JP2015179913A - Communication adapter and communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To correspond to version upgrade of a communication standard.SOLUTION: A communication adapter, as one example, has: a communication section which can attach/detach a storage medium to store a connection interface for connecting with electrical equipment, a communication interface for connecting with a network in which communication is made in a predetermined communication standard, a version dependent program where processing corresponding to an optional version which is defined in a predetermined communication standard is performed, and attribute information of an electronic apparatus which is set using the version dependent program; and a control section which calls the version dependent program from the storage medium connected to the connection section and acquires the attribute information, when receiving an acquisition request of the attribute information of the electronic apparatus through the communication interface, from a communication device connected to the network, and transmits the attribute information to the communication device.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a communication adapter and a communication system.

  Conventionally, the ECHONET (registered trademark) standard has been proposed as a network for connecting homes and electrical devices. According to the ECHONET (registered trademark) standard, an air conditioner, a fuel cell, various sensors, and the like are converted into objects, and the state of these devices can be acquired by accessing the objects. Since the ECHONET standard is still being developed, the properties that can be referenced from the object may be changed.

  In the prior art, the object configuration information on the transmission side and the reception side is determined in consideration of the case where the version of the ECHONET standard differs between connected electrical devices (including a communication adapter for connecting an electronic device to a network). A technique has been proposed that enables communication only when they match. If the object configuration information is different, it is necessary to rewrite the program of one of the electronic devices so that they match.

JP 2005-184551 A

  However, it is often difficult to rewrite a program for upgrading the ECHONET standard in a communication adapter for connecting an electric device or an electronic device to a network.

  The communication adapter according to the embodiment includes, as an example, a connection interface for connecting to an electrical device, a communication interface for connecting to a network that performs communication according to a predetermined communication standard, and an arbitrary version defined by the predetermined communication standard. Communication from a communication unit connected to a network, a connection unit to which a storage medium for storing a version-dependent program that performs processing corresponding to the information, attribute information of an electronic device set using the version-dependent program, and a storage medium can be stored. A control unit that, when receiving an acquisition request for attribute information of an electrical device via an interface, calls the version-dependent program from a storage medium connected to the connection unit, acquires the attribute information, and transmits the attribute information to the communication device And comprising. Therefore, as an example, the version of a predetermined communication standard can be updated by attaching or detaching the storage medium, and thus the effect of facilitating the version update is achieved.

  In the communication adapter according to the embodiment, as an example, when the acquisition request is received, the control unit further dynamically links the version-dependent program so that the attribute information can be accessed, and receives the attribute information from the storage medium. After that, release the dynamic link of the version-dependent program. Therefore, as an example, since the storage medium is not always linked, there is an effect that the storage medium can be easily attached and detached, and the version can be easily updated.

  In the communication adapter according to the embodiment, as an example, the connection unit allows the storage medium to be exchanged while the electronic device is in operation. Therefore, as an example, since the storage medium can be exchanged without stopping the electronic device, there is an effect that the version can be easily updated.

  In the communication adapter according to the embodiment, as an example, a predetermined communication standard for connecting to a network via a communication interface is the ECHONET standard. Therefore, as an example, when the version of the ECHONET standard is changed, there is an effect that it is easy to make the electronic device compatible.

  Further, in the communication adapter of the embodiment, as an example, the communication interface is for connecting a fuel cell as an electronic device to a network, and the connection unit acquires the status of the fuel cell as attribute information acquired from the fuel cell. It is possible to connect a storage medium that stores measurement values obtained by measuring. Therefore, as an example, there is an effect that even a fuel cell that needs to be operated at all times can be adapted to a communication standard version without being stopped.

  In the communication system of the embodiment, as an example, a communication system including a communication adapter and a storage medium, the storage medium performing a process corresponding to an arbitrary version defined by a predetermined communication standard Dependent programs and attribute information of electronic devices set using version-dependent programs are stored, and the communication adapter is connected to a connection interface for connecting to electrical devices and to a network for communication according to a predetermined communication standard Connected to the connection unit when receiving a request for acquiring the attribute information of the electrical equipment from the communication device connected to the network via the communication interface, the connection unit to which the storage medium can be attached and detached, and the communication device connected to the network. Call the version-dependent program from the storage medium to acquire the attribute information, and pass the attribute information. And a control unit which transmits device. Therefore, as an example, the version of a predetermined communication standard can be updated by attaching or detaching the storage medium, and thus the effect of facilitating the version update is achieved.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration example of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a program configuration example of the communication adapter according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a list of properties held by the device object of the fuel cell according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a list of properties held by the storage battery device object connected to the network according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a list of properties held by a photovoltaic power generation device object connected to the network of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of property transmission processing in the communication adapter according to the embodiment.

  In the following embodiment, an example of a communication adapter for connecting a fuel cell to a network will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration example of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, a communication adapter 100 is provided to connect the fuel cell 150 to an ECHONET (registered trademark) standard network 180. Information can be transmitted and received between the communication adapter 100 and the information processing apparatus 160 via the ECHONET standard network 180.

  The fuel cell 150 according to the present embodiment is an example that outputs data representing the current situation but does not support the ECHONET standard. The communication adapter 100 is an adapter that can be connected to the fuel cell 150 and corresponds to the ECHONET standard. The communication adapter 100 acquires and manages data representing the state of the fuel cell 150 output from the fuel cell 150. And the communication adapter 100 can provide the information regarding the fuel cell 150 to the other communication terminal (for example, information processing apparatus 160) via the network 180 of the ECHONET standard.

  In the present embodiment, the case of the communication adapter 100 for connecting the fuel cell 150 to the ECHONET standard network will be described. However, the connection target of the communication adapter is not limited to the fuel cell. , Electrical equipment that does not comply with the ECHONET standard (for example, an air conditioner, lighting, a water heater, a solar power generation system, a storage battery, a smart watt hour meter) may be used. In other words, by using the communication adapter, it is possible to connect an electrical device that does not comply with the ECHONET standard to the ECHONET standard network and to exchange information based on the ECHONET standard.

  Thereby, even if the fuel cell 150 does not correspond to the ECHONET standard, the status of the fuel cell 150 can be grasped from a communication device (for example, the information processing apparatus 160) compatible with the ECHONET standard.

  By the way, the ECHONET standard is currently in a transition period of preparation of the standard, so version upgrades are frequently performed. In order to cope with the new version upgrade, it is necessary to update the program and device object of the electric device or communication adapter corresponding to the ECHONET standard. The device object is an object that holds various attribute information (hereinafter also referred to as properties) of an electronic device connected to an ECHONET standard network.

  In addition, in the version upgrade, there are cases where addition of device object properties, integration, etc. are performed. By the way, when the status of an electrical device connected to an ECHNET standard network is acquired from a communication device such as a PC, a property indicating the status is specified, and the property is transmitted and received. For this reason, it is preferable that the versions of the ECHONET standards are the same so that the properties held by the device object are the same between the transmission side and the reception side.

  However, since there are many electrical devices that are connected to the network according to the ECHONET standard, such as the fuel cell 150, they are not frequently replaced, and there is a possibility that the version of the ECHONET standard is different among the connected electronic devices. .

  As described above, there is a desire to support a new version after producing and selling a communication adapter, and further to use it as a communication adapter connected to another device. Conventionally, it has been possible to meet these demands by updating the communication adapter program.

  In recent years, there is a technology for updating firmware such as television via the Internet. However, the ECHONET standard is a standard for recognizing the operation and situation of electric equipment, and such updating is not considered. . Further, there are electrical devices such as the fuel cell 150 that are placed outside the house. Although these electrical devices can be connected to an ECHONET standard network, they are often not connected to the Internet, and it is difficult to automatically upgrade via the Internet.

  Furthermore, it is not desirable to stop the communication adapter for the electric device (for example, the fuel cell 150) for the upgrade of the ECHONET standard because the electronic device that is always operating is to be continuously monitored. . Therefore, in this embodiment, the communication adapter 100 that can easily upgrade the ECHONET standard without stopping is provided.

  The communication adapter 100 includes a connection I / F 101, a control unit 102, a storage medium interface unit 103, and a communication I / F 104.

  The connection I / F 101 is an interface for connecting to the fuel cell 150. Any communication standard may be used as long as it can communicate with the fuel cell 150 to be connected.

  The communication I / F 104 is an interface for connecting to a network that performs communication according to the ECHONET standard.

  The control unit 102 is configured by a CPU (not shown) executing various programs in a built-in memory (not shown), and includes at least a communication processing unit 121. Further, the control unit 102 can control the entire communication adapter 100 by executing various programs when the communication adapter 100 is activated.

  The communication processing unit 121 performs communication processing with the fuel cell 150 connected via the connection I / F 101 and between the communication device (for example, the information processing device 160) connected via the network 180. Communication processing is performed at

  The communication processing unit 121 performs communication processing using a communication standard that the fuel cell 150 can recognize when performing communication processing with the fuel cell 150. Further, the communication processing unit 121 performs communication processing based on the ECHONET standard when performing communication processing with a communication device (for example, the information processing device 160) connected via the network 180.

  The control unit 102 of the present embodiment performs processing independent of the version of the ECHONET standard such as communication processing, and performs processing dependent on the version by accessing the external storage medium 105.

  The storage medium interface unit 103 is an interface in which the external storage medium 105 is detachable, and is an interface that enables data transmission / reception with the external storage medium 105 when the external storage medium 105 is connected. .

  The external storage medium 105 stores a device object storage area 111, a standard version dependent unit 112, and an interface unit 113. In this embodiment, it is conceivable to use an SD card as the external storage medium 105. However, the present invention is not limited to the SD card, and may be any removable storage medium such as a USB memory.

  In addition, the external storage medium 105 stores a program necessary for performing processing depending on an arbitrary version of the ECHONET standard for the fuel cell 150, and a device object. In the present embodiment, a standard version dependent unit 112 is provided as a program (library) necessary for performing processing depending on a predetermined version of the ECHONET standard. Furthermore, the device object corresponding to the arbitrary version can be stored in the device object storage area 111.

  In other words, in the communication adapter 100 of the present embodiment, processing dependent on the version of the ECHONET standard is performed in the external storage medium 105. Since the controller 102 of the communication adapter 100 does not include a version-dependent configuration, it can be realized by exchanging the external storage medium 105 when performing version update according to the ECHONET standard.

  The interface unit 113 is an interface unit that defines an access format for access from the control unit 102 via the storage medium interface unit 103. As the access format, for example, setting / operation (SET), acquisition (GET), and notification (ANNOUNCE) with respect to the properties held by the device object can be considered.

  The standard version dependent unit 112 is a library composed of functions for performing processing depending on the version of the ECHONET standard set in the external storage medium 105. For example, in response to a request from the control unit 102, the standard version dependency unit 112 sets / operates (SET), acquires (GET), and notifies (ANNOUNCE) various properties held in the device object corresponding to the version. ) Is held.

  The device object storage area 111 stores device objects having the current status of the device. Device objects to be stored include not only the fuel cell 150 but also electric devices related to the fuel cell 150.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a program configuration example of the communication adapter 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication adapter 100 includes an OS 211 and a common processing unit 212 in the control unit 102, and an interface unit 113, a standard version dependency unit 112, and an external storage medium 105. It is set as the structure provided with.

  As described above, as the program configuration of this embodiment, a configuration (communication processing unit 121 and common processing unit 212) that does not depend on the version of the ECHONET standard is stored in the internal memory of the communication adapter 100, and a configuration that depends on the version (standard). The version dependent unit 112) is stored in the external storage medium 105. Then, the interface unit 113 defines an access format for accessing the standard version. Thus, the standard version dependent unit 112 performs processing according to the request by the common processing unit 212 making a request according to the access format.

  The OS 211 is an operating system installed to control the entire communication adapter 100. As the OS 211 of this embodiment, an operation system that can use a dynamic link (for example, LINUX (registered trademark)) is used.

  The common processing unit 212 executes a process independent of the version among the processes corresponding to the ECHONET standard. For example, when the common processing unit 212 receives data representing the current situation from the fuel cell 150, the common processing unit 212 calls the standard version dependent unit 112 from the external storage medium 105. Then, the standard version dependent unit 112 sets (SET) the current state of the fuel cell 150 as a property of the own device object 221.

  As another example, when the common processing unit 212 receives an acquisition request for the property of the fuel cell 150 from a communication device (for example, the information processing device 160) connected to the network 180, the standard version is read from the external storage medium 105. Call the dependency unit 112. Then, the common processing unit 212 acquires (GET) the property of the own device object 221 from the standard version dependency unit 112 and transmits the property to the communication device via the communication processing unit 121.

  By the way, in this embodiment, the external storage medium 105 is not always linked, but is dynamically linked when access is required.

  For example, when the common processing unit 212 of the present embodiment receives data representing the current situation from the fuel cell 150 or receives a property acquisition request, the common processing unit 212 operates the standard version dependency unit 112 of the external storage medium 105. Link. Then, the common processing unit 212 releases the dynamic link after setting the data representing the current situation from the fuel cell 150 as a property or after receiving the property.

  The common processing unit 212 according to the present embodiment acquires an interface name list stored in the OS 211 when dynamically linking to the external storage medium 105. In the interface name list, an interface name and a path of the interface are defined. Therefore, the common processing unit 212 acquires the path of the external storage medium 105. In this embodiment, a library (for example, standard version dependent unit 112) stored in the external storage medium 105 is set as an interface.

  Then, the common processing unit 212 uses the path of the library stored in the external storage medium 105 (in other words, the path where the standard version dependency unit 112 for accessing the device object or the like is stored) as an argument. Execute the dlopen function. The dlopen function loads a dynamic library (standard version dependent unit 112) for using the external storage medium 105, and returns a handle for accessing the dynamic library. The common processing unit 212 can call a dynamic library (standard version dependent unit 112) for using the external storage medium 105 from the handle.

  Then, the common processing unit 212 of the present embodiment executes the dlsym function of the OS 211 using the handle as an argument in order to obtain a pointer of the function included in the dynamic library. As a result, the functions included in the dynamically loaded library can be used. In this embodiment, access to the properties of the device object (setting, acquisition, etc.) is performed by using a function included in the dynamically loaded library in accordance with the access format determined by the interface unit 113. Can be realized.

  When the access to the external storage medium 105 is completed, the dynamic library is unloaded by executing the dlclose function.

  In the communication adapter 100 of the present embodiment, the library stored in the external storage medium 105 is dynamically loaded / unloaded as necessary.

  In the communication adapter 100 of the present embodiment, the library (standard version dependent unit 112) of the external storage medium 105 is loaded as necessary. For this reason, normally, the library (standard version dependency unit 112) of the external storage medium 105 is not loaded. That is, in the communication adapter 100 of this embodiment, since the library (standard version dependent unit 112) of the external storage medium 105 is not normally loaded, at least one of the fuel cell 150 and the communication adapter 100 is in operation. Whether or not the external storage medium 105 can be replaced.

  For example, when the version of the ECHONET standard of the information processing apparatus 160 is upgraded, the user can exchange the external storage medium 105 connected to the communication adapter 100 while the communication adapter 100 and the fuel cell 150 are in operation. Thus, the communication adapter 100 and the fuel cell 150 can be matched with the ECHONET standard versions of the communication adapter 100 and the information processing apparatus 160 without stopping.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even the communication adapter 100 of an electronic device that is difficult to stop, such as the fuel cell 150, can easily realize version upgrade of the ECHONET standard.

  The device object storage area 111 stores the own device object 221 that holds the property (attribute information) of the own device (fuel cell 150) and the other device object 222 that holds the property (attribute information) of the other device. doing.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a list of properties held by the own device object 221 of the fuel cell 150 according to this embodiment. In the example of the own device object 221 shown in FIG. 3, the property name, the property code, and the value are stored in association with each other. The example shown in FIG. 3 is a property list in the fuel cell class of class group code “0x02” and class code “0x7C” in the ECHONET standard. In the communication adapter 100 according to the present embodiment, when a designation request is received from the information processing apparatus 160 or the like, the property code is also received, so it is possible to specify which property value should be transmitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a measured value obtained by measuring the state of the fuel cell 150 is stored as a property (attribute information) value acquired from the fuel cell 150. The values of these properties (attribute information) are measured values transmitted from the fuel cell 150.

  In addition, the device object storage area 111 of this embodiment stores not only the own device object 221 but also other device objects 222 that hold properties (attribute information) of other electric devices related to the own device (fuel cell 150). doing. This may cause the fuel cell 150 to be aware of the current status of other associated electrical equipment. In order to respond to such a request for acquiring the current status of the related electrical device from the fuel cell 150, the communication adapter 100 of the present embodiment stores the other device object 222.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a list of properties held by the storage battery device object connected to the network 180 according to the present embodiment. In the example of the device object shown in FIG. 4, property names, property codes, and values are stored in association with each other. The example shown in FIG. 4 is a property list in the storage battery class of class group code “0x02” and class code “0x7D” in the ECHONET standard. In addition, the value which each common property part 212 acquired from the storage battery via the communication process part 121 is stored in the value of each property.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a list of properties held by a photovoltaic power generation device object connected to the network 180 of the present embodiment. In the example of the device object shown in FIG. 5, property names, property codes, and values are stored in association with each other. The example shown in FIG. 5 is a property list in the solar power generation class of class group code “0x02” and class code “0x79” in the ECHONET standard. In addition, the value which each common property part 212 acquired from the storage battery via the communication process part 121 is stored in the value of each property.

  The values of the properties (attribute information) related to the storage battery and solar power generation shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are the same as those for the common processing unit 212 when the standard version dependent unit 112 is dynamically loaded. By making an acquisition request for power generation properties, the stored value is obtained. Thereby, since the fuel cell 150 can grasp | ascertain the condition of the other installation which supplies electric power, it can estimate the electric energy which should be supplied.

  Next, property transmission processing in the communication adapter 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the above-described processing in the communication adapter 100 of the present embodiment.

  First, the communication processing unit 121 receives a property acquisition request included in the own device object 221 of the fuel cell 150 from the information processing apparatus 160 via the communication I / F 104 (step S601).

  The common processing unit 212 acquires an interface name list from the OS 211 (step S602). Then, the common processing unit 212 reads the path in which the library (standard version dependent unit 112) of the external storage medium 105 is stored from the acquired interface name list (step S603).

  Then, the common processing unit 212 executes the dlopen function on the OS 211 using the read path as an argument, and dynamically loads the library (standard version dependent unit 112) stored in the external storage medium 105 (step) S604).

  The common processing unit 212 determines whether or not a handle has been acquired as an execution result of the dlopen function (step S605). When it determines with not acquiring (step S605: No), it transfers to step S611 on the assumption that the error has arisen.

  On the other hand, when the common processing unit 212 determines that the handle has been acquired (step S605: Yes), the dlsym function is executed with the handle as an argument and is included in the loaded library (standard version dependent unit 112) (property A function pointer is acquired (step S606).

  Further, the common processing unit 212 executes the dlerror function (step S607). Then, the common processing unit 212 confirms from the execution result of the dlerror function whether or not an error has occurred during the current process (step S608). When it determines with the error having generate | occur | produced (step S608: Yes), a process is complete | finished and it changes to step S611.

  If it is determined that no error has occurred (step S608: No), the common processing unit 212 uses the pointer acquired in step S606 to execute the function of the loaded library (standard version dependent unit 112) ( Step S609). In the processing procedure illustrated in FIG. 6, it is assumed that a function for obtaining the property value of the device object is called. At this time, it is assumed that the access format defined by the interface unit 113 is followed.

  The common processing unit 212 acquires the property value of the device object as an execution result (step S610). Then, the common processing unit 212 calls the dlclose function and unloads the library (standard version dependent unit 112) loaded in step S604 (step S611).

  Thereafter, the common processing unit 212 transmits the acquisition result of the property included in the device object to the information processing device 160 via the communication processing unit 121 (step S612). If the acquisition result can be appropriately acquired, the acquisition result is a property value. If the acquisition result cannot be acquired, the acquisition result is a notification that an error has occurred.

  In this embodiment, the example of the communication adapter of the fuel cell has been described. However, the communication adapter of the air conditioning facility may be applied. As a result, the version of the ECHONET standard can be updated almost simultaneously between the communication adapter of the air conditioning facility and the communication device. Thereby, the merit that the temperature which can be set spreads from the update of a version can be enjoyed.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the ECHONET standard is used as a communication standard for connecting between electrical devices has been described. However, the present embodiment is not limited to the case where the ECHONET standard is used, and other communication standards are used. You may apply to.

  In this embodiment, by storing the configuration depending on the version of the ECHONET standard in the external storage medium 105, the latest version is stored with respect to the inventory when the communication adapter 100 is sold together with the fuel cell 150. The communication adapter 100 in which the latest version is always stored can be provided to consumers by exchanging with the external storage medium 105 and shipping.

  Conventionally, when updating to the latest version, update control of a program stored in a ROM or the like has been performed. In this case, it is necessary to perform update control after connecting another communication device that performs update control to the communication adapter. However, in the present embodiment, it is only necessary to replace the external storage medium, so that the burden at the time of rewriting the program can be reduced.

  In the communication adapter 100 according to the present embodiment, the configuration that does not depend on the version and the configuration that depends on the version are separated. Therefore, when the version is updated, only the configuration that depends on the version needs to be developed. Development burden can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in the communication adapter 100 according to the present embodiment, the version-dependent configuration can be stored in the external storage medium so that the version can be updated by replacing the external storage medium, so that the update burden can be reduced. For example, it is possible to suppress the necessity of rewriting the program on site by the manufacturer staff. Further, since the program can be easily downloaded to the external storage medium, the burden of further updating can be reduced.

  Further, in the communication adapter 100 of the present embodiment, the program in the external storage medium 105 can be downloaded and replaced by the user's hand after production or after sales, thereby reducing the update burden.

  In the communication adapter 100 of the present embodiment, the external storage medium 105 can be easily replaced because it is not necessary to always link by using the dynamic link function so that it is accessed as necessary. Thus, the update burden can be reduced. In addition, when upgrading the version, it is not necessary to stop the communication adapter 100 or the connected electrical device (fuel cell 150), so the burden at the time of replacement can be reduced.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Communication adapter, 101 ... Connection I / F, 102 ... Control part, 103 ... Storage medium interface part, 104 ... Communication I / F, 105 ... External storage medium, 111 ... Device object storage area, 112 ... Standard version dependence 113: Interface unit, 121: Communication processing unit, 150 ... Fuel cell, 160 ... Information processing device, 180 ... Network, 211 ... OS, 212 ... Common processing unit, 221 ... Own device object, 222 ... Other device object

Claims (6)

A connection interface for connecting to electrical equipment;
A communication interface for connecting to a network that performs communication according to a predetermined communication standard;
A storage medium for storing a version-dependent program that performs processing corresponding to an arbitrary version defined by the predetermined communication standard and the attribute information of the electronic device set by using the version-dependent program is removable. A connection,
When receiving the attribute information acquisition request of the electrical device from the communication device connected to the network via the communication interface, the version-dependent program is called from the storage medium connected to the connection unit. A controller that acquires the attribute information and transmits the attribute information to the communication device;
Communication adapter comprising. The control unit further performs dynamic linking of the version-dependent program so that the attribute information can be accessed when the acquisition request is received, and after receiving the attribute information from the storage medium, the version-dependent program Unlink the program dynamically,
The communication adapter according to claim 1. The connection unit is configured to be exchangeable with the storage medium during operation of the electronic device.
The communication adapter according to claim 1 or 2. The predetermined communication standard is an ECHONET (registered trademark) standard.
The communication adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The communication interface is for connecting a fuel cell as the electronic device to the network;
The connection unit is connectable to the storage medium storing the measurement value obtained by measuring the state of the fuel cell as the attribute information acquired from the fuel cell.
The communication adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A communication system including a communication adapter and a storage medium,
The storage medium stores a version-dependent program that performs processing corresponding to an arbitrary version defined by a predetermined communication standard, and attribute information of the electronic device set using the version-dependent program,
The communication adapter is
A connection interface for connecting to electrical equipment;
A communication interface for connecting to a network that performs communication according to a predetermined communication standard;
A connection part to which the storage medium is detachable;
When receiving the attribute information acquisition request of the electrical device from the communication device connected to the network via the communication interface, the version-dependent program is called from the storage medium connected to the connection unit. A controller that acquires the attribute information and transmits the attribute information to the communication device;
Comprising
Communications system.

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