JP2015158864A - Sensor unit and data collection system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sensor device with reduced power consumption.SOLUTION: A sensor mechanism 10 includes: sensors 11-12 detecting predetermined values; a communication unit 17C outputting the values detected by the sensors 11-12 to external equipment; and a changeover unit 17SW changing over the communication unit 17C between a valid state and an invalid state on the basis of a predetermined control signal. The changeover unit 17SW keeps the communication unit 17C in the invalid state in a case where a first control signal is not detected, and changes over the communication unit 17C from the invalid state to the valid state in a case where the first control signal is detected.

Description

  The present invention relates to a sensor unit and a data collection system.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a farm field system is known that arranges a plurality of sensors in a farm field and collects the results measured by the sensors (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this agricultural field system, since wireless communication is adopted as a communication means between the sensor and the server, no wiring is possible. As a result, wiring work can be made more efficient, and sensors can be installed at various locations.

JP 2009-232777 A

  However, in the case of wireless communication, a certain amount of power is consumed not only during communication but also before communication is established (standby). In order to solve such problems, if it is attempted to increase the size of the battery or add an external power source or power generation device, the equipment must be installed for each installed sensor, resulting in a limited installation location. Or the entire system becomes expensive.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention intends to provide a data collection system with low power consumption and a sensor unit used in the data collection system.

  The sensor device according to the present invention includes a detection unit that detects a predetermined value, a communication unit that outputs a value detected by the detection unit to an external device, and the communication unit is enabled and disabled based on a predetermined control signal. A switching unit that switches between states, and when the switching unit does not detect the first control signal, the switching unit keeps the communication unit in the invalid state and transmits the first control signal. When detected, the communication unit is switched from the invalid state to the valid state.

  It is preferable that the switching unit switches the communication unit from the valid state to the invalid state when the second control signal is input. Further, it is preferable that the switching unit switches the communication unit from the valid state to the invalid state when a predetermined period has elapsed. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first control signal is output when a predetermined period has elapsed.

  It is preferable that an operation unit for operating the switching unit is further provided, and the switching of the communication unit by the switching unit is performed on the condition that the operation of the operation unit is detected. The detection unit is preferably capable of detecting the predetermined value when the communication unit is in the invalid state. Furthermore, the detection unit is preferably capable of detecting the predetermined value when the communication unit is in the valid state.

  It is preferable that the apparatus further includes a housing that accommodates the communication unit, communication between the communication unit and the external device is performed by radio waves, and the housing can transmit the radio waves. Moreover, it is preferable that the said housing | casing has a light-shielding property which blocks the external light which exists outside the said housing | casing. Furthermore, it is preferable that water is accommodated in the housing. In addition, it is preferable to include a state notification unit that notifies whether the communication unit is in the valid state or the invalid state. Preferably, the state notification unit is accommodated in the casing, emits notification light when the communication unit is in the effective state, and the casing transmits the notification light. It is preferable that the communication unit and the state notification unit are accommodated in a portion of the housing that is exposed from the ground surface and used.

  A data collection system according to the present invention includes the above-described sensor device and a server device that stores a value detected by the detection unit via the communication unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the data recovery system with small power consumption and the sensor unit used for this can be provided.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of a data collection system. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the outline | summary of a sensor apparatus. It is a functional block diagram which shows the outline | summary of a sensor apparatus. It is a timing chart showing a part of operation | movement of a sensor apparatus. It is a timing chart showing a part of operation | movement of a sensor apparatus.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the data collection system 2 includes a sensor mechanism 10 that measures a predetermined value, a data collection mechanism 20 that collects predetermined measurement data from the sensor mechanism 10, and measurement data collected by the data collection mechanism 20. And a data storage server 30 for storing.

  The sensor mechanism 10 includes a sensor device 11 disposed in the measurement area A1 and a sensor device 12 disposed in the measurement area A2. The sensor devices 11 to 12 independently measure predetermined physical property values at the arranged locations, and store these as measurement data. The data collection mechanism 20 can communicate with the sensor mechanism 10 and the data storage server 30. The data storage server 30 receives the measurement data in the measurement areas A1 to A2 from the data collection mechanism 20 and stores it. Thereby, the measurement data in the measurement areas A1 to A2 can be centrally managed.

  Hereinafter, the data collection mechanism 20 arranged in the measurement area A1 will be described. If the communicable range of a communication unit (details will be described later) mounted on the sensor device 11 is defined as R1, the communicable ranges R1 of the sensor device 11 do not overlap each other in the measurement area A1. For this reason, as the data collection mechanism 20 in the measurement area A1, a data collection terminal 21 that can move to the communicable range R1 of each sensor device 11 is used. The data collection terminal 21 can collect measurement data from each sensor device 11. Further, the data collection terminal 21 is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) and can detect its own position information. Further, the data collection terminal 21 transmits the position information acquired from the GPS and the measurement data collected from the sensor device 11 to the data storage server 30 via the telecommunication line C. Note that one or more sensor devices 11 may be arranged in the measurement area A1.

  Next, the data collection mechanism 20 arranged in the measurement area A2 will be described. If the communicable range of a communication unit (details will be described later) mounted on the sensor device 12 is defined as R2, the communicable range R2 of the sensor device 12 overlaps with each other in the measurement area A2. The data collection mechanism 20 in the measurement area A2 includes a data collection terminal 22A arranged at a position where the individual communicable ranges R2 overlap with each other, and a gateway device 22B capable of wireless or wired communication with the data collection terminal 22A. And are used together. Since the data collection terminal 22 </ b> A is arranged at a position where the communicable ranges R <b> 2 of the plurality of sensor devices 12 overlap, it is possible to individually collect measurement data from the sensor device 12. The data collection terminal 22A is equipped with a GPS and can detect its own position information. On the other hand, the gateway device 22B functions as a relay base for communication between the data collection terminal 22A and the data storage server 30. For this reason, the data collection terminal 22A can transmit the position information acquired from the GPS and the measurement data collected from the sensor device 12 to the data storage server 30 via the gateway device 22B and the telecommunication line C.

  Note that the data collection terminal 21 may be used in combination as the data collection mechanism 20 in the measurement area A2. The data collection terminal 21 can collect predetermined measurement data from the sensor device 12 including its own position as the communicable range R2. When the data collection terminal 21 can communicate with the plurality of sensor devices 12, it is possible to communicate with one selected from these or all of them.

  Here, for communication between the sensor device 11 and the data collection terminal 21 and communication between the sensor device 12 and the data collection terminal 22A, short-range wireless communication (for example, Bluetooth (for example, Bluetooth ( (Registered trademark) and ZigBee (registered trademark)) are preferably used.

  Next, details of the sensor device 11 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor device 11 is a so-called tensiometer, and one of them is inserted into the soil S to measure the matrix potential of the soil S. The sensor device 11 includes a water pressure sensor 13A, a water level sensor 13B, an operation button unit 14, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 15, an antenna 16, a controller 17 that controls each part 13A-16, and each part 13A-17. The power supply 18 which supplies electric power, and the rod-shaped container 19 which accommodates each part 13A-18 are provided.

  The container 19 includes an upper container 19U, a lower container 19L, and a detachable member 19C. The upper container 19U is a cylindrical body whose upper end is closed. The lower container 19L includes a main body cylinder 19LB formed in a cylindrical shape, and a porous cup 19LE provided at the lower end of the main body cylinder 19LB. The detachable member 19C is formed in a plate shape, and can be screwed into the upper screwing portion provided at the opening edge of the upper container 19U, and the lower side provided at the opening edge of the lower container 19L. A lower screwing structure that can be screwed into the screwing portion. By screwing the upper screwing structure into the upper screwing portion, an upper housing space 19KU surrounded by the upper container 19U and the detachable member 19C is formed in the container 19. On the other hand, in a state where the deaerated water W is accommodated in the lower container 19L, the lower accommodation is surrounded by the lower container 19L and the detachable member 19C by screwing the lower screwing structure to the lower screwing portion. A space 19KL is formed in the container 19. The upper accommodation space 19KU and the lower accommodation space 19KL are each a sealed space. The upper accommodation space 19KU may not be a sealed space.

  The LED 15, the antenna 16, and the controller 17 are each arranged in the upper accommodation space 19 KU. The controller 17 is attached to the detachable member 19C. The LED 15 and the antenna 16 are each attached to the controller 17. The LED 15 can be switched between a lighting state, a blinking state, and a light-off state under the control of the controller 17. The antenna 16 enables wireless communication with the data collection terminal 21 (see FIG. 1).

The operation button unit 14 is formed in a rod shape, one end side is attached to the controller 17, and the other end side extends to the vicinity of the button hole 19UX formed in the upper container 19U.
The operation button unit 14 includes a shaft member 14A, a button 14B provided so as to be able to advance and retreat in a hole 14K formed in the shaft member 14A, and an urging force that urges the button 14B to the outside (OFF side). It has a member 14C (for example, a spring) and a stopper mechanism 14D that prevents the button 14B from jumping out of the hole 14K by the biasing member 14C. The button 14B can be pressed by the stopper mechanism 14D and the urging member 14C. Further, since the button 14B can be operated from the button hole 19UX, it can be operated from outside the upper container 19U. The button hole 19UX may be provided with a lid 14E made of a flexible material (for example, rubber).

  The upper container 19U is preferably formed of a material capable of transmitting radio waves for radio communication (frequency is 3 THz or less). Further, it is preferable that the upper container 19U and the lower container 19L (particularly, the portion of the main body cylinder 19LB) allow light traveling from the inside to the outside while blocking light traveling from the outside to the inside. Here, “light” in this specification refers to infrared rays, visible rays, and ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 1 mm to 2 nm. The components of the upper container 19U and the lower container 19L include a tube (glass tube or plastic tube) that can transmit radio waves and light, and a shielding film attached to the outer peripheral surface or inner peripheral surface of the tube. It is preferable that it is comprised. Here, the shielding film is capable of transmitting radio waves and transmitting light from one side and blocking (for example, reflecting) light from the other side. As the shielding film, for example, a plastic film (trade name Ecomold manufactured by Oike Kogyo Co., Ltd.) having a predetermined metal vapor deposition film can be used. The shielding film enables wireless communication by the communication unit 17C, improves the visibility of the state of the sensor device 11 and the communication unit 17C, and prevents the occurrence of moss (details will be described later). Instead of the shielding film, a paint made of a predetermined shielding material may be applied to the pipe.

  The water pressure sensor 13A and the water level sensor 13B are respectively accommodated in the lower container 19L. The water pressure sensor 13 </ b> A detects the water pressure in the lower container 19 </ b> L and is attached to the controller 17. The water level sensor 13B detects the water level in the lower container 19L and is attached to the controller 17.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the controller 17 includes a communication unit 17 </ b> C capable of wireless communication via the antenna 16, and a communication unit 17 </ b> C between a valid state where wireless communication is possible and an invalid state where wireless communication is impossible. It has a switching unit 17SW that switches the state, a storage unit 17R, a timer 17TM that measures time, and a main control unit 17MC that controls each part. The communication unit 17C may be switched between the valid state and the invalid state depending on whether or not power is supplied to the communication unit 17C, or while the power supply to the communication unit 17C is maintained. The determination may be made depending on whether the signal is valid.

  Next, a method for using the sensor device 11 will be described.

  After accommodating a predetermined amount of deaerated water W in the lower container 19L, the upper container 19U and the lower container 19L are integrated via the detachable member 19C. Next, when the porous cup 19LE of the sensor device 11 is inserted into the soil S and the rest is exposed from the soil S (see FIG. 2), the pressure of the deaerated water W in the lower accommodation space 19KL, and the soil S The deaerated water W or the water in the soil S permeates through the porous cup 19LE so that the difference from the matrix potential becomes small. As a result, the pressure in the lower accommodation space 19KL changes.

  When the power switch (not shown) of the sensor device 11 is turned ON, the power source 18 (see FIG. 2) supplies power to the respective units 12A to 17 (see FIG. 3), and the controller 17 controls the respective units 12A to 15 . Further, the main control unit 17MC sets the switching unit 17SW to the invalid state, the timer 17TM to the standby state, and the LED 15 to the extinguished state (see FIG. 4).

  The main control unit 17MC measures each value and stores measurement data according to a program written in the internal memory. This program may be written in the ROM in advance or may be obtained via the communication unit 17C.

  Hereinafter, an example of a method for measuring each value and a method for storing measurement data will be described.

  The water level sensor 13B measures the water level in the lower container 19L. The main control unit 17MC determines whether or not the water level read from the water level sensor 13B is below a predetermined threshold value. When it is determined that the water level read from the water level sensor 13B is below the predetermined threshold, the main control unit 17MC notifies that the water level is below the predetermined threshold. As the notification means, the LED 15 may be used, or a separate notification component (for example, a buzzer) may be used. Further, the notification timing may be a timing when the communication unit 17C becomes valid or a timing when the operation button unit 14 is operated. Thereby, it is possible to avoid wasteful power consumption such as “notifying the lack of water level even though there is no person near the sensor device 11”. Note that, when it is determined that the water level read from the water level sensor 13B is below a predetermined threshold, the main control unit 17MC may stop the measurement of the water pressure by the water pressure sensor 13A. If accurate measurement cannot be performed because the measured water level is below a predetermined threshold, useless power consumption can be avoided by stopping the measurement of the water pressure sensor 13A.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the water level read from the water level sensor 13B is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the main control unit 17MC reads the water pressure value measured by the water pressure sensor 13A. The main control unit 17MC calculates the pressure in the lower accommodation space 19KL from the read water pressure value. Further, the main control unit 17MC stores the measured values and calculated values measured by the sensors 11A to 12B as measurement data in the storage unit 17R.

  Next, wireless communication between the sensor device 11 and the data collection terminal 21 will be described.

  When the operation button unit 14 of any sensor device 11 is operated, the operation button unit 14 outputs an operation signal SO to the main control unit 17MC. When the main control unit 17MC detects the operation signal SO, the main control unit 17MC outputs a first switching signal SW1 to the switching unit 17SW. When the switching unit 17SW detects the first switching signal SW1, the switching unit 17SW switches the communication unit 17C from the invalid state to the valid state. As a result, the data collection terminal 21 located within the communicable range R1 (see FIG. 1) of the sensor device 11 can communicate with the sensor device 11.

  The timer 17TM measures an elapsed time T from the timing when the communication unit 17C is switched from the invalid state to the valid state.

  The main control unit 17MC lights or blinks the LED 15 while the communication unit 17C is in an effective state. Thus, since the lighting or blinking of the LED 15 indicates that wireless communication is possible, the work of collecting the measurement data stored in the data collection terminal 21 to the sensor device 11 can be reliably performed.

  Further, when the elapsed time T is equal to the first threshold value T1 (for example, 30 seconds), the main control unit 17MC outputs the second switching signal SW2 to the switching unit 17SW, and turns on the LED 15 while the communication unit 17C is in an invalid state. Turn off the light. When the switching unit 17SW detects the second switching signal SW2, the switching unit 17SW switches the communication unit 17C from the valid state to the invalid state. Thereby, power consumption required for the communication unit 17C during standby can be suppressed.

  In addition, since the main control unit 17MC continuously detects the operation signal SO, when the wireless communication between the data collection terminal 21 and the sensor device 11 is necessary again, the operation of the operation button unit 14 is performed. Thus, this wireless communication can be performed again. The detection of the operation signal SO by the main control unit 17MC may be performed continuously or at predetermined intervals.

  When the main control unit 17MC detects the operation signal SO when the communication unit 17C is in the valid state, the timer 17TM measures “the elapsed time T from the timing when the operation signal SO is detected”. Also good. Thereby, the period during which the communication unit 17C is in the valid state can be extended by operating the operation button unit 14 while the communication unit 17C is in the valid state. When the communication unit 17C is in a valid state and there are a plurality of timings when the main control unit 17MC detects the operation signal, the timer 17TM determines that “the elapsed time T from the latest detection timing is measured”. Also good.

  The main control unit 17MC preferably turns on or blinks the LED 15 when the elapsed time T is less than or equal to the first threshold T1, and turns off the LED 15 when the elapsed time T is greater than the first threshold T1. The state of the communication unit 17C can be easily determined from the state of the LED 15.

Furthermore, after setting a second threshold T2 (for example, 10 seconds) smaller than the first threshold T1,
The main control unit 17MC turns on the LED 15 when the elapsed time T is less than or equal to the second threshold T2, and blinks the LED 15 when the elapsed time T is greater than the second threshold T2 and less than or equal to the first threshold T1. You may let them. Thereby, before the elapsed time T becomes the first threshold value T1, it is possible to give the user an opportunity to extend the period of the valid state of the communication unit 17C. As a result, it is possible to avoid reconnection of wireless communication. Can do. Therefore, the wireless communication between the data collection terminal 21 and the sensor device 11 can be continuously performed over a time longer than the preset first threshold value T1.

  Thus, in the sensor device 11, since the communication unit 17C is switched between valid and invalid by operating the operation button unit 14, the communication method between the sensor device 11 and the data collection terminal 21 is relatively consumed. Short distance communication with low power is sufficient. As a result, power saving of the sensor device 11 and the data collection system 2 can be achieved. In other words, the sensor device 11 smoothly collects measurement data even when the communicable ranges R1 (see FIG. 1) of the sensor devices 11 installed in the same measurement area do not overlap each other. Therefore, power saving can be achieved.

  By the way, such a sensor device 11 continuously measures a predetermined value and stores measurement data, and data collection by the data collection terminal 21 is often performed every six months to every other year. For this reason, once the sensor device 11 arranged in the measurement area is turned on, it cannot be maintained for a long period of time. Thus, moss often occurs in the sensor device 11 arranged in the measurement area, in particular, the portion exposed from the soil S, particularly the lower container 19L in which water is stored. If moss is generated, the water pressure in the lower container 19L cannot be measured correctly. Since the lower container 19L of the sensor device 11 is provided with a shielding film that blocks light from the outside to the inside, generation of moss in the lower container 19L can be suppressed.

  In the above embodiment, the condition for the main control unit 17MC to output the second switching signal SW2 to the switching unit 17SW is “when the elapsed time T is equal to the first threshold T1”, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, “when the communication unit 17C is in a valid state and the operation signal SO is detected from the operation button unit 14” may be used (see FIG. 5).

  The above-mentioned “wireless communication between the sensor device 11 and the data collection terminal 21” is performed independently of the aforementioned “measurement by the sensors 12A to 12B” and “storage of measurement data”. For example, the above-described “measurement by each sensor 12A to 12B” and “storage of measurement data” may be performed continuously or intermittently regardless of whether the communication unit 17C is in an invalid state or an effective state.

  When the sensor device 11 transmits the measurement data to the data collection mechanism 20, that fact may be stored in a memory in the sensor device 11. Then, by collating the measurement data stored in each sensor device 11 with the measurement data stored in the data storage server 30, it is possible to determine whether there is any omission in recovery of the measurement data.

  Since the configuration of the sensor device 12 is the same as that of the sensor device 11, the details thereof are omitted.

  Next, the measurement data collection method in the measurement area A2 will be described with respect to parts different from the measurement area A1, and the other parts will be omitted. The main control unit 17MC in the sensor device 12 activates the communication unit 17C to access the data storage server 30 every time a predetermined time elapses according to a program written in the internal memory, and also accesses a predetermined definition file. To get. In this definition file, measurement conditions for measuring each value are defined. The main control unit 17MC disables the communication unit 17C after obtaining a predetermined definition file. The main control unit 17MC reads measurement values from the sensors 12A to 12B based on the definition file and stores these values as measurement data. Further, the main control unit 17MC activates the communication unit 17C and transmits measurement data to the data collection terminal 22A every time a predetermined time elapses. Thereafter, the main control unit 17MC disables the communication unit 17C. The data collection terminal 22A transmits measurement data to the data storage server 30 via the gateway device 22B. Thus, the measurement data in the measurement area A2 is stored in the data storage server 30.

  In addition, when the sensor device 11 is installed in the measurement area A1, the sensor collection map data is created by associating the position information obtained from the GPS by the data collection terminal 21 and the identifier unique to the sensor device 11, and this sensor placement map. It is preferable to store the data in the data storage server 30. Thereby, when collecting measurement data from the sensor device 11 in the measurement area A1, the sensor device 11 can be quickly discovered by referring to the sensor arrangement map data and the current position information obtained from the GPS. .

Applied in the above embodiment, a description has been given of an example of applying the tensiometer as the sensor device 11 to 12, the present invention is not limited thereto, turbidity sensor, CO ₂ sensor, to a sensor such as an electrical conductivity sensor Soil Is possible.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even when it is necessary to continuously operate the sensors and the storage unit for a long period of time, as in measurement of environmental conditions, power saving can be achieved.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

2 Data collection system 10 Sensor mechanism 12A Water pressure sensor 12B Water level sensor 13 Operation button unit 14 LED
15 Antenna 17 Controller 17C Communication unit 17MC Main control unit 17R Storage unit 17SW Switching unit 17TM Timer 18 Power supply 19 Container 19U Upper container 19C Detachable member 19L Lower container 20 Data collection mechanism 30 Data storage server S Soil

Claims (14)

A detection unit for detecting a predetermined value;
A communication unit that outputs the value detected by the detection unit to an external device;
A switching unit that switches the communication unit between a valid state and an invalid state based on a predetermined control signal, and
The switching unit is
If the first control signal is not detected, the communication unit is kept in the invalid state,
A sensor device that switches the communication unit from the invalid state to the valid state when the first control signal is detected.   The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit switches the communication unit from the valid state to the invalid state when the second control signal is input.   The sensor device according to claim 2, wherein the switching unit switches the communication unit from the valid state to the invalid state when a predetermined period has elapsed.   4. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the first control signal is output when a predetermined period elapses. 5. An operation unit for operating the switching unit;
5. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the switching of the communication unit by the switching unit is performed on the condition that an operation of the operation unit is detected.   The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is capable of detecting the predetermined value when the communication unit is in the invalid state.   The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is capable of detecting the predetermined value when the communication unit is in the valid state. A housing for accommodating the communication unit;
Communication between the communication unit and the external device is performed by radio waves,
The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the casing is capable of transmitting the radio wave.   The sensor device according to claim 8, wherein the casing has a light shielding property to block external light outside the casing.   The sensor device according to claim 9, wherein water is contained in the housing.   The sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a state notification unit that notifies whether the communication unit is in the valid state or the invalid state. The state notification unit is housed in the housing,
When the communication unit is in the valid state, emit a notification light,
The sensor device according to claim 11, wherein the housing transmits the notification light.   The sensor device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the communication unit and the state notification unit are accommodated in a portion of the housing that is exposed from the ground surface and used. A sensor device according to claim 1;
A storage device for storing a value detected by the detection unit via the communication unit;
A data collection system characterized by comprising:

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