JP2013008275A - Terminal device, communication system, and method for starting the terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a terminal device, a communication system, and a method for starting the terminal device, which realize high-performance sensing and low power consumption.SOLUTION: A terminal device realizes high performance sensing and low power consumption by including: a measuring sensor for measuring a physical amount of a measurement target; a control part for switching the measuring sensor from a non-start state to a start state when the sensor is started and switching the measuring sensor from the start state to the non-start state when the sensor is stopped; a start part for starting the control part when a predetermined start condition is satisfied; and a stop part for stopping the control part when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied.

Description

  The present invention relates to a terminal device that transmits a result of measurement (measurement) of a physical quantity by a sensor for measurement, a communication system having such a terminal device, and a method for starting such a terminal device.

  In a sensor network system, a sensor terminal device transmits a result of measuring a physical quantity by a measurement sensor to a base station device.

  In the wireless sensor described in Patent Document 1, the power of the power supply unit can be supplied when the sensor that operates without power is in the ON state, and the power of the power supply unit cannot be supplied when the sensor is in the OFF state. Is supplied with power from the power supply unit and wirelessly transmits predetermined information to the outside.

JP 2007-108884 A

  However, in the wireless sensor as described above, it is necessary to use a sensor that operates without power, and specifically, a sensor made of a magnetic material, a shape memory alloy, a piezoelectric element, or the like needs to be used. There was a problem that the degree of freedom in selecting the sensor to be used was small.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a terminal device, a communication system, and a terminal device activation method capable of realizing high-performance sensing and low power consumption. It is in.

  The first feature of the terminal device of the present invention for solving the above problems is a measurement sensor for measuring a physical quantity to be measured, and when activated, the measurement sensor is switched from a non-activated state to an activated state, A control unit that switches the measurement sensor from an activated state to a non-activated state when stopped, and a physical quantity that is driven with lower power consumption than the measurement sensor and has a correlation with the physical quantity to be measured is a predetermined activation condition. And when a physical quantity correlated with the physical quantity to be measured is satisfied as a predetermined stop condition, driven by a starting unit that activates the control unit when satisfied, and driven with lower power consumption than the measurement sensor And a stop unit for stopping the control unit.

The feature of the second terminal device of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem is that, in the terminal device according to the first feature of the present invention, the activation unit is driven by generating power based on a change in environment. The gist is to activate the control unit when the predetermined activation condition is satisfied based on a detection result of the activation sensor.
A third feature of the terminal device according to the present invention for solving the above-described problem is that, in the terminal device according to the first feature of the present invention, the stop unit is driven by generating power based on a change in environment. The gist is to stop the control unit when the predetermined stop condition is satisfied based on a detection result by the stop sensor.

A fourth feature of the terminal device according to the present invention for solving the above-described problem is that the terminal device according to the second feature of the present invention is activated by using the power generated by the activation sensor. The gist is to include a charging unit.
A fifth feature of the terminal device of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is that the terminal device according to the third feature of the present invention is a storage device that stores power using the power generated by the stop sensor. The gist is to include a charging unit.

A sixth feature of the terminal device according to the present invention for solving the above problem is that, in the terminal device according to the fourth feature of the present invention, when the predetermined activation condition is not satisfied, the activation sensor The gist is that the generated power is stored in the start-up charging unit.
A seventh feature of the terminal device of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is that, in the terminal device according to the fifth feature of the present invention, the stop sensor is used when the predetermined stop condition is not satisfied. The gist is that the generated power is stored in the stop charging unit.

An eighth feature of the terminal device of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is that, in the terminal device according to the sixth feature of the present invention, when the start-up charging unit is charged more than a predetermined threshold value, The gist is to use the power stored in the start-up charging unit to perform an operation in a maintenance mode for inspecting whether or not the measurement sensor has failed.
A ninth feature of the terminal device of the present invention for solving the above problem is that, in the terminal device according to the seventh feature of the present invention, when the stop charging unit is charged more than a predetermined threshold value, The gist is to perform an operation in a maintenance mode for inspecting whether or not the measurement sensor has failed using the electric power stored in the stop charging unit.

A tenth feature of the terminal device of the present invention for solving the above problem is that, in the terminal device according to the sixth feature of the present invention, when the activation charging unit is charged to a predetermined threshold value or more, The gist is that the electric power stored in the startup charging unit is supplied to the measurement sensor.
An eleventh feature of the terminal device of the present invention for solving the above problem is that, in the terminal device according to the seventh feature of the present invention, when the stop charging unit is charged to a predetermined threshold value or more, The gist is that power stored in the stop charging unit is supplied to the measurement sensor.

The gist of a twelfth feature of the terminal device of the present invention for solving the above problem is that the terminal device according to the first feature of the present invention comprises a plurality of the sensors for measurement.
The thirteenth feature of the terminal device of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is that, in the terminal device according to the first feature of the present invention, when the control unit is activated, the power from the power source is The gist is to switch the measurement sensor from the non-activated state to the activated state by switching from the non-supplied state to the measurement sensor.

  The fourteenth feature of the terminal device of the present invention for solving the above problem is that, in the terminal device according to the first feature of the present invention, when the control unit stops, the power from the power source is The gist is to switch the measurement sensor from the activated state to the non-activated state by switching from the supply state to the non-supplied state to the measurement sensor.

  A feature of the communication system of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is that it has a terminal device and a base station device, and the terminal device is activated with a measurement sensor that measures a physical quantity to be measured The control unit switches the measurement sensor from the non-activated state to the activated state, and switches the measurement sensor from the activated state to the non-activated state when stopped, and the control unit when a predetermined activation condition is satisfied. An activation unit that activates and stops the control unit when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied, a communication unit that transmits information on a measurement result by the measurement sensor, and a power source that supplies power, and The gist of the present invention is that the base station apparatus receives information transmitted from the terminal apparatus.

  The feature of the activation method of the present invention for solving the above problem is that the activation unit activates the control unit when a predetermined activation condition is satisfied, and the stop unit satisfies the predetermined stop condition. When the control unit is activated, the measurement sensor is switched from the non-activated state to the activated state. When the control unit is deactivated, the measurement sensor is switched from the activated state to the non-activated state. The gist of the invention is that the measurement sensor measures a physical quantity to be measured, and the communication unit transmits information on a measurement result obtained by the measurement sensor.

In the terminal device according to the present invention, the activation unit has an activation sensor that is driven by generating power based on a change in environment, and a predetermined activation condition is satisfied based on a detection result by the activation sensor. In this case, the control unit is activated.
In the terminal device according to the present invention, the stop unit includes a stop sensor that is driven by generating power based on a change in environment, and a predetermined stop condition is satisfied based on a detection result by the stop sensor. In this case, the control unit is stopped.

The terminal device according to the present invention includes an activation charging unit that stores electricity using electric power generated by the activation sensor.
The terminal device according to the present invention is characterized by including a stop charging unit that stores electricity using the power generated by the stop sensor.

The terminal device according to the present invention is characterized in that the electric power generated by the activation sensor is stored in the activation charging unit when a predetermined activation condition is not satisfied.
The terminal device according to the present invention is characterized in that the electric power generated by the stop sensor is stored in the stop charging unit when a predetermined stop condition is not satisfied.

The terminal device according to the present invention operates in a maintenance mode for inspecting whether there is a failure in the sensor for measurement using the electric power stored in the start-up charging unit when the start-up charging unit is stored above a predetermined threshold. It is characterized by performing.
The terminal device according to the present invention operates in a maintenance mode for inspecting whether there is a failure in the sensor for measurement using the power stored in the stop charging unit when the stop charging unit is stored above a predetermined threshold. It is characterized by performing.

The terminal device according to the present invention is characterized in that, when the activation charging unit is charged to a predetermined threshold value or more, the power stored in the activation charging unit is supplied to the measurement sensor.
The terminal device according to the present invention is characterized in that, when the stop charging unit is charged to a predetermined threshold value or more, the power stored in the stop charging unit is supplied to the measurement sensor.

The terminal device according to the present invention includes a plurality of measurement sensors.
In the terminal device according to the present invention, when the control unit is activated, the control unit switches the measurement sensor from the non-activated state by switching from the non-supplied state to the measurement sensor. It is characterized by switching to the activated state.
In the terminal device according to the present invention, when the control unit is stopped, the control unit switches the measurement sensor from the activated state to the non-supplied state by switching the power from the power supply to the measurement sensor. It is characterized by switching to the activated state.

A communication system according to the present invention includes a terminal device and a base station device,
The terminal device includes a measurement sensor for measuring a physical quantity to be measured,
A control unit that switches the measurement sensor from the non-activated state to the activated state when activated, and switches the measurement sensor from the activated state to the deactivated state when stopped,
An activation unit that activates the control unit when a predetermined activation condition is satisfied, and deactivates the control unit when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied;
A communication unit that transmits information of measurement results from the measurement sensor;
A power supply for supplying power,
The base station apparatus receives information transmitted from the terminal apparatus.

In the terminal device activation method according to the present invention, the activation unit activates the control unit when a predetermined activation condition is satisfied,
The stop unit stops the control unit when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied,
When the control unit is activated, the measurement sensor is switched from the non-activated state to the activated state,
When the control unit is stopped, the sensor for measurement is switched from the activated state to the non-activated state,
The measurement sensor measures the physical quantity to be measured,
A communication part transmits the information of the measurement result by the sensor for a measurement, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to the terminal device, the communication system, and the activation method of the terminal device according to the present invention, there is an effect that high-performance sensing and low power consumption can be realized.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the sensor terminal device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the operation | movement performed by the sensor terminal device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the sensor terminal device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the operation | movement performed by the sensor terminal device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the sensor network system which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a sensor terminal device 1 (an example of a terminal device) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The sensor terminal device 1 according to the present embodiment includes an activation unit 10, a stop unit 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a power supply 15. The sensor unit 13 includes measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which there are a plurality of measurement sensors, a single sensor may be used.

  The activation unit 10 includes one or more activation sensors that detect changes in the environment around the sensor terminal device 1. The activation unit 10 sends a predetermined signal to the control unit 12 and an interrupt signal to the control unit 12 when the activation sensor detects that a change in the environment around the sensor terminal device 1 satisfies a predetermined activation condition. Send as. In this way, the activation unit 10 functions as a switch for activation. Here, in the present embodiment, the activation unit 10 uses, as the predetermined signal, a predetermined signal for activating the control unit 12 when a change in the environment around the sensor terminal device 1 satisfies a predetermined activation condition. It has a circuit configuration for transmitting a signal having a level exceeding the threshold value as an interrupt signal. In the present embodiment, the activation sensor transmits an interrupt signal to the control unit 12 when detecting that a change in the environment around the sensor terminal device 1 satisfies a predetermined activation condition. As an example, the activation sensor always transmits a signal corresponding to the detection result as an interrupt signal to the control unit 12, and when the level of the interrupt signal input to the control unit 12 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit actually It is also possible to use a configuration in which an interrupt is made to 12. Here, various conditions may be used as activation conditions for the activation unit 10 to transmit an interrupt signal to the control unit 12. For example, the amount of change in the environment around the sensor terminal device 1 is a predetermined threshold value. The above condition can be used. In the present embodiment, an interrupt signal is used as a signal for the activation unit 10 to activate the control unit 12, but other signals may be used. Further, when the activation unit 10 includes a plurality of activation sensors, as an example, when each activation sensor operates independently and detects a change in the surrounding environment that satisfies a predetermined activation condition, A configuration for transmitting an interrupt signal to the control unit 12 can be used, and this configuration is used in the present embodiment. Alternatively, as another example, a configuration in which the activation unit 10 transmits an interrupt signal to the control unit 12 when a combination of detection states of a plurality of activation sensors provided in the activation unit 10 satisfies a predetermined activation condition. It can also be used. When the activation unit 10 includes a plurality of activation sensors, sensors that detect the same physical quantity with the same sensitivity and resolution may be used as the plurality of activation sensors, or the same physical quantity may be used. Sensors that detect with different sensitivities and resolutions may be used, sensors that detect different physical quantities may be used, or a combination of these may be used.

  The stop unit 11 includes one or more stop sensors that detect changes in the environment around the sensor terminal device 1. The stop unit 11 sends a predetermined signal to the control unit 12 and an interrupt signal to the control unit 12 when the stop sensor detects that a change in the environment around the sensor terminal device 1 satisfies a predetermined stop condition. Send as. Thus, the stop unit 11 functions as a switch for stopping. Hereinafter, since the description regarding the activation unit 10 described above is replaced with “stop” instead of “activation”, detailed description is omitted.

  The control unit 12 is always supplied with power from the power supply 15, but is normally in a sleep state. The control unit 12 is activated when the input value at the input end of the interrupt signal from the activation unit 10 exceeds a predetermined threshold. As described above, in this embodiment, when the interrupt signal from the activation unit 10 is input to the control unit 12, the control unit 12 shifts from the sleep state to the activation state. When the interrupt signal from the stop unit 11 is input to the control unit 12, the control unit 12 shifts from the activated state to the sleep state. In this embodiment, the sleep state is used as the state when the control unit 12 is not activated. However, as another example, another state that consumes less power than when activated is used. Good. Here, in the present embodiment, a sensor that does not require electric power is used as a start sensor or a stop sensor in order to detect a change in the surrounding environment. For this reason, the starting unit 10 and the stopping unit 11 are not connected to the power source 15. As the start sensor or the stop sensor, sensors that detect various objects (physical quantities) may be used. For example, a sensor using a material such as a magnetic material, a thermoelectric element, a piezoelectric element, or a pyroelectric element is used. be able to. In such a start sensor or stop sensor, the power consumption during standby is substantially zero, and the environment (for example, electromagnetic wave, temperature, pressure, air flow, sound wave, fine particle flow, etc.) where the sensor terminal device 1 is placed. Change). As a specific example, when a photodetector is used as the activation sensor, a signal corresponding to the incident light intensity is generated. In this case, when the intensity of the light incident on the sensor terminal device 1 exceeds a certain value, the control unit 12 is activated. When a water droplet sensor that detects a water droplet is used as the stop sensor, the control unit 12 stops in response to the event that the water droplet has dropped.

  Note that a sensor that does not require external power supply may be used as the start sensor or stop sensor, or low power supply compared to the measurement sensor from the outside in order to detect changes in the surrounding environment. Sensors that require In this case, for example, a battery is provided in the start sensor or the stop sensor, and power from the battery is supplied to the start sensor or the stop sensor, or the sensor terminal device 1 is provided. A configuration in which power from the power supply 15 is supplied to the start sensor or the stop sensor can be used. A sensor terminal device with low power consumption can be realized by using a start sensor or a stop sensor that is driven with lower power consumption than the measurement sensor while receiving external power supply.

  When the control unit 12 enters the activated state, the control unit 12 supplies power from the power supply 15 to the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n provided in the sensor unit 13, thereby the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-21. Invoke -n.

  When each of the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n is activated, it measures each measurement target (physical quantity) at the measurement time after passing through the preparation time. This measurement result is output to the control unit 12. Further, when the control unit 12 stops, the control unit 12 sends a stop signal to the sensor unit 13 to stop the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n and stop the power supply from the power source 15. Here, in the present embodiment, as each of the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n, a sensor that requires electric power to detect a change in the surrounding environment is used. As another example, as each of the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n, a sensor that does not require electric power may be used in part to detect a change in the surrounding environment. In the present embodiment, Such a sensor can also be used as a start sensor or a stop sensor. Various sensors may be used as the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n. For example, a vibration sensor, an acceleration sensor, a video camera, a smoke sensor, a humidity sensor, or the like can be used. And various things, such as temperature, humidity, flow volume, flow velocity, illuminance, human feeling, can be measured by each measurement sensor 21-1 to 21-n, for example.

  In the present embodiment, a target (physical quantity) measured by the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n and a target (physical quantity) detected by the start sensor or the stop sensor are those having a correlation (causal relationship). ing. As an example of the correlation, it is estimated that the physical quantity is the same as the physical quantity detected by the start sensor or the stop sensor, or when the change of the target physical quantity is detected by the start sensor or the stop sensor. There are different physical quantities to be played. As a specific example, the humidity may change when water drops or sunlight irradiation occurs. Therefore, in the system for measuring humidity by the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n, the water drop dropping or the sunlight irradiation is detected by a start sensor or a stop sensor. Can be detected. As another example, when a person passes, light, vibration, temperature, and the like can change. Therefore, one or more of these physical quantities are detected by a start sensor or a stop sensor, and the same or different of them is detected. One or more physical quantities can be measured by the measuring sensors 21-1 to 21-n.

  In the present embodiment, as each of the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n, a sensor that outputs the measurement result as an analog signal during the measurement time is used, but as another example, the measurement result is a digital signal. An output sensor may be used. In the present embodiment, the control unit 12 operates digitally, and the analog signals of the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n that output measurement results as analog signals are A / D (Analog to Digital) converted. Convert to digital signal.

  As an example of a preferred embodiment, the control unit 12 enters a sleep state while the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n are in preparation time, and suppresses power consumption. Then, when the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n finish the preparation time, the control unit 12 is activated again and acquires measurement results from the respective measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n. Here, as a configuration in which the control unit 12 is in the sleep state while each measurement sensor 21-1 to 21-n is in the preparation time, for example, the preparation time of each measurement sensor 21-1 to 21-n is A configuration may be used in which the control unit 12 returns from the sleep state to the activated state slightly before the end. Further, when a measurement sensor is in preparation time but it is necessary to acquire a measurement result from another measurement sensor, the control unit 12 enters an activated state without entering a sleep state.

  The control unit 12 outputs the measurement result input and acquired from each of the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n to the communication unit 14. The communication unit 14 transmits the measurement result input from the control unit 12 to a base station device (not shown in FIG. 1). The communication unit 14 may perform wired communication or may perform wireless communication. The power supply 15 supplies electric power to the control unit 12, the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n provided in the sensor unit 13, and the communication unit 14. In the present embodiment, the control unit 12 controls the supply of electric power from the power supply 15 to each of the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n provided in the sensor unit 13. As the power source 15, for example, a battery such as a storage battery can be used.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of operations performed by the sensor terminal device 1 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, when the control unit 12 is in the sleep state, an operation according to whether or not the detection target is detected by the activation sensor provided in the activation unit 10 is always performed, and when the control unit 12 is in the activation state, The operation according to the presence or absence of detection of the detection target by the stop sensor provided in the stop unit 11 is always performed.

  When the control unit 12 is in the sleep state, if there is no input of the detection target (in this embodiment, the amount of change in the environment around the sensor terminal device 1) to the activation sensor provided in the activation unit 10 (step S1) Since the detection target is not detected by the activation sensor, the control unit 12 continues the sleep state. When the control unit 12 is in the sleep state, an input to be detected is input to the activation sensor provided in the activation unit 10 (step S1). For example, the input level is lower than a predetermined threshold value. If the activation condition is not satisfied (step S2), the control unit 12 continues the sleep state. Further, when the control unit 12 is in the sleep state, there is an input to be detected to the activation sensor provided in the activation unit 10 (step S1), and for example, the input level is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. When a predetermined activation condition is satisfied (step S2), the activation sensor outputs an interrupt signal to the control unit 12. When the interrupting signal is input from the activation unit 10 (in this embodiment, the activation sensor provided in the activation unit 10) when the control unit 12 is in the sleep state, the control unit 12 shifts to the activation state and drives. (Step S3). And the control part 12 will control so that the electric power from the power supply 15 may be supplied to each sensor 21-1 to 21-n when it starts. Thereby, each measurement sensor 21-1 to 21-n is started (step S4). When each of the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n is activated, it measures a measurement target and outputs the measurement result to the control unit 12. The control unit 12 outputs the measurement results input from the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n to the communication unit 14. The communication part 14 transmits the measurement result input from the control part 12 to a base station apparatus (not shown in FIG. 1) (step S5).

  When the control unit 12 is in the activated state, if there is no input of a detection target (in this embodiment, the amount of change in the environment around the sensor terminal device 1) to the stop sensor provided in the stop unit 11 (step S6) Since the detection target is not detected by the stop sensor, the control unit 12 continues the activation state. When the control unit 12 is in the activated state, an input to be detected is input to the stop sensor provided in the stop unit 11 (step S6). For example, the input level is lower than a predetermined threshold value. When the stop condition is not satisfied (step S7), the control unit 12 continues the activated state. Further, when the control unit 12 is in the activated state, there is an input to be detected to the stop sensor provided in the stop unit 11 (step S6), and for example, the input level is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value. When the predetermined stop condition is satisfied (step S7), the stop sensor outputs an interrupt signal to the control unit 12. When the control unit 12 is in the activated state and receives an interrupt signal from the stop unit 11 (in this embodiment, a stop sensor provided in the stop unit 11), the control unit 12 includes each measurement sensor 21-1. After stopping 21-n, the power supply is stopped and a transition to the sleep state is made.

  As described above, in the sensor terminal device 1 according to the present embodiment, until the activation sensor for activating the control unit 12 that controls the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n activates the control unit 12. The control unit 12 and the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n can stand by without using power and can save power. However, when the control unit 12 consumes power when in the sleep state, the corresponding power is used. Further, until the stop sensor for stopping the control unit 12 stops the control unit 12, the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n continue the measurement, and an operation for determining whether the stop is necessary. Do not use power.

  This effect can also be obtained when the start sensor or the stop sensor is driven by being supplied with low power from the power source 15 compared to the measurement sensor without generating power by itself. Further, when the start sensor or the stop sensor is driven by generating power by itself according to the environmental change, a further power saving effect can be obtained.

  Moreover, such a power saving effect is also obtained in the entire sensor network provided with the sensor terminal device 1, and the power consumption of the entire network can be reduced. In particular, when applied to an application in which the proportion of time required for sensing in real time is likely to vary, the effect of reducing power consumption is significant.

  Therefore, in the sensor terminal device 1 according to the present embodiment, power consumption (standby power) can be significantly reduced, and the life of the power source 15 made of, for example, a battery can be extended. Thereby, the frequency and cost of maintenance such as battery replacement for the sensor terminal device 1 can be reduced, and the influence of the sensor network on the environment (for example, power consumption and battery disposal) can be reduced. it can. Further, in the case where the life of the power source 15 only needs to be the same as that not according to the present embodiment, for example, the size of the battery used as the power source 15 can be reduced, whereby the sensor terminal device 1 Can be reduced in size.

Also, based on changes in the surrounding environment, the controller 12 and measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n operate only when a predetermined activation condition is satisfied, and immediately when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied. It is efficient to stop.
Further, when a power generation type sensor is used as the start sensor or the stop sensor, it is easy to generate an interrupt signal to the control unit 12.

In addition, since the sensor terminal device 1 according to the present embodiment includes the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n separately from the start sensor or the stop sensor, it is possible to make them different. Thereby, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of sensor selection (design degree of freedom) for the measuring sensors 21-1 to 21-n, and it is possible to use various types of sensors. Can be functionalized.
Therefore, in the sensor terminal device 1 according to the present embodiment, high-performance sensing and low power consumption can be realized.

Here, the configuration of the sensor terminal device 1 according to the present embodiment can also be understood as follows.
That is, the sensor terminal device 1 includes one or more measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n, a first power consumption state in which the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n are in a non-activated state, and a measurement sensor. 21-1 to 21-n are activated states, and the control unit 12 that switches between the second power consumption state that consumes more power than the first power consumption state, and activates the control unit 12 to the control unit 12 A start unit 10 and a stop unit 11 that transmit interrupt signals; a communication unit 14 that communicates information on measurement results obtained from the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n via the control unit 12; and a measurement sensor 21-1 to 21-n, a control unit 12, and a power supply 15 that supplies power to the communication unit 14.

Moreover, the starting method of such a sensor terminal device 1 can also be grasped as follows.
That is, in the sensor terminal device 1, a step in which the activation unit 10 is activated based on a change in environment, a step in which the activated activation unit 10 transmits an interrupt signal to the control unit 12 and activates the control unit 12, The measurement sensor 21-1 to 21-n is in the activated state from the first power consumption state in which the measurement sensor 21-1 to 21-n is in the non-activated state according to the activated state of the unit 12. The step of switching to the second power consumption state that consumes more power than the first power consumption state, the step of starting the stop unit 11 based on a change in environment, and the started stop unit 11 sending an interrupt signal to the control unit 12 Then, the control unit 12 is stopped, and the control unit 12 is switched to the first power consumption state in which the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n are in the non-activated state. Here, in the first power consumption state, a state where the power consumption of the control unit 12 is not necessarily used. For example, the control unit 12 may consume less power than at the time of activation.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a sensor terminal device 31 (an example of a terminal device) according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The sensor terminal device 31 according to the present embodiment includes a start unit 10, a stop unit 11, and a control unit as components similar to those provided in the sensor terminal device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. 12, a sensor unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a power source 15, and further includes a charging unit 41. Here, the configuration and operation of the sensor terminal device 31 according to the present embodiment are related to the point that the charging unit 41 is provided as compared with the sensor terminal device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. The other points are the same, and in this embodiment, different points will be described in detail.

  In the present embodiment, the start sensor provided in the start unit 10 and the stop sensor provided in the stop unit 11 do not require electric power to detect changes in the surrounding environment, and are self-responsive to changes in the environment. Sensors that generate and drive power are used. In the present embodiment, the activation unit 10 is used when the amount of power generation performed based on the environmental change in the activation sensor is not sufficient to activate the control unit 12, that is, when a predetermined activation condition is not satisfied. Stores (charges) the generated power in the charging unit 41. Similarly, when the amount of power generation performed based on the environmental change in the stop sensor is not sufficient to stop the control unit 12, that is, when the predetermined stop condition is not satisfied, The generated power is stored (charged) in the charging unit 41.

  Here, as another example, the activation unit 10 is sufficient when the amount of power generation performed based on the environmental change in the activation sensor is sufficient to activate the control unit 12, that is, when a predetermined activation condition is satisfied. For example, a configuration may be used in which the generated power is used to activate and drive the control unit 12 and the remaining power in the generated power is stored in the charging unit 41. In addition, for example, a configuration in which the generated power is stored in the charging unit 41 both when the activation unit 10 does not satisfy the predetermined activation condition and when the activation unit 10 satisfies the predetermined activation condition can be used.

  In the same manner, the stopping unit 11 is used when the amount of power generation performed based on the environmental change in the stopping sensor is sufficient to stop the control unit 12, that is, when a predetermined stopping condition is satisfied. In addition, the control unit 12 can be stopped using the generated power, and the remaining power can be stored in the charging unit 41 from the generated power. In addition, for example, a configuration in which the generated power is stored in the charging unit 41 both when the stop unit 11 does not satisfy the predetermined stop condition and when the stop unit 11 satisfies the predetermined stop condition can be used. The charging unit 41 stores power using the power supplied from the start unit 10 or the stop unit 11, and the stored power is measured by the sensors 12-1 to 21-n included in the control unit 12, the sensor unit 13, and the communication. It is possible to supply to the unit 14. In the present embodiment, the charging unit 41 is configured to supply power to the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n. Specifically, when the charging unit 41 is fully charged, the charging unit 41 is used for measurement. Power supply to the sensors 21-1 to 21-n is performed from the charging unit 41. In addition, when the charging unit 41 is fully charged, the power from the charging unit 41 is used to perform a maintenance mode operation for inspecting whether or not the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n are out of order. .

  Here, the function of executing the operation in the maintenance mode is provided in the sensor unit 13, for example. In addition, in the present embodiment, a storage battery (secondary battery) is used as the charging unit 41, and a capacitor or the like can be used as another example. In the present embodiment, when the charging unit 41 is completely charged, the power supply to the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n and the presence / absence of a failure of the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n are determined. Although the configuration is such that the operation of the maintenance mode to be inspected is performed, as another example, when the charging unit 41 is charged by an amount equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, such power supply and maintenance are performed. A configuration for executing the mode operation can also be used.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of operations performed by the sensor terminal device 31 according to the present embodiment. Operations similar to those of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The difference of the present embodiment from the first embodiment is the operation when the start condition is not satisfied in step S12 and when the stop condition is not satisfied in step S17. If the start-up condition is not satisfied in step S12 and the charging of the charging unit 41 is full and completed (step S18), the operation in the maintenance mode is executed using the power stored in the charging unit 41. (Step S19). On the other hand, when an input to be detected is input to the activation sensor provided in the activation unit 10 (step S11), the predetermined activation condition is not satisfied, for example, the input level is lower than a predetermined threshold. When the charging of the charging unit 41 is not full and has not been completed (step S18), charging from the activation unit 10 to the charging unit 41 is performed (step S20). Similarly, in the case where the stop condition is not satisfied in step S17, when the charging of the charging unit 41 is full and completed (step S21), the maintenance mode is performed using the electric power stored in the charging unit 41. The operation is executed (step S22). On the other hand, there is an input of a detection target to the stop sensor provided in the stop unit 11 (step S16), but the predetermined stop condition is not satisfied, for example, the input level is lower than a predetermined threshold. When the charging of the charging unit 41 is not full and has not been completed (step S21), charging from the stopping unit 11 to the charging unit 41 is performed (step S23).

As described above, in the sensor terminal device 31 according to the present embodiment, high-performance sensing and low power consumption can be realized as in the sensor terminal device 1 according to the first embodiment.
In the sensor terminal device 31 according to the present embodiment, the power generated by the activation unit 10 is stored in the charging unit 41, and the stored power is used, so that the power consumption of the power source 15 can be reduced.

  Further, in the sensor terminal device 31 according to the present embodiment, by performing the maintenance operation of the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n using the power stored in the charging unit 41, for example, the measurement sensor It is possible to know the failure in advance of actually measuring with 21-1 to 21-n, and it is possible to prevent errors due to the failure of the measurement sensors 21-1 to 21-n being driven.

  Here, for example, in a sensor terminal device that periodically communicates, a failure is easily found by performing regular communication. However, in the sensor terminal device 31 according to the present embodiment, the activation condition in the activation unit 10 is Since communication is performed when the condition is satisfied, communication is performed irregularly, and it is considered that a failure is hardly detected. On the other hand, in the sensor terminal device 31 according to the present embodiment, even when the control unit 12 is not activated, it is possible to find a failure by executing the maintenance operation, which has a great effect. Can do. Regarding such maintenance, the sensor terminal device 31 according to the present embodiment does not require, for example, a configuration or operation that includes a timer and periodically starts to detect the presence or absence of a measurement sensor failure. Therefore, the power consumption can be reduced by eliminating the timer necessary for such a configuration and operation.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a sensor network system (an example of a communication system) according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The sensor network system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of r sensor terminal devices 101-1 to 101-r (an example of a terminal device), a plurality of relay station devices 111 to 117, and a plurality of base station devices 121. -123. Note that any number of sensor terminal devices, relay station devices, and base station devices may be used. Each of the sensor terminal devices 101-1 to 101-r is, for example, the same as the sensor terminal device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 or the sensor terminal device 31 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. The same operation is performed. For example, each of the sensor terminal devices 101-1 to 101-r wirelessly transmits information (data) of measurement results obtained by the measurement sensors provided therein. Each of the relay station apparatuses 111 to 117 receives information wirelessly transmitted from the sensor terminal apparatuses 101-1 to 101-r existing in the communication area, and transmits the information by wire. Each base station apparatus 121 to 123 receives information transmitted by wire from the relay station apparatuses 111 to 117 existing under the respective base station apparatuses 121 to 123. As a result, in the sensor network system according to the present embodiment, information of measurement results obtained by the measurement sensors provided in the sensor terminal devices 101-1 to 101-r is collected by the base station devices 121 to 123, and the information is collected. Can be managed by storing them in a storage device (not shown).

  In the present embodiment, the information transmitted from the sensor terminal devices 101-1 to 101-r is transmitted to the base station devices 121 to 123 via the relay station devices 111 to 117. As an example, a configuration in which information transmitted from the sensor terminal apparatuses 101-1 to 101-r is directly transmitted to the base station apparatuses 121 to 123 may be used. Each communication is not limited to the present embodiment, and wired communication may be used, or wireless communication may be used.

  Here, the sensor network system according to the present embodiment may be applied to various scenes, and can be applied to, for example, a home security sensor network, an environmental monitoring sensor network, and the like. As an example, in a sensor network for environmental monitoring, each of the sensor terminal devices 101-1 to 101-r includes a humidity sensor as a measurement sensor, uses a photodetector as a start sensor, and uses a water drop sensor as a stop sensor. Thus, it is possible to provide a sensor network having a sensor terminal that starts humidity measurement when sunlight starts irradiating and stops measurement when it starts to rain. As another example, a seismometer that measures the shaking of an earthquake is provided as a measurement sensor, a seismometer that is set to detect a P wave that is a type of seismic wave is used as a start sensor, and a seismic wave is used as a stop sensor. Using a seismometer that is set to detect another type of subsequent wave, high-precision measurement starts all at once when a shake due to an earthquake starts, and when a subsequent wave indicating the end of the shake is detected, the seismometer By stopping and resetting the measurement, it is possible to provide a sensor network that quickly prepares to measure an aftershock that may occur subsequently. Besides these, starting and stopping corresponding to the opening and closing of doors in home security and factory workplaces, opening and closing of freezer doors and opening and closing of portable electronic devices, the phenomenon of golf balls hitting and jumping and the phenomenon of landing on the ground When two events such as sunrise and sunset, high tide and low tide occur as a pair, an application that detects one of the events and activates the sensor and detects and stops another event It can be used widely.

  For the sensor terminal device 1 according to the first embodiment and the sensor terminal device 31 according to the second embodiment described above, a part of the device, for example, the function of the control unit 12 may be realized by a computer. Good. In this case, a program for realizing the control function is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into a computer system and executed by the computer system. Also good. Note that the computer system mentioned here includes an operating system (OS) and hardware of peripheral devices. The computer-readable recording medium refers to a portable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, and a memory card, and a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk and a solid state drive built in the computer system. Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium holds a program dynamically for a short period of time, such as a computer network such as the Internet, or a communication line when transmitting a program via a telephone line or a mobile phone network. It is also possible to include one that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that becomes a server device or a client in that case. Further, the above program may be for realizing a part of the above-described functions, and further, the above-described functions are realized by a combination with a program already recorded in a computer system. Also good.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail with reference to drawings, the specific structure is not restricted to that embodiment, The design of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, etc. are included.

  The terminal device, communication system, and terminal device activation method according to the present invention can be applied to, for example, various sensor networks.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Sensor terminal device 10 ... Starting part 11 ... Stop part 12 ... Control part 13 ... Sensor part 14 ... Communication part 15 ... Power supply 21-1 to 21-n. .... Sensor for measurement 31 ... Sensor terminal device 41 ... Charging unit 101-1 to 101-r ... Sensor terminal device 111-117 ... Relay station device 121-123 ... Base station device

Claims (16)

A sensor for measuring a physical quantity to be measured;
A control unit that switches the measurement sensor from a non-activated state to an activated state when activated, and that switches the measurement sensor from an activated state to an unactivated state when stopped;
An activation unit that is driven with lower power consumption than the measurement sensor and activates the control unit when a physical quantity correlated with the physical quantity to be measured is satisfied as a predetermined activation condition;
A stop unit that is driven with lower power consumption than the measurement sensor and that stops the control unit when a physical quantity correlated with the physical quantity to be measured is satisfied as a predetermined stop condition;
A terminal device comprising:   The starting unit has a starting sensor that is driven by generating power based on a change in environment, and the control is performed when the predetermined starting condition is satisfied based on a detection result by the starting sensor. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device is activated.   The stop unit has a stop sensor that is driven by generating power based on a change in environment, and the control is performed when the predetermined stop condition is satisfied based on a detection result by the stop sensor. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device is stopped.   The terminal device according to claim 2, further comprising an activation charging unit that stores electricity using electric power generated by the activation sensor.   The terminal device according to claim 3, further comprising a stop charging unit that stores electricity using electric power generated by the stop sensor.   The terminal device according to claim 4, wherein when the predetermined activation condition is not satisfied, the electric power generated by the activation sensor is stored in the activation charging unit.   The terminal device according to claim 5, wherein the electric power generated by the stop sensor is stored in the stop charging unit when the predetermined stop condition is not satisfied.   When the start-up charging unit is charged to a predetermined threshold value or more, using the power stored in the start-up charging unit, performing a maintenance mode operation for inspecting whether or not the measurement sensor has failed. The terminal device according to claim 6.   When the stop charging unit is charged to a predetermined threshold value or more, using the power stored in the stop charging unit, performing a maintenance mode operation for inspecting the measurement sensor for a failure. 8. The terminal device according to claim 7, wherein   The terminal device according to claim 6, wherein when the activation charging unit is charged to a predetermined threshold value or more, electric power stored in the activation charging unit is supplied to the measurement sensor.   The terminal device according to claim 7, wherein when the stop charging unit is charged to a predetermined threshold value or more, the power stored in the stop charging unit is supplied to the measurement sensor.   The terminal device according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of sensors for measurement.   The control unit, when activated, switches the measurement sensor from a non-activated state to an activated state by switching from a state in which power from a power source is not supplied to the measurement sensor to a supplied state. The terminal device according to claim 1.   When the control unit is stopped, the control unit switches the measurement sensor from the activated state to the non-activated state by switching from a state where power from the power source is supplied to the measurement sensor to a non-supplied state. The terminal device according to claim 1. A terminal device and a base station device,
The terminal device includes a measurement sensor for measuring a physical quantity to be measured;
A control unit that switches the measurement sensor from a non-activated state to an activated state when activated, and that switches the measurement sensor from an activated state to an unactivated state when stopped;
An activation unit that activates the control unit when a predetermined activation condition is satisfied, and deactivates the control unit when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied;
A communication unit that transmits information of a measurement result by the measurement sensor;
A power supply for supplying power,
The base station device receives information transmitted from the terminal device;
A communication system characterized by the above. The activation unit activates the control unit when a predetermined activation condition is satisfied,
The stop unit stops the control unit when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied,
When the control unit is activated, the measurement sensor is switched from a non-activated state to an activated state,
When the control unit stops, the measurement sensor is switched from the activated state to the non-activated state,
The measurement sensor measures a physical quantity to be measured,
A communication unit transmits information of a measurement result by the measurement sensor;
A method for starting a terminal device.

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