JP2013070124A - Communication system, communication device, and power control method of communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique that can save power of an entire communication system and lets the communication system stably operate even if power supply from the outside is interrupted.SOLUTION: Extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n store generated power in their batteries. The extension terminals transmit the generated power to a main device 2 if their batteries are charged more than a full charged value. Furthermore, in the case of power failure and the like, the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n operate by battery driving if respective batteries of the extension terminals 1 are charged equal to or more than a battery drivable value, and otherwise they operate by drive power supplied by the main device 2. The main device 2 charges power received from the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n to its battery. Furthermore, in the case of power failure and the like, the main device 2 operates by battery driving by use of its battery and also distributes stored power in the battery to extension terminals 1 which require drive power.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system, and more particularly to a power control technique for a communication system.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that can save power in a communication device.

  In this technique, the communication device includes a power supply system that supplies power supplied from the power supply device to the communication device main body. This power supply system selects one of the power sources (solar power generation module, battery, and commercial power source) installed in the power supply device according to a predetermined power supply condition, and supplies from this power source Power is supplied to the communication device body. In addition, if there is surplus power in the power supply device, the power is supplied to another communication device.

JP 2010-81200 A

  In a communication system including a plurality of communication devices such as an extension telephone system, when the technology described in Patent Document 1 is applied to each communication device, the power status of the power supply device (the power generation status of the solar power generation module, the battery) Communication devices that have sufficient power (communication devices that can cover the driving power of their own devices with the power generated by the solar power generation module or the battery stored power) and the communication devices that have insufficient power It is assumed that there will be a mixture of. In such a state, when power supply from the commercial power supply to the power supply device included in each communication device is interrupted due to a power failure or the like, in order to stably operate the entire communication system, which communication device power is used. Which communication device should be supplied is a problem. In this regard, the technique described in Patent Document 1 is not considered at all.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the power consumption of the entire communication system and to stabilize the communication system even when the external power supply is interrupted. An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can be operated.

  In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, one of a plurality of communication devices constituting a communication system such as an extension telephone system is a power server and the rest is a power client.

  The power client has, for example, a power generation function such as solar power generation, sound pressure power generation, vibration power generation, and temperature difference power generation, and stores the power generated by the power generation function in the battery of the communication device. If the battery is sufficiently charged, the generated power is transmitted to the power server. In addition, when the power supply from the outside to the communication system is interrupted due to, for example, a power failure, the power client operates by battery driving if the battery of the communication device is sufficiently charged and is not sufficiently charged. Then, it operates by receiving drive power from the power server.

  On the other hand, the power server stores the received power from the power client in the battery of the own communication device. In addition, when the power supply from the outside to the communication system is interrupted due to, for example, a power failure, the power server operates by battery driving using the battery of its own communication device, and the stored power of this battery requires driving power. Distribute power to the client.

For example, the present invention is a communication system including a plurality of communication devices,
One of the plurality of communication devices is a power server, and the rest is a power client having a power generation function,
The power client
A client-side power storage means;
The power generated by the power generation function is stored in the client-side power storage means if the storage state of the client-side power storage means is less than a first threshold value, and is transmitted to the power server if it is greater than or equal to the first threshold value. Power generation control means for
If the power storage state of the client-side power storage means is equal to or greater than a second threshold value, the self-communication device is driven by the stored power of the client-side power storage means, and if it is less than the second threshold value, power is received from the power server. Driving power control means for driving the communication device with power,
The power server
Server-side power storage means;
Received power control means for storing received power from the power client in the server-side power storage means;
The self-communication device is driven by the stored power of the server-side power storage means, and the stored power of the server-side power storage means is transmitted to the power client whose power storage state of the client-side power storage means is less than the second threshold value. Power distribution control means.

  In the present invention, the surplus power of the power client is stored in the power server, and is distributed from the power server to the power client that cannot be driven by the battery due to power shortage when the power supply to the communication system from the outside is interrupted due to, for example, a power failure . For this reason, it is possible to save the power of the entire communication system, and it is possible to stably operate the communication system even when the external power supply is interrupted.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an extension telephone system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of power control in the extension telephone system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of the extension terminal 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the power client function unit 13 of the extension terminal 1. FIG. 5 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of the main device 2. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the power server function unit 23 of the main apparatus 2. FIG. 7 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of a modified example 1 a of the extension terminal 1. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the processing in S207 shown in FIG. 4 of the power client function unit 13a of the extension terminal 1a. FIG. 9 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of Modification 2a of the main device 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the power server function unit 23a of the main apparatus 2a.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an extension telephone system according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the extension telephone system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n (hereinafter also referred to as extension terminals 1) and these extension terminals 1-1 to 1-1 via a LAN 3. And a main device 2 that accommodates 1-n. The extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n are individually connected to the main apparatus 2 by power lines 6-1 to 6-n (hereinafter also referred to as power lines 6). The LAN 3 is connected to the WAN 5 via a gateway (GW) 4. The main device 2 is also connected to a commercial power supply 7 and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) 8. The uninterruptible power supply 8 is for supplying electric power to an electric device (for example, a computer) (not shown) other than the extension telephone system when a failure such as a power failure occurs.

  Here, the extension terminal 1 is a power client and operates by receiving power from the main apparatus 2 via the power line 6. The extension terminal 1 has a power generation function such as solar power generation, sound pressure power generation, vibration power generation, and temperature difference power generation. The power generated by this power generation function is supplied to a battery 16 (described later) in the self-extension terminal 1. (See FIG. 3). If the battery 16 is sufficiently charged, the extension terminal 1 transmits the generated power to the main device 2 via the power line 6. Further, the extension terminal 1 operates by battery driving if the battery 16 in the extension terminal 1 is sufficiently charged in the event of a failure such as a power failure.

  The main device 2 is a power server having a power distribution function for the extension terminal 1, and transmits the power of the commercial power supply 7 to the extension terminal 1 via the power line 6. The main device 2 stores the power received from the extension terminal 1 via the power line 6 in a battery 27 (see FIG. 5) described later in the self device 2. If the battery 27 is sufficiently charged, the power received from the extension terminal 1 is transmitted to the uninterruptible power supply 8. In the event of a failure such as a power failure, the main device 2 operates by battery driving using the battery 27 in the own device 2, and the power stored in the battery 27 is transferred to the extension terminal 1 that requires driving power. 6 to transmit power.

  FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of power control in the extension telephone system according to the present embodiment.

  The main device 2 receives power from the commercial power supply 7 and operates (commercial power drive) (S100), and supplies power to the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n via the power lines 6-1 to 6-n. The power from the power source 7 is transmitted (commercial power distribution) (S101).

  In response to this, the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n operate by receiving power from the main device 2 via the power lines 6-1 to 6-n (S102-1 to S102-n). Further, the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n generate electric power by the power generation function and store the generated power in the battery 16 in the own extension terminal 1 (S103-1 to S103-n).

  Here, it is assumed that the battery 16 of the extension terminal 1-1 is sufficiently charged. The extension terminal 1-1 completes the storage of the power generated by the power generation function in the battery 16 (S104), and transmits the generated power to the main device 2 via the power line 6-1 (S105).

  In response to this, the main device 2 stores the power received from the extension terminal 1-1 through the power line 6-1 in the battery 27 in the own device 2 (S106).

  Thereafter, it is assumed that the battery 27 of the main device 2 is sufficiently charged. The main device 2 completes the storage of the power received from the extension terminal 1-1 in the battery 27 (S107), and transmits this received power to the uninterruptible power supply 8 (S108).

  Thereafter, it is assumed that the power supply from the commercial power supply 7 to the main device 2 is cut off due to a failure such as a power failure. The main device 2 switches the operation mode of the self device 2 from commercial power drive to battery drive by the battery 27 in the self device 2 (S109). In addition, the main device 2 switches the distribution source to each extension terminal 1 from the commercial power supply 7 to the battery 27 in the own device 2 (S110), and the extension terminal 1 that is transmitting generated power to the main device 2 Distribution to -1 is stopped (S111).

  In response to this, the extension terminals 1-2 to 1-n operate by receiving power from the main device 2 via the power lines 6-2 to 6-n as before (S112-2 to S112-). n). On the other hand, when the extension terminal 1-1 detects a stoppage of power reception from the main device 2, the operation mode of the own extension terminal 1-1 is changed from driving by the power received from the main device 2 to the inside of the extension terminal 1-1. Switching to battery driving by the battery 16 is performed (S113).

  Next, the main device 2 transmits an inquiry about the necessity of power transmission to the extension terminals 1-2 to 1-n of the distribution destination via the LAN 3 (S114).

  In response to this, the extension terminals 1-2 to 1-n determine whether or not power transmission from the main apparatus 2 is necessary based on the storage state of the battery 16 in the extension terminal 1. Specifically, it is determined that power transmission is not necessary if sufficient power is stored in the battery 16 to drive the extension terminal 1 by battery, and otherwise power transmission is determined to be necessary. Here, it is assumed that the extension terminal 1-2 determines that power transmission is unnecessary, and the other extension terminals 1-3 to 1-n including the extension terminal 1-n determine that power transmission is required. The extension terminal 1-2 returns a response “transmission not required” to the main apparatus 2 via the LAN 3 in response to the inquiry about whether or not power transmission is required (S115-2). In addition, the other extension terminals 1-3 to 1-n including the extension terminal 1-n return a response “transmission required” to the inquiry about whether or not transmission is required (S115-n).

  The main device 2 continues to transmit the power stored in the battery 27 in the own device 2 to the extension terminals 1-3 to 1-n that have returned “transmission required”. Power transmission is stopped for the returned extension terminal 1-2 (S116). In response to this, the extension terminal 1-2 switches the operation mode of the extension terminal 1-2 from driving by the power received from the main device 2 to battery driving by the battery 16 in the extension terminal 1-2 ( S117).

  Next, details of the extension terminal 1 and the main apparatus 2 constituting the extension telephone system according to the present embodiment will be described.

  First, the extension terminal 1 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of the extension terminal 1.

  As illustrated, the extension terminal 1 includes a LAN interface unit 11, an extension terminal function unit 12, and a power client function unit 13.

  The LAN interface unit 11 is an interface for connecting to the LAN 3.

  The extension terminal function unit 12 is a processing unit for realizing functions as an extension terminal, such as outgoing / incoming control and call processing.

  The power client function unit 13 is a processing unit for realizing a function as a power client that receives power transmitted from the main device 2 that is a power server and supplies the power to each unit of the extension terminal 1. As illustrated, the power client function unit 13 includes a power line interface unit 14, a power generation unit 15, a battery 16, a generated power control unit 17, and a drive power control unit 18.

  The power line interface unit 14 is an interface for connecting to the power line 6 and includes a power transmission interface unit 141 and a power reception interface unit 142. As shown in the figure, the power line 6 includes an up line 61 and a down line 62, the power transmission interface unit 141 is connected to the up line 61, and the power receiving interface unit 142 is connected to the down line 62.

  The power generation unit 15 is an existing power generation module that can be installed in the extension terminal 1, and includes solar power generation, sound pressure power generation, vibration power generation, temperature difference power generation, and the like.

  The battery 16 stores the electric power generated by the power generation unit 15.

  The generated power control unit 17 monitors the storage state of the battery 16. If the storage state of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined threshold value indicating full charge (full charge value, for example, battery remaining capacity 90%), the power generated by the power generation unit 15 is stored in the battery 16. On the other hand, if the storage state of the battery 16 is equal to or greater than the full charge value, the power generated by the power generation unit 15 is transmitted to the main device 2 via the power transmission interface unit 141 and the upstream line 61.

  The drive power control unit 18 receives power from the main apparatus 2 via the power reception interface unit 142 and the down line 62 and supplies the received power as drive power to the LAN interface unit 11 and the extension terminal function unit 12. Further, when power cannot be received from the main device 2, the drive power control unit 18 supplies the power stored in the battery 16 to the LAN interface unit 11 and the extension terminal function unit 12 as drive power. Further, when the drive power control unit 18 receives a power transmission necessity inquiry from the main apparatus 2 via the LAN interface unit 11 and the LAN 3, the drive power control unit 18 checks the storage state of the battery 16, and the storage state of the battery 16 can be driven by the battery. If it is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (battery driveable value, for example, 70% of remaining battery capacity) indicating that there is a response, a response “power transmission unnecessary” is returned to the main apparatus 2 via the LAN interface unit 11 and the LAN 3. On the other hand, if the storage state of the battery 16 is less than the battery driveable value, a response “transmission required” is returned to the main apparatus 2 via the LAN interface unit 11 and the LAN 3.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the power client function unit 13 of the extension terminal 1.

  First, the drive power control unit 18 determines whether power is being received from the main apparatus 2 via the power reception interface unit 142 and the down line 62 (S201). If power is being received from the main device 2 (YES in S201), this received power is supplied as drive power to the LAN interface unit 11 and the extension terminal function unit 12 to operate the own extension terminal 1 (S202). On the other hand, if the power is not received from the main device 2 (NO in S201), the power stored in the battery 16 is supplied to the LAN interface unit 11 and the extension terminal function unit 12 as drive power, and the extension terminal 1 is connected. Operate (S203).

  In addition, when the power generation unit 15 is generating power (YES in S204), the generated power control unit 17 checks the storage status of the battery 16 (S205). If the storage state of the battery 16 is less than the full charge value (YES in S205), the generated power of the power generation unit 15 is stored in the battery 16 (S206). On the other hand, if the storage state of battery 16 is equal to or greater than the fully charged value (NO in S205), the generated power is transmitted to main apparatus 2 via power transmission interface unit 141 and upstream line 61 (S207).

  When the drive power control unit 18 receives a power transmission necessity inquiry from the main apparatus 2 via the LAN interface unit 11 and the LAN 3 (YES in S208), the drive power control unit 18 checks the storage state of the battery 16 (S209). If the storage state of the battery 16 is equal to or greater than the battery drivable value (YES in S209), a response “power transmission unnecessary” is returned to the main device 2 via the LAN interface unit 11 and the LAN 3 (S210). On the other hand, if the storage state of the battery 16 is less than the battery drivable value (NO in S209), a response “transmission required” is returned to the main device 2 via the LAN interface unit 11 and the LAN 3 (S211).

  Next, the main device 2 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of the main device 2.

  As illustrated, the main apparatus 2 includes a LAN interface unit 21, a main apparatus function unit 22, and a power server function unit 23.

  The LAN interface unit 21 is an interface for connecting to the LAN 3.

  The main device function unit 22 is a processing unit for realizing functions as a main device such as call control and relay processing.

  And the electric power server function part 23 is a process part for implement | achieving the function as an electric power server which distributes electric power to the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n which are electric power clients. As shown in the figure, the power server function unit 23 is a power line interface unit 24-1 to 24-n (hereinafter also referred to as a power line interface unit 24) provided corresponding to the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n, respectively. , A commercial power interface unit 25, a UPS interface unit 26, a battery 27, a received power control unit 28, and a power distribution control unit 29.

  The power line interface (IF) unit 24 is an interface for connecting to the power line 6 connected to the extension terminal 1 corresponding to the own power line interface unit 24, and includes a power transmission interface (IF) unit 241 and a power reception interface (IF) unit. 242. As shown in the figure, each of the power lines 6-1 to 6-n includes an upstream line 61 and a downstream line 62, the power transmission interface unit 241 is connected to the downstream line 62, and the power receiving interface unit 242 is connected to the upstream line 61. The

  The commercial power supply interface unit 25 is an interface for receiving power from the commercial power supply 7.

  The UPS interface unit 26 is an interface for transmitting power to the uninterruptible power supply 8.

  The battery 27 stores the power received from the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n via the power receiving interface unit 242 and the upstream line 61 of the power line interface units 24-1 to 24-n.

  The received power control unit 28 monitors the storage state of the battery 27. If the storage state of the battery 27 is less than a predetermined threshold value indicating full charge (full charge value, for example, 90% of remaining battery capacity), the received power from the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n is obtained. The battery 27 is charged. On the other hand, if the storage state of the battery 27 is equal to or greater than the fully charged value, the received power from the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n is transmitted to the uninterruptible power supply 8 via the UPS interface unit 26.

  The power distribution control unit 29 receives power from the commercial power supply 7 via the commercial power supply interface unit 25 and supplies the received power as drive power to the LAN interface unit 21 and the main device function unit 22, and the power line interface unit 24. The power is distributed to the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n via the power transmission interface unit 241 and the down line 62 of -1 to 24-n. When the power distribution control unit 29 cannot receive power from the commercial power supply 7, the power distribution control unit 29 supplies the stored power of the battery 27 to the LAN interface unit 21 and the main device function unit 22 as drive power, and generates power to the main device 2. Power is transmitted to each extension terminal 1 other than the extension terminal 1 that is transmitting power. Furthermore, the power distribution control unit 29 transmits a power transmission necessity inquiry to each extension terminal 1 that is transmitting power stored in the battery 27 via the LAN interface unit 21 and the LAN 3. Then, power transmission to the extension terminal 1 that has returned a response “transmission unnecessary” in response to this inquiry is stopped.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the power server function unit 23 of the main apparatus 2.

  The power distribution control unit 29 determines whether the commercial power source 7 is operating, that is, whether power is being received from the commercial power source 7 via the commercial power interface unit 25 (S300). When the power is received from the commercial power supply 7 (YES in S300), the power distribution control unit 29 supplies the received power as drive power to the LAN interface unit 21 and the main device function unit 22 to operate the own device 2. (S301). The received power is transmitted to the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n via the power transmission interface unit 241 and the down line 62 of the power line interface units 24-1 to 24-n (S302).

  Next, the received power control unit 28 receives the generated power from the extension terminal 1 corresponding to the power line interface unit 24 via the power receiving interface unit 242 and the uplink 61 of any of the power line interface units 24. Is determined (S303). If no power is received from any of the extension terminals 1 (NO in S303), it is determined whether power is received from the commercial power source 7 (S307), and power is received from the commercial power source 7. If so (YES in S307), the process returns to S303. On the other hand, if the generated power is received from any of the extension terminals 1 (YES in S303), the power storage status of the battery 27 is checked (S304). If the storage state of the battery 27 is less than the full charge value (YES in S304), the generated power is stored in the battery 27 (S305). On the other hand, if the storage state of the battery 27 is equal to or greater than the fully charged value (NO in S304), the generated power is transmitted to the uninterruptible power supply 8 through the UPS interface unit 26 (S306). Then, it is determined whether or not power is being received from the commercial power source 7 (S307). If power is being received from the commercial power source 7 (YES in S307), the process returns to S303.

  On the other hand, in S300 or S307, when power is not received from the commercial power supply 7 due to a failure such as a power failure (NO in S300 or NO in S307), the power distribution control unit 29 uses the power stored in the battery 27 as drive power. To the LAN interface unit 21 and the main device function unit 22 to operate the own device 2 (S308). In addition, the stored power is transmitted to the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n via the power transmission interface unit 241 and the down line 62 of the power line interface units 24-1 to 24-n (S309).

  Next, the power distribution control unit 29 checks whether the received power control unit 28 is receiving the generated power via the power receiving interface unit 242 and the upstream line 61 of any of the power line interface units 24 (S310). If any of the power line interface units 24 is not receiving the generated power (NO in S310), the process proceeds to S312. On the other hand, if any power line interface unit 24 is receiving the generated power (YES in S310), the power line interface is connected via the power transmission interface unit 241 and the down line 62 of the power receiving interface unit 242 receiving the generated power. The transmission of the stored power of the battery 27 to the extension terminal 1 corresponding to the unit 24 is stopped (S311).

  Then, the power distribution control unit 29 transmits a power transmission availability inquiry to each extension terminal 1 that is transmitting power stored in the battery 27 via the LAN interface unit 21 and the LAN 3, and receives a response from these extension terminals 1. (S312). Then, it is confirmed whether or not there is the extension terminal 1 that has returned the response “transmission unnecessary” (S313). Here, if there is no extension terminal 1 that has returned the response “transmission unnecessary” (NO in S313), the process proceeds to S315. On the other hand, if there is the extension terminal 1 that has returned the response “transmission unnecessary” (YES in S313), the power transmission interface unit 241 and the downlink of the power line interface unit 24 corresponding to the extension terminal 1 that has returned the response “transmission unnecessary”. The transmission of the stored power of the battery 27 to the extension terminal 1 that has returned this response “transmission unnecessary” is stopped via the line 62 (S314).

  Next, the power distribution control unit 29 waits for the commercial power supply 7 to recover (S315). If the commercial power source 7 is restored (YES in S315), the process returns to S300.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

  In the extension telephone system of the present embodiment, the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n are caused to function as a power client with a power generation function, and the main device 2 is allowed to function as a power server. That is, the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n store the power generated by the power generation unit 15 in the battery 16 of the extension terminal 1. If the battery 16 is charged to a predetermined full charge value or higher, the generated power is transmitted to the main device 2. In addition, when the power supply from the commercial power supply 7 to the extension telephone system is interrupted due to a power failure or the like, the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n store the battery 16 of the extension terminal 1 at a predetermined battery driveable value or more. If it is, it operates by battery drive, and operates by receiving the drive power from the main device 2 only when the battery 16 of the extension terminal 1 is in a charged state less than the battery driveable value. On the other hand, the main device 2 stores the received power from the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n in the battery 27 of the own device 2. In addition, when the power supply from the commercial power supply 7 to the extension telephone system is interrupted due to a power failure or the like, the main device 2 operates by battery driving using the battery 27 of the own device 2 and the stored power of the battery 27 is stored. The power is distributed to the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n that require driving power.

  For this reason, in each extension terminal 1, surplus power that cannot be stored in the battery 16 of the own extension terminal 1 is stored in the battery 27 of the main device 2, and power supply from the commercial power supply 7 to the extension telephone system is interrupted due to a power failure or the like. In such a case, the battery is distributed to the extension terminals 1 that cannot be driven by the battery due to insufficient battery power. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to save the power of the entire extension telephone system and to stably operate the extension telephone system even when the external power supply is interrupted. Become.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the main device 2 uses the power received from the extension terminal 1 to the outside of the uninterruptible power supply 8 or the like as long as the battery 27 of the self-device 2 is charged to a predetermined full charge value or more. Since power is transmitted to the apparatus, it is possible to expect the use of surplus power of the extension terminal 1 in the external apparatus, and therefore it is possible to prevent the surplus power of the extension terminal 1 from being wasted.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the main apparatus 2 receives electric power from the commercial power source 7, drives the own apparatus 2, and distributes this received electric power to the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n. Then, when the power supply from the commercial power supply 7 is interrupted due to a power failure or the like, an extension that transmits a power transmission necessity inquiry to the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n and returns a response “transmission required” in response to this inquiry Only the terminal 1 transmits the stored power of the battery 27. On the other hand, the extension terminals 1-1 to 1-n drive the own extension terminal 1 with the received power from the main apparatus 2 if power is supplied from the main apparatus 2. When the power transmission necessity inquiry is received from the main device 2, if the battery 16 of the own extension terminal 1 is charged more than the battery driveable value, a response “transmission unnecessary” is returned to the main device 2, If the battery 16 of the terminal 1 is in a charged state less than the battery driveable value, a response “transmission required” is returned to the main device 2. For this reason, according to the present embodiment, in the event of an emergency such as a power failure, the battery 16 is not sufficiently charged, and only for the extension terminal 1 where it is difficult to continue battery driving for a certain period of time. The stored power of the battery 27 of the device 2 can be provided, and therefore the power of the extension telephone system can be utilized more efficiently.

  In the present embodiment, the 4 cores of the power line 6 (upline 61: 2 cores, downline 62: 2 cores) are used as the unused terminals of the LAN interface unit 3 of the extension terminal 1 and the LAN interface unit 21 of the main unit 2. It may be assigned to (may be a PoE power supply terminal) and the LAN 3 may function as the power line 6.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, Many deformation | transformation are possible within the range of the summary.

  For example, in the above embodiment, a power transmission necessity inquiry and a response exchange between the main apparatus 2 and the extension terminal 1 are performed via the LAN 3. However, it may be performed via the power line 6 by power carrier communication.

  Further, in a conventional power supply type button telephone system (for example, a button telephone system that performs phantom power supply), power supply and data transmission of digital signals are simultaneously performed through a pair of communication lines. In this case, since the main device 2 has the function of the power transmission IF unit 241 in advance, only the power reception IF unit 242 may be added.

  Further, the battery drivable value may be changed for each extension terminal 1. For example, the usage frequency history of each extension terminal 1 is managed, a low battery drivable value is set for the extension terminal 1 with low use frequency, and a high battery drivable value is set for the extension terminal 1 with high use frequency. The battery drivable value corresponding to the frequency of use of the extension terminal 1 may be automatically set.

  Moreover, in said embodiment, the power line 6 is comprised by the up line 61 and the down line 62, the down line 62 is used for the power transmission from the main apparatus 2 to the extension terminal 1, and the extension terminal 1 to the main apparatus 2 is used. The up line 61 is used for power transmission. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The power transmission from the main device 2 to the extension terminal 1 and the power transmission from the extension terminal 1 to the main device 2 may be switched and performed via a power line that is used for both uplink and downlink.

  For example, the power distribution control unit 29 of the main device 2 converts transmission power (DC power) to the extension terminal 1 into AC power and sends it to the power line for both uplink and downlink, and the generated power control unit 17 of the extension terminal 1 The transmission power (DC power) to the main device 2 is sent to the same power line. Then, the drive power control unit 18 of the extension terminal 1 receives power from the main device 2 by separating AC power from the power line and converting it to DC power, and the received power control unit 28 of the main device 2 Power is received from the extension terminal 1 by separating DC power from the power line. Alternatively, the distribution control unit 29 of the main device 2 sends the transmission power (DC power) to the extension terminal 1 to the power line for both uplink and downlink, and the generated power control unit 17 of the extension terminal 1 sends the power to the main device 2. Transmitted power (DC power) is converted to AC power and sent to the same power line. Then, the drive power control unit 18 of the extension terminal 1 receives power from the main device 2 by separating DC power from this power line, and the received power control unit 28 of the main device 2 separates AC power from this power line. Then, power is received from the extension terminal 1 by converting into DC power.

  In this way, power transmission from the main apparatus 2 to the extension terminal 1 and power transmission from the extension terminal 1 to the main apparatus 2 can be performed simultaneously and in parallel while using the power line shared by the uplink and the downlink. It becomes.

  In addition, for example, in the main apparatus 2, the power distribution control unit 29, in principle, transmits power to the upstream / downstream shared power line, and stops transmission to this power line if a power transmission stop request is received from the extension terminal 1. To do. In response to this, the received power control unit 28 starts receiving power from the extension terminal 1 via this power line. On the other hand, in the extension terminal 1, the drive power control unit 18 receives power from the power line in principle and operates the extension terminal 1 using the received power as drive power. And if the battery 16 of the own extension terminal 1 is charged more than a full charge value, while transmitting the transmission stop request | requirement to the main apparatus 2, the own extension terminal 1 is switched to battery drive. Moreover, if the generated power control unit 17 detects that the main device 2 has stopped transmitting power to the power line, the generated power control unit 17 transmits the generated power of the power generation unit 15 to the power line.

  Thus, by negotiating between the main device 2 and the extension terminal 1 and deciding which one transmits power to the uplink / downlink power line, power transmission from the main device 2 to the extension terminal 1 and from the extension terminal 1 to the main terminal 1 Power transmission to the device 2 can be performed in a time division manner.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the main device 2 performs each process such as distribution start or distribution stop using the case where the power supply from the commercial power supply 7 is interrupted due to a power failure or the like as a trigger. Is not limited to this. For example, the main device 2 may be provided with a user instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction from the user, and may perform each process such as distribution start or distribution stop according to the instruction from the user, or the battery 27 is sufficiently charged. If there is, the processing may be automatically switched from the commercial power source to the battery drive to start distribution or stop distribution. As a result, it is possible to save the power used by the commercial power source of the main device 2.

  Moreover, in said embodiment, although the power line 6 for transmitting / receiving electric power between the main apparatus 2 and the extension terminal 1 is provided separately from the communication line (LAN3), this invention is not limited to this. As will be described later, when the main apparatus 2a is individually connected to the extension terminal 1a by a communication line, such as an analog extension telephone system or a button telephone system, the power line 6 is omitted and the main apparatus 2a is omitted. May be capable of individually transmitting and receiving power with the extension terminals 1a-1 to 1a-n (hereinafter also referred to as extension terminals 1a) using communication lines.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of a modified example 1 a of the extension terminal 1.

  As shown in the figure, the extension terminal 1a is different from the extension terminal 1 shown in FIG. 3 in that a human detection sensor 19 is newly added and that the LAN interface unit 11 and the power client function unit 13 are replaced with a telephone line interface unit. 11a, and a power client function unit 13a.

  The person detection sensor 19 detects a person in the vicinity of the extension terminal 1 by detecting a person's temperature, voice, sitting on a chair, and the like. The human detection sensor 19 includes an infrared sensor, a sound detection sensor, a pressure detection sensor, or a combination of these sensors. Or you may utilize the setting state of the existing absence setting button.

  The telephone line interface unit 11a is an interface for connecting to a telephone line (extension) such as a button telephone line or an analog telephone line, and the extension terminal 1a is in one-to-one correspondence with a main apparatus 2a described later via this telephone line. Connected. For example, a multi-function button telephone, an analog telephone, a wireless terminal base unit, a door phone, and an interphone are applicable.

  The power client function unit 13a is different from the power client function unit 13 shown in FIG. 3 in that the power line interface unit 14 is omitted, and the generated power control unit 17 and the drive power control unit 18 are replaced with a power generation unit. The power control unit 17a and the drive power control unit 18a are provided.

  The generated power control unit 17 a monitors the storage state of the battery 16. When the storage state of the battery 16 is less than a predetermined full charge value, the power generated by the power generation unit 15 is stored in the battery 16. On the other hand, when the storage state of the battery 16 is equal to or greater than the full charge value, the extension terminal 1a is in a call waiting state and the person detection sensor 19 is not detecting a person in the vicinity of the extension terminal 1a (that is, the extension) When there is little possibility that the terminal 1a is immediately operated to make a call), power is transmitted to the telephone line connected to the telephone line interface unit 11a by using an existing power supply technology such as phantom power supply. Thereby, the electric power generated by the power generation unit 15 is transmitted to the main device 2a. Prior to the start of power transmission to the main device 2a, the generated power control unit 17a transmits a power transmission stop request to the main device 2a using, for example, a PB signal or the like, and power transmission to the telephone line by the main device 2a is stopped. After confirming that the power is transmitted, power transmission to the main device 2a is started.

  The drive power control unit 18a receives the power transmitted from the main apparatus 2a to the telephone line using the existing power supply technology such as phantom power supply via the telephone line interface unit 11a, and uses this received power as the drive power for the extension line. This is supplied to the terminal function unit 12. In addition, when the power cannot be received from the main device 2a, the drive power control unit 18a supplies the power stored in the battery 16 to the extension terminal function unit 12 as drive power. Further, when the drive power control unit 18a receives a power transmission necessity inquiry from the main apparatus 2a using, for example, a PB signal or the like, if the storage state of the battery 16 is equal to or greater than a predetermined battery driveable value, for example, A response “power transmission unnecessary” is returned to the main apparatus 2a using a PB signal or the like. On the other hand, if the storage state of the battery 16 is less than the battery driveable value, a response “transmission required” is returned to the main apparatus 2a using, for example, a PB signal or the like.

  The operation flow of the power client function unit 13a of the extension terminal 1a is basically the same as the operation flow of the power client function unit 13 shown in FIG. However, the details of the processing in S207 are different.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the power client function unit 13a of the extension terminal 1a in S207 shown in FIG.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 8, in S207 of FIG. 4, the generated power control unit 17a first determines whether or not the telephone line interface unit 11a is in a call waiting state (idle state) (S2071). .

  If the telephone line interface unit 11a is not waiting for a call (NO in S2071), the process in S207 is terminated and the process proceeds to S208. On the other hand, if the telephone line interface unit 11a is waiting for a call (YES in S2071), the generated power control unit 17a refers to the output of the human detection sensor 19 to determine whether or not there is a person near the extension terminal 1a. Judgment is made (S2072). If there is a person near the extension terminal 1a (YES in S2072), the process in S207 is terminated and the process proceeds to S208. On the other hand, if there is no person in the extension terminal 1a (NO in S2072), the generated power control unit 17a further determines whether or not the drive power control unit 18a is receiving power from the main device 2a (S2073). .

  If the drive power control unit 18a is receiving power from the main device 2a (YES in S2073), the generated power control unit 17a transmits a power transmission stop request to the main device 2a using, for example, a PB signal (S2075). . Then, the generated power control unit 17a confirms that power transmission to the telephone line by the main device 2a is stopped (YES in S2076), and then the power generation unit 15 via the telephone line interface unit 11a and the telephone line. Power transmission to the main device 2a is started (S2074). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S208.

  On the other hand, if the drive power control unit 18a is not receiving power from the main device 2a (NO in S2073), the generated power control unit 17a generates power generated by the power generation unit 15 via the telephone line interface unit 11a and the telephone line. Power transmission to the main device 2a is started (S2074). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S208.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of Modification 2a of the main device 2.

  As shown in the figure, the main device 2a differs from the main device 2 shown in FIG. 5 in that it corresponds to the extension terminals 1a-1 to 1a-n in place of the LAN interface unit 21 and the power server function unit 23, respectively. Phone line interface units 21a-1 to 21a-n (hereinafter also referred to as telephone line interface unit 21a) and a power server function unit 23a.

  The telephone line interface unit 21a is an interface for connecting to a telephone line (extension) such as a button telephone line or an analog telephone line, and the main device 2a corresponds to the telephone line interface unit 21a via this telephone line. One-to-one connection is made to the extension terminal 1a.

  The power server function unit 23a is different from the power server function unit 23 shown in FIG. 5 in that the power line interface units 24-1 to 24-n are omitted, and the received power control unit 28 and the power distribution control unit 29. Instead of this, a received power control unit 28a and a distribution control unit 29a are provided.

  In accordance with an instruction from the power distribution control unit 29a, the received power control unit 28a receives the power transmitted from the telephone line via the telephone line interface unit 21a to the telephone line using the existing power supply technology such as phantom power supply. Receive power. In addition, the received power control unit 28 a monitors the storage state of the battery 27. Then, if the storage state of the battery 27 is less than a predetermined full charge value indicating full charge, the received power from the extension terminal 1 a is stored in the battery 27. On the other hand, if the state of charge of the battery 27 is equal to or greater than the full charge value, the received power from the extension terminal 1a is transmitted to the uninterruptible power supply 8 via the UPS interface unit 26.

  The power distribution control unit 29a receives power from the commercial power source 7 via the commercial power interface unit 25, supplies the received power as drive power to the main unit function unit 22, and uses existing power feeding technology such as phantom power feeding. The power is transmitted to the extension terminal 1a via the telephone line interface unit 21a and the telephone line. Here, when the power distribution control unit 29a receives a power transmission stop request from the extension terminal 1a via the telephone line interface unit 21a and the telephone line, for example, by a PB signal, the power distribution control unit 29a stops power transmission to the extension terminal 1a and receives power control The unit 28a is instructed to receive power transmitted from the extension terminal 1a to the telephone line.

  In addition, when the power distribution control unit 29a cannot receive power from the commercial power supply 7, the power distribution power of the battery 27 is supplied to the main unit function unit 22 as drive power, and the extension terminal 1a that is transmitting the generated power to the main unit 2 is supplied. Power is transmitted to each extension terminal 1a other than. Furthermore, the power distribution control unit 29a makes an inquiry about the necessity of power transmission to each extension terminal 1a that is transmitting the stored power of the battery 27 by, for example, a PB signal, and the telephone line interface unit 21a and the telephone line corresponding to the extension terminal 1a. To send through. Then, for example, power transmission to the extension terminal 1a that has returned a response “transmission unnecessary” in response to this inquiry by a PB signal is stopped.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the power server function unit 23a of the main apparatus 2a.

  The operation flow of the power server function unit 23a of the main apparatus 2a is basically the same as the operation flow of the power server function unit 23 shown in FIG. However, as shown in FIG. 10, the difference is that S302a and S303a are provided instead of S302 and S303, and that S302b and S302c are added between S302a and S303a.

  In other words, in S302a, the power distribution control unit 29a uses the telephone line interface unit 21a corresponding to each extension terminal 1a to be distributed to the existing power supply such as phantom power supply to each telephone line connected to these extension terminals 1a. Power is supplied using technology. Thereby, electric power is transmitted to each extension terminal 1a to be distributed.

  Next, in S302b, the power distribution control unit 29a determines whether a power transmission stop request has been received from any of the extension terminals 1a via the telephone line interface unit 21a and the telephone line, for example, using a PB signal. If a power transmission stop request has not been received (NO in S302b), the process proceeds to S303a. On the other hand, when the power transmission stop request is received (YES in S302b), the power distribution control unit 29a stops power transmission to the extension terminal 1a that is the transmission source of the power transmission stop request, and excludes the extension terminal 1a from the distribution target. To do. Then, the received power control unit 28a is instructed to receive power from the extension terminal 1a, and the process proceeds to S303a.

  Next, in S303a, the received power control unit 28a determines whether or not the generated power is received from any of the extension terminals 1a excluded from the distribution target. When the generated power is not received from any of the extension terminals 1a excluded from the distribution target (NO in S303a), it is determined whether or not the power is received from the commercial power source 7 (S307). If power is being received from (YES in S307), the process returns to S302b. On the other hand, when the generated power is received from any of the extension terminals 1a excluded from the distribution target (YES in S303a), the process proceeds to S304.

  According to the extension terminal 1a and the main apparatus 2a described above, power can be transmitted and received between the extension terminal 1a and the main apparatus 2a via a telephone line, so there is no need to separately provide a power line. In addition, power transmission from the extension terminal 1a to the main device 2a is performed as necessary during call waiting. For this reason, for example, even when the extension terminal 1a is a terminal such as an analog telephone that is premised on phantom power supply from the main apparatus 2a as a power source during a call, the extension terminal 1a is connected to the main terminal 1a without affecting the call operation. Power can be transmitted to the device 2a.

  In addition, since power is transmitted from the extension terminal 1a to the main apparatus 2a when there is no person in the vicinity of the own extension terminal 1a, power transmission from the extension terminal 1a to the main apparatus 2a is performed without affecting the call operation. Can do.

  In the above embodiment, the functional configurations of the extension terminals 1 and 1a shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 and the main apparatuses 2 and 2a shown in FIGS. 5 and 9 are ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and FPGA. It may be realized in hardware by an integrated logic IC such as (Field Programmable Gate Array), or may be realized in software by a computer such as DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Alternatively, in a general-purpose computer such as a CPU (Personal Computer) equipped with an auxiliary storage device such as a CPU, memory, HDD, DVD-ROM, and a communication interface such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) and a modem, the CPU executes a predetermined program. It may be realized by loading from an auxiliary storage device onto a memory and executing it.

  In the above embodiment, the extension telephone system has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of communication devices such as a network system configured by including network devices (equivalent to power servers) such as hubs and routers and a plurality of network terminals (corresponding to power clients) having a power generation function are provided. Widely applicable to communication systems.

  1, 1-1 to 1-n, 1a, 1a-1 to 1a-n: extension terminals, 2, 2a: main device, 3: LAN, 4: gateway, 5: WAN, 6, 6-1 to 6- n: power line, 7: commercial power supply, 8: uninterruptible power supply, 11: LAN interface unit, 11a: telephone line interface unit, 12: extension terminal function unit, 13, 13a: power client function unit, 14: power line interface unit , 15: power generation unit, 16: battery, 17, 17a: generated power control unit, 18, 18a: drive power control unit, 19: human detection sensor, 21: LAN interface unit, 21a, 21a-1 to 21a-n: Telephone line interface unit, 22: main device function unit, 23, 23a: power server function unit, 24, 24-1 to 24-n: power line interface unit, 25: commercial power supply interface 26: UPS interface unit, 27: Battery, 28, 28a: Received power control unit, 29, 29a: Distribution control unit, 61: Up line, 62: Down line, 141: Power transmission interface unit, 142: Power reception interface 241: power transmission interface unit 242: power reception interface unit

Claims (9)

A communication system comprising a plurality of communication devices,
One of the plurality of communication devices is a power server, and the rest is a power client having a power generation function,
The power client
A client-side power storage means;
The power generated by the power generation function is stored in the client-side power storage means if the storage state of the client-side power storage means is less than a first threshold value, and is transmitted to the power server if it is greater than or equal to the first threshold value. Power generation control means for
If the power storage state of the client-side power storage means is equal to or greater than a second threshold value, the self-communication device is driven by the stored power of the client-side power storage means, and if it is less than the second threshold value, power is received from the power server. Driving power control means for driving the communication device with power,
The power server
Server-side power storage means;
Received power control means for storing received power from the power client in the server-side power storage means;
The self-communication device is driven by the stored power of the server-side power storage means, and the stored power of the server-side power storage means is transmitted to the power client whose power storage state of the client-side power storage means is less than the second threshold value. And a power distribution control means. The communication system according to claim 1,
The received power control means includes
The received power from the power client is stored in the server-side power storage means if the storage state of the server-side power storage means is less than a third threshold value, and transmitted to an external device if it is greater than or equal to the third threshold value. A communication system characterized by: The communication system according to claim 1 or 2,
The power distribution control means
When power is supplied from the external power source to the communication system, the power is received from the external power source to drive the communication device, and the received power is transmitted to the power client.
When power supply from the external power source to the communication system is interrupted, the server side only sends a power transmission necessity inquiry to the power client and returns a power transmission request to the inquiry. Transmit the stored power of the storage means,
The drive power control means includes
If power is supplied from the power server, when the local communication device is driven by the received power from the power server and the power transmission necessity inquiry is received from the power server, The communication system is characterized in that if the storage state of the client-side power storage means is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, power transmission is not required, and if it is less than the second threshold value, the power transmission request is returned. A communication system according to claim 3,
The power distribution control means
By transmitting received power from the external power source to AC power or DC power and sending it to a power line, the power is transmitted to the power client,
The power generation control means includes
The power generated by the power generation function is converted to DC power if the power distribution control means is sending AC power, and is converted to AC power if the power distribution control means is sending DC power, A communication system, wherein power is transmitted to the power server by being transmitted to a power line. A communication system according to claim 3,
The power distribution control means
By transmitting the received power from the external power source to the power line, the power is transmitted to the power client.If a power transmission stop request is received from the power client, the transmission of the received power to the power line is stopped.
The power generation control means includes
The power generated by the power generation function is transmitted to the power line by transmitting it to the power line, and the transmission stop request is transmitted to the power server prior to transmission of the generated power to the power line. Communication system. The communication system according to claim 5, wherein
The power client is an extension terminal;
The power server is a main device that accommodates the extension terminal,
Transmission and reception of power between the power client and the power server
The communication system, which is performed during a call waiting of the power client, using the telephone line connecting the power client and the power server as the power line.   The communication apparatus used as an electric power server of the communication system as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6.   A communication device used as a power client of the communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A power control method for a communication system including a plurality of communication devices,
One of the plurality of communication devices is a power server, and the rest is a power client having a power generation function,
The power client
The power generated by the power generation function is stored in a power storage device included in the communication device, and if the power storage state of the power storage device is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, the power is transmitted to the power server,
If the power storage state of the power storage device included in the self-communication device is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, the self-communication device is driven by the stored power of the power storage device, and if less than the second threshold value, Drive the communication device with the received power,
The power server
The received power from the power client is stored in a power storage device included in the communication device,
The self-communication device is driven by the stored power of the power storage device included in the self-communication device, and the stored power is supplied to the power client whose power storage state of the power storage device included in the self-communication device is less than the second threshold value. A power control method for a communication system, characterized by transmitting power.

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