 1 connected to the power line communication devices 10 and 20, the humidifier 2, and the composite are set by turning on the breaker in the area for which the condition is set. Power supply to the machines 3A and 3B is started (step 101). Then, the personal computer 1 shifts to the management mode in response to a user instruction for initial setting. Thereafter, the control units 16b and 26b (see FIGS. 3 and 6) of each of the power line communication devices 10 and 20 determine and control whether or not the control mode is set with reference to the storage unit 16g (see FIG. 3) after initialization. It is determined whether or not the mode flag is 1 (step 102).

If it is determined in step 102 that the control mode is not (non-control mode) or the control mode flag is not 1, in the power line communication device 20 having the external interface 28 (see FIG. 5), the control unit 26b communicates with the connected device through the external interface 28. Then, predetermined data is acquired and stored in the storage unit 26g (see FIG. 6) (step 103).
More specifically, the power line communication apparatus 20 connected to the personal computer 1, that is, the PCM 1, stores predetermined data acquired from the personal computer 1 through the external interface 28 in the storage unit 26g. Further, the power line communication apparatus 20 connected to the multifunction machine 3A, that is, the PCM 3, stores predetermined data acquired from the multifunction machine 3A through the external interface 28 in the storage unit 26g. Further, the power line communication apparatus 20 connected to the multifunction machine 3B, that is, the PCM 4, stores predetermined data acquired from the multifunction machine 3B through the external interface 28 in the storage unit 26g.
Examples of the predetermined data include a type of connected device, a power saving mode, and an operation mode. Note that the power line communication device 10 connected to the humidifier 2, that is, the PCM 2 does not include the external interface 28 and therefore does not acquire predetermined data.

  The personal computer 1 containing the management tool receives an instruction from the user and instructs the PCM 1 to shift to the management mode (step 104). The PCM 1 that has received the instruction notifies the other PCM2 to PCM4 that it is in the management mode in the order of serial numbers (step 105).

  The serial number of the PCM and the model type of the connected device connected to each PCM are registered in the management tool in advance, and the data of the connected device is sequentially obtained through the PCM connected to the registered serial number (step 106). The personal computer 1 automatically creates a management table with the management tool (step 107). Then, for example, an additional function and a target level are set in the management table created by the management tool (step 108). That is, the personal computer 1 completes the management table by inputting into the blank of the management table by the user's operation.

  Here, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a management table automatically created by the management tool. As shown in FIG. 8, the personal computer 1 obtains the serial number, the presence / absence of the communication function, the device type, and the presence / absence of the data transfer function through each connected PCM, and expands it in the management table. In the management table shown in FIG. 8, the acquired information is embedded in the corresponding column, and the remaining information is left blank. Here, the presence / absence of the data transfer function is data indicating whether or not the external interface 28 is provided.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a management table completed by input. As shown in FIG. 9, the power saving control application device status, operation mode, monitoring value / power saving level, power saving mode setting, power saving control transition time, and additional function setting are input to each blank by user operation, and managed. Complete the table. Note that a state for performing power saving control is input in the column of the power saving control applied device status. In the operation mode column, the operation mode (communication trigger) of the connected device is input. In addition, values of 70%, 80%, and 90% of the total power consumption that can be used by the PCM1 to PCM4 are input in the column of the monitoring value / power saving level. For example, if PCM1 to PCM4 are connected to a power supply environment with a breaker contract current of 50A, 70%, 80%, and 90% of the breaker contract current 50A are input. Note that “LCD off” shown in FIG. 9 refers to a state where the liquid crystal monitor is turned off. “LPM” refers to the low power mode, and “SLM” refers to the sleep mode.

  Here, FIG. 10 is a graph showing the transition of power for which power monitoring is performed, where the vertical axis is the amount of power and the horizontal axis is time. As described above, in addition to setting the breaker's contract current 50A as a target setting, as shown in FIG. Conceivable.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG.
When the setting end button (not shown) of the management tool is clicked after the processing of step 108, the setting information and the serial number of the final PCM are synchronized with the PCM internal clock for each PCM to end the notification (step 109). .

  If it is determined in step 102 that the control mode is set or the control mode flag is 1, the power line communication device 20 having the external interface 28 (see FIG. 5), that is, PCM1, PCM3, PCM4, acquires and stores data (step 110), and then communicates with the connected device, and compares predetermined data with data stored in the internal memory (step 111). When it is determined that the data items match (step 112), the additional function and the target level are updated (step 113). When it is determined that the data items do not match, the fact that they do not match is stored in the storage units 16g and 26g (step step). 114). And it transfers to the process (refer B shown to FIG. 11A) mentioned later.

11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D are flowcharts illustrating the procedure of the control mode for power monitoring using the power line communication devices 10 and 20. FIG. FIG. 12 is a timing chart for explaining the transition from the management mode to the control mode.
In the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11A to 11D, each of PCM1 to PCM4 shifts from the management mode to the control mode in the order of the reference clock (step 201), the control mode flag is set to 1 (step 202), and the set measurement time Is started (step 203). Examples of the measurement time mentioned here include 10 minutes and 30 minutes.
Here, in the timing chart shown in FIG. 12, each of the PCM1 to PCM4 sets a control mode in the storage units 16g and 26g and shifts to the control mode in synchronization with the PCM internal clock. That is, PCM1 to PCM4 shift from the management mode to the control mode in the order of the reference clock, and start according to the units set in the management mode. Further, as will be described later, the PCM 4 which is the final PCM sends a power saving transition notification to the other PCMs 1 to 3 to start power saving, and the PCM 4 sends a power saving cancellation notice to the other PCMs 1 to 3 to save power. Release is made.

Returning to FIG. 11, the description will be continued. It is determined whether or not the measurement time has ended (step 204). If it is determined that the measurement has ended, the next measurement is started (step 205), and the measurement result and the serial number are synchronized with the next reference clock that has been measured. Each PCM is notified (step 206), and after the measurement results are stored in its own storage units 16g and 26g (step 207), it is determined whether or not the measurement time of the final PCM 4 is completed (step 207). 208).
If it is determined in step 204 that the measurement time has not ended, the process proceeds to step 208.

  If it is determined in step 208 that the PCM 4 measurement time has expired, the PCM 4 transmits the integration results of all data as data to the PCM of the data transfer device set in the management mode (step 209), and then stores all the data. The calculation result (integration result) is compared with the power saving level set in the management mode (step 210). If the integrated value of PCM4 is equal to or higher than level 3 (step 211), PCM4 notifies that the connected device is shifted to the power saving mode of level 3 (step 212). If the integrated value of PCM4 is less than level 3 and greater than or equal to level 2 (step 213), PCM4 notifies that the connected device is shifted to the power saving mode of level 2 (step 214). If the integrated value of PCM4 is less than level 2 and greater than or equal to level 1 (step 215), PCM4 notifies that the connected device is shifted to the power saving mode of level 1 (step 216). If the integrated value of PCM 4 is less than level 1 in step 215, PCM 4 notifies other PCMs 1 to 3 of power saving cancellation (step 217). As described above, when the total power value reaches the monitoring level, the PCM 4 notifies the other PCMs 1 to 3 of the power saving level and the total power value, and when not reached, the other PCMs 1 to 3 are saved. Notify release. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 218.

  Here, FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between the actual measurement value and the integrated value of the electric energy. As shown in FIG. 13, level 1, level 2, or level 3 is determined as the control level based on the total power (integrated value) obtained by integrating the amounts of power of PCM1 to PCM4. In the case shown in FIG. 13, level 2 is determined.

14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D are timing charts showing the relationship between the electric energy and the target level in time series.
As shown in FIGS. 14A to 14D, when the measured value 1-1 is measured by the PCM1, the measured value 2-1 by the PCM2, the measured value 3-1 by the PCM3, and the measured value 4-1 by the PCM4, the accumulated values are sequentially measured. The value is included. For example, as shown in FIG. 14D, when the actual measurement value 4-1 is actually measured by the PCM 4, the actual measurement value 1-1, the actual measurement value 2-1, the actual measurement value 3-1, and the actual measurement value 4- 1 is accumulated. Next, as shown in FIG. 14A, when the actual measurement value 1-2 is actually measured by the PCM 1, the actual measurement value 2-1, the actual measurement value 3-1, the actual measurement value 4-1, and the actual measurement value 1 are obtained as integrated values of the PCM 1. -2 is accumulated. As described above, the integrated value is calculated using the latest measured values of the PCMs 1 to 4.

Returning to FIG. 11, the description will be continued.
If there is reception from another PCM (step 218), it is determined whether or not measurement data is received (step 219), and if it is measurement data, the measurement result is stored (stored) in the storage unit 26g (step 220). ). If a power saving instruction is received (step 221), the transition to the power saving level set in the management mode is notified to the connected device. That is, it notifies that the instruction has been executed (step 222). At this time, it may be possible to turn off the connected device depending on the level.

  If power saving cancellation is received (step 223), the power saving cancellation is notified (step 224). At this time, it may be possible to turn on the connected device depending on the implementation level. If the management mode is received (step 225), the control mode is canceled (step 226), and the process returns to A shown in FIG. If the maintenance mode is received (step 227), the processing described later (see C shown in FIG. 16A) is performed.

  If the management mode is not received and the maintenance mode is not received, it is determined whether or not a missing number has been detected (step 228). If detected, the power amount of the missing PCM is calculated by a statistic and averaged. Is used to store the missing serial number and error code in the storage unit 26g (step 229).

  It is determined whether the notified PCM is the PCM of the data transfer device set in the management mode (step 230). If so, it is determined whether the data is received from the final PCM 4 (step 230). 231), the data is transferred to the connected device (step 232).

If there is no reception from the connected device (step 233), the process returns to step 204 (see FIG. 11A). If there is reception from the connected device, it is determined whether or not it is reception in the management mode (step 234). If so, all the PCMs are notified of the source serial number and the management mode (step 235), and after canceling the control mode (step 236), step 102 (see A in FIG. 7) Return to).
If the maintenance mode is received (step 237), the transmission source serial number and the transition / cancellation of the maintenance mode are notified to all PCMs (step 238), and the processing described later (see C shown in FIG. 16A) is performed. Do.
If a power saving instruction is received (step 239), the power saving level or cancellation of the instruction is notified to all PCMs (step 240), and the process returns to step 204.

Here, FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the electric energy and the target level in time series.
The timing chart shown in FIG. 15 shows a case where power saving control is performed using a plurality of frequencies. The aggregation period is a setting common to PCM1 to PCM4, but the power saving transition timing does not match because there is no common monitoring server. Such control is shown in a timing chart as shown in FIG.
For example, as a result of totaling the amount of power in a certain section of PCM1, if the monitoring level is reached when added to the latest total power value, the corresponding power saving level and total power value are notified to the other PCM2 to PCM4. The PCM2 to PCM4 that have received the notification shift to a mode in which the power saving level is high after aggregation of a certain section is completed.
During the power saving mode, it may be possible to display the power saving state on the screen of the personal computer 1, for example, to alert the office user. At this time, it may be possible to cancel power saving from a UI (not shown) of the personal computer 1 or the multifunction machine 3A, 3B. It is also conceivable to perform on / off control of the device power supply over time by setting a schedule.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are flowcharts showing the procedure of the maintenance mode for power monitoring using the power line communication devices 10 and 20.
In the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, when the control mode continues (step 301), it is determined whether or not to cancel the maintenance mode (step 302). (Step 303), and the process ends. When the maintenance mode is not released, it is determined whether there is an error (step 304). If there is, each of the PCM1 to PCM4 notifies the serial number and error code to the maintenance mode transmission source (step 305). The source PCM notifies the connected device of the totaled error codes (step 306). On the other hand, if there is no error in step 304, the transmission source PCM notifies the connected device that there is no error code (step 307), and proceeds to step 308.

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is a data request (step 308), and if there is, each of the PCM1 to PCM4 notifies the serial number and request data to the transmission source in the maintenance mode (step 309). The transmission source PCM notifies the total error code to the connected device (step 310). On the other hand, if there is no data request in step 308, the process proceeds to step 311.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction for the diagnostic mode (step 311). If there is an instruction for the diagnostic mode, the procedure for the diagnostic mode is performed. That is, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to turn on the connected device (step 312). If there is an instruction to turn on the connected device, the connected device is turned on (step 313). It is determined whether or not there is an instruction to turn off (step 314). If there is an instruction to turn off the power of the connected device, the connected device is turned off (step 315). Then, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to shift to the connected device power saving (step 316). If there is an instruction to shift to the connected device power saving, the designated power saving level is notified (step 317). It is determined whether or not there is (step 318), and if there is an instruction to cancel the power saving of the connected device, the power saving cancellation is notified (step 319), and the process ends.

An application example of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a system using power line communication devices 10 and 20 according to an application example of the present embodiment. Description of the contents already described in FIG. 1 is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 17, the personal computer 1 and the multifunction peripherals 3A and 3B are connected to an existing network NW. For this reason, the multifunction peripherals 3A and 3B can transmit various kinds of energy saving information to the personal computer 1 through the network NW. The personal computer 1 stores various received energy saving information. The personal computer 1 may be configured to display various received energy saving information on the screen.

  Here, the various processes shown in the above-described embodiment are realized by application programs executed by the control units 16b and 26b using the storage units 16g and 26g, which are working memories. When the application program is provided to a customer (including a user) for the power line communication devices 10 and 20, the application program is provided to the power line communication devices 10 and 20 in addition to the case where the application program is installed in the device. The form which provides the program to be performed with the storage medium etc. which were memorize | stored so that the power line communication apparatuses 10 and 20 could be considered. As this storage medium, for example, a CD-ROM medium or the like corresponds, and a program is read and executed by a CD-ROM reader (not shown) or the like. These programs may be provided via the power line PL by a program transmission device (not shown), for example. In the power line communication device 20, a form provided through the external interface 28 is also conceivable.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Personal computer, 2 ... Humidifier, 3A, 3B ... Multifunction machine, 10, 20 ... Power line communication apparatus, 24 ... Power plug, 26b2 ... Power line communication function part, 26b4 ... General-purpose communication function part, 28 ... External interface, PL ... Power lines

Claims (4)

A power line communication comprising a power plug connected to the power line, a power supply means for supplying power to the connected device from the power line via the power plug, and a detection means for detecting the amount of power supplied to the device by the power supply means A device,
An external communication interface for communicating with the terminal device;
Acquisition means for acquiring power supply information about another device connected to the other power line communication device from another power line communication device connected by a power line at the request of the terminal device by power line communication using the power line as a communication medium;
A power line communication apparatus comprising: a transmission unit that transmits power supply information about the other device acquired by the acquisition unit to the terminal device through the external communication interface. Comprising a receiving means for receiving an instruction to shift to the management mode from the terminal device via the external communication interface;
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the instruction is received by the reception unit, the management mode is notified to another power line communication apparatus connected by a power line by power line communication in the order of serial numbers given in advance. The power line communication device described.   3. The data of the other device is sequentially obtained from the other power line communication device by power line communication based on the serial number and a preset model type of the other device. Power line communication equipment. A computer device mounted on a power supply device that includes a power plug connected to a power line and supplies power from the power line to the connected device through the power plug.
A detection function for detecting the amount of power supplied to the device;
Power line using power line as a communication medium for power supply information about other devices connected to the other power line communication device from another power line communication device connected by the power line at the request of the terminal device that performs communication via the external communication interface An acquisition function to acquire by communication;
A program for realizing a transmission function of transmitting power supply information about the other device acquired by the acquisition function to the terminal device through the external communication interface.

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