JP2017092854A - Power information acquisition device, power information communication equipment, power information communication system, and communication control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power information acquisition device, power information communication equipment, a power information communication system and a communication control method capable of quickly establishing communication connection between a slave unit and a master unit.SOLUTION: A power information acquisition device for acquiring power information includes a communication part for communicating with a master device as a transmission destination of the power information. The communication part can communicate with the master device via the other power information acquisition device. The power information acquisition device includes a search part for searching the master device or the other power information acquisition device which should be a direct transmission/reception destination of a communication signal by the communication part. The search part broadcasts information for search including identification information of a network corresponding to the master device via the communication part, and the communication part receives response information corresponding to the information for search, and establishes communication connection between the master device or the other power information acquisition device as a transmission source of the response information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a power information acquisition device, a power information communication device, a power information communication system, and a communication control method, and more particularly to a power information acquisition device, a power information communication device, a power information communication system, and a communication control method for transmitting power information. .

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a power information communication system has been developed that measures the amount of power consumed at home and at the workplace and transmits it to a server such as an electric power company for the purpose of power saving. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-67557) discloses the following technique.

  That is, a communication route construction method constructs a communication route between a parent communication terminal and a child communication terminal in a communication network including a parent communication terminal and a plurality of child communication terminals, and the communication terminal A communication quality notification step of transmitting a notification communication packet including communication quality information indicating communication quality in a communication route between the own communication terminal and the parent communication terminal to the communication network by broadcast communication; and communication of the child When the terminal receives the notification communication packet, the communication quality from the communication terminal of the transmission source that has transmitted the notification communication packet to the communication terminal is acquired, and the transmission source that has transmitted the notification communication packet from the communication terminal A communication quality acquisition step of acquiring communication quality to the other communication terminal, and a child communication terminal receiving the notification communication packet in the communication quality acquisition step. The communication quality between the parent communication terminal and the own communication terminal is calculated based on the two-way communication quality and the communication quality information included in the received notification communication packet. A communication route construction step of constructing a communication route between the parent communication terminal and the own communication terminal only when the communication quality satisfies a predetermined condition.

JP 2006-67557 A

G3-PLC (Registered Trademark) Alliance, “Narrowband OFDM PLC specifications for G3-PLC networks”, G3-PLC Alliance, October 2014 IEEE Computer Society, "Standard for Information technology-Telecommunications and information exchange between systems-Local and metropolitan area networks-Specific requirements Part 15.4: Wireless Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications for Low-Rate Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs) ", IEEE Std 802.15.4 (R) -200 (Revision of IEEE Std 802.15.4-2003), IEEE, 9 May 8, 2006

  In a communication system including a parent device and a child device such as a communication network described in Patent Document 1, when the child device attempts to establish a communication connection with the parent device by participating in the communication network, the child device is, for example, a communication network. Broadcast a request to join. At this time, if each device in the communication network transmits a message in response to the participation request, traffic in the communication network increases, and it may take a long time for the slave unit to establish a communication connection with the master unit. .

  This invention was made in order to solve the above-mentioned subject, The objective is the power information acquisition apparatus, power information communication apparatus, power which can establish the communication connection between a subunit | mobile_unit and a main | base station rapidly. An information communication system and a communication control method are provided.

  (1) In order to solve the above problem, a power information acquisition device according to an aspect of the present invention is a power information acquisition device that acquires power information, and communicates with a parent device that is a transmission destination of the power information. A communication unit, the communication unit can communicate with the parent device via another power information acquisition device, and the power information acquisition device further includes a direct transmission / reception destination of a communication signal by the communication unit. A search unit that searches for the parent device or other power information acquisition device to be broadcast, and the search unit broadcasts search information including identification information of a network corresponding to the parent device via the communication unit; The communication unit receives response information for the search information, and establishes a communication connection with the parent device or the other power information acquisition device that is the transmission source of the response information.

  (2) In order to solve the above problem, a power information communication device according to an aspect of the present invention is a power information communication device, and includes a communication unit that communicates with a power information acquisition device that is a transmission source of power information. The communication unit is search information for searching for a device that the power information acquisition device should directly transmit and receive a communication signal, and corresponds to the power information communication device that is a transmission destination of the power information Receiving the search information broadcast by the power information acquisition device, and the power information communication device further includes the identification included in the search information received by the communication unit A confirmation unit that confirms whether or not the information matches the identification information of the network corresponding to the power information communication device of the device; If serial identification information that has been confirmed to match, transmits the response information corresponding to the retrieval information to the power information acquisition device.

  (3) In order to solve the above-described problem, a power information acquisition apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is a Beacon Request Command according to the G3-PLC standard, and a PAN_ID (IDentifier) in a Destination PAN (Personal Area Network) field A creation unit that creates a Beacon Request Command in which is inserted, and a communication unit that broadcasts the Beacon Request Command created by the creation unit.

  (4) In order to solve the above problem, a power information communication system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of power information acquisition devices that acquire power information, and a power information communication device that is a transmission destination of the power information. The power information acquisition device is capable of communicating with the power information communication device via another power information acquisition device, and the power information acquisition device is a device to be a direct transmission / reception destination of a communication signal. The search information for searching, the search information including the identification information of the network corresponding to the power information communication device is broadcast, and the power information communication device or the other power information acquisition device is configured to transmit the power information. When the search information is received from the acquisition device, the identification information included in the search information corresponds to the power information communication device of the self or the other power information acquisition device. The power information communication device or the other power information acquisition device responds to the search information when it confirms that the identification information matches. Response information is transmitted to the power information acquisition apparatus.

  (5) In order to solve the above-described problem, a communication control method according to an aspect of the present invention is a communication control method in a power information acquisition device, and the power information acquisition device includes other power information acquisition devices. And searching for the parent device or other power information acquisition device that can communicate with the parent device as a transmission destination of power information and should be a direct transmission / reception destination of a communication signal. Alternatively, in the step of searching for the other power information acquisition device, the search information including identification information of a network corresponding to the parent device is broadcast, and the communication control method further includes response information for the search information. Receiving and establishing a communication connection with the parent device or the other power information acquisition device that is the transmission source of the response information.

  (6) In order to solve the above-described problem, a communication control method according to another aspect of the present invention is a communication control method in a power information communication device, and the power information acquisition device is a direct transmission / reception destination of a communication signal. Search information for searching for a power device, which includes network identification information corresponding to the power information communication device that is the transmission destination of the power information, and that is broadcast by the power information acquisition device , A step of confirming whether or not the identification information included in the received information for search matches the identification information of the network corresponding to the power information communication device of itself, and each of the identification information When the information matches, the response information corresponding to the search information is transmitted to the power information acquisition device.

  (7) In order to solve the above problem, a communication control method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of power information acquisition devices that acquire power information, and a power information communication device that is a transmission destination of the power information. A communication control method in a power information communication system comprising: the power information acquisition device capable of communicating with the power information communication device via another power information acquisition device, wherein the power information acquisition device communicates with the power information communication device. Broadcasting search information for searching for a device to be a direct transmission / reception destination of a signal, including identification information of a network corresponding to the power information communication device; and the power information communication device Alternatively, when the other power information acquisition device receives the search information from the power information acquisition device, the identification information included in the search information is A step of confirming whether or not the power information communication device or the other power information acquisition device matches the network identification information, and the power information communication device or the other power information acquisition device each of the identification information When the information matches, the response information corresponding to the search information is transmitted to the power information acquisition device.

  The present invention can be realized not only as a power information acquisition device including such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of the power information acquisition device. It can be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute various processing steps.

  Further, the present invention can be realized not only as a power information communication device including such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of the power information communication device. It can be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute characteristic processing steps.

  The present invention can be realized not only as a power information communication system including such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of the power information communication system.

  According to the present invention, a communication connection between a child device and a parent device can be quickly established.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a power information communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of each device and wiring state in the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a network topology in the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a MAC frame used in the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a comparative example of a sequence for establishing a communication connection in the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a communication connection establishment sequence in the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an exemplary sequence of establishing a communication connection in the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a power information acquisition apparatus in the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a power information communication device in the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the contents of the embodiment of the present invention will be listed and described.

  (1) A power information acquisition device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a power information acquisition device that acquires power information, and includes a communication unit that communicates with a parent device that is a transmission destination of the power information. Can communicate with the parent device via the other power information acquisition device, and the power information acquisition device can further be a direct transmission / reception destination of a communication signal by the communication unit or the other A search unit for searching for the power information acquisition device, wherein the search unit broadcasts search information including identification information of a network corresponding to the parent device via the communication unit, and the communication unit includes the search unit. Response information for the service information is received, and a communication connection is established with the parent device or the other power information acquisition device that is the transmission source of the response information.

  With such a configuration, the parent device can determine whether or not to transmit response information based on the identification information included in the received search information, so response information that does not contribute to establishment of a communication connection can be determined. It is possible to avoid the transmission. Also in the power information acquisition device, it is possible to avoid receiving and processing response information that does not contribute to establishment of a communication connection. That is, since it is possible to avoid the processing in each device and the generation of communication traffic between the devices that do not contribute to the establishment of the communication connection, the time required for establishing the communication connection between the power information acquisition device and the parent device can be shortened. can do. Therefore, the communication connection between the child device and the parent device can be quickly established.

  (2) A power information communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a power information communication device, and includes a communication unit that communicates with a power information acquisition device that is a transmission source of power information, and the communication unit includes the communication unit Information for searching for a power information acquisition device to search for a device that should be a direct transmission / reception destination of communication signals, including identification information of a network corresponding to the power information communication device that is a transmission destination of the power information And the search information broadcasted by the power information acquisition device is received, and the power information communication device further includes the identification information included in the search information received by the communication unit. A confirmation unit that confirms whether or not the identification information of the network corresponding to the information communication device matches, and the communication unit may match the identification information by the confirmation unit. If it is certified, and transmits the response information corresponding to the retrieval information to the power information acquisition device.

  In this way, when the power information communication device matches the identification information included in the received search information and the network identification information corresponding to the power information communication device, response information that contributes to establishment of a communication connection is obtained. Since it is possible to avoid sending response information that does not contribute to establishment of the communication connection, the power information acquisition device receives and processes response information that does not contribute to establishment of the communication connection. Can be avoided. That is, since it is possible to avoid the processing in each device and the occurrence of communication traffic between the devices that do not contribute to the establishment of the communication connection, the time required for establishing the communication connection between the power information acquisition device and the power information communication device is reduced. It can be made shorter. Therefore, the communication connection between the child device and the parent device can be quickly established.

  (3) The power information acquisition apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is a Beacon Request Command according to the G3-PLC standard, and creates a Beacon Request Command in which a PAN_ID (IDentifier) is inserted in a Destination PAN (Personal Area Network) field. And a communication unit that broadcasts the Beacon Request Command created by the creation unit.

  With this configuration, the device on the receiving side of the Beacon Request Command can determine whether or not to transmit response information, for example, a response to the Beacon Request Command, based on the PAN_ID included in the received Beacon Request Command. Therefore, it is possible to avoid sending response information that does not contribute to establishment of a communication connection. Also in the power information acquisition device, it is possible to avoid receiving and processing response information that does not contribute to establishment of a communication connection. That is, since it is possible to avoid the processing in each device and the occurrence of communication traffic between the devices that do not contribute to establishment of the communication connection, the power information acquisition device and the receiving device between the power information acquisition device and the receiving side device can be avoided while satisfying the G3-PLC standard. The time required for establishing a communication connection can be further shortened. Therefore, the communication connection between the child device and the parent device can be quickly established.

  (4) A power information communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of power information acquisition devices that acquire power information, and a power information communication device that is a transmission destination of the power information, and the power information acquisition The apparatus is communicable with the power information communication apparatus via the other power information acquisition apparatus, and the power information acquisition apparatus searches for information to be used as a direct transmission / reception destination of communication signals. The search information including the identification information of the network corresponding to the power information communication device is broadcast, and the power information communication device or another power information acquisition device receives the search information from the power information acquisition device. And the identification information included in the search information includes network identification information corresponding to the power information communication device or the other power information acquisition device. When the power information communication device or the other power information acquisition device confirms that the identification information matches, the power information communication device or the other power information acquisition device displays response information corresponding to the search information as the power information. Send to acquisition device.

  In this way, when the power information communication device matches the identification information included in the received search information and the network identification information corresponding to the power information communication device, response information that contributes to establishment of a communication connection is obtained. Since it is possible to avoid sending response information that does not contribute to establishment of the communication connection, the power information acquisition device receives and processes response information that does not contribute to establishment of the communication connection. Can be avoided. That is, since it is possible to avoid the occurrence of each processing and communication traffic in the power information communication system that does not contribute to the establishment of the communication connection, more time is required to establish the communication connection between the power information acquisition device and the power information communication device. Can be shortened. Therefore, the communication connection between the child device and the parent device can be quickly established.

  (5) A communication control method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a communication control method in a power information acquisition device, wherein the power information acquisition device transmits power information via another power information acquisition device. A step of searching for the parent device or other power information acquisition device that is capable of communicating with the previous parent device and is a direct transmission / reception destination of a communication signal, the parent device or the other power information acquisition In the device searching step, the search information including the identification information of the network corresponding to the parent device is broadcast, and the communication control method further receives response information for the search information, and receives the response information. Establishing a communication connection with the parent device or the other power information acquisition device of the transmission source of

  With such a configuration, the parent device can determine whether or not to transmit response information based on the identification information included in the received search information, so response information that does not contribute to establishment of a communication connection can be determined. It is possible to avoid the transmission. Also in the power information acquisition device, it is possible to avoid receiving and processing response information that does not contribute to establishment of a communication connection. That is, since it is possible to avoid the processing in each device and the generation of communication traffic between the devices that do not contribute to the establishment of the communication connection, the time required for establishing the communication connection between the power information acquisition device and the parent device can be shortened. can do. Therefore, the communication connection between the child device and the parent device can be quickly established.

  (6) A communication control method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a communication control method in a power information communication device, and a search for searching for a device that the power information acquisition device should directly transmit / receive a communication signal to. Receiving the search information including the network identification information corresponding to the power information communication device that is the transmission destination of the power information and broadcast by the power information acquisition device. When the identification information included in the search information confirms whether or not the identification information of the network corresponding to the power information communication apparatus of the self matches the identification information. And transmitting response information corresponding to the search information to the power information acquisition apparatus.

  In this way, when the power information communication device matches the identification information included in the received search information and the network identification information corresponding to the power information communication device, response information that contributes to establishment of a communication connection is obtained. Since it is possible to avoid sending response information that does not contribute to establishment of the communication connection, the power information acquisition device receives and processes response information that does not contribute to establishment of the communication connection. Can be avoided. That is, since it is possible to avoid the processing in each device and the occurrence of communication traffic between the devices that do not contribute to the establishment of the communication connection, the time required for establishing the communication connection between the power information acquisition device and the power information communication device is reduced. It can be made shorter. Therefore, the communication connection between the child device and the parent device can be quickly established.

  (7) A communication control method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication in a power information communication system including a plurality of power information acquisition devices that acquire power information and a power information communication device that is a transmission destination of the power information. The power information acquisition device can communicate with the power information communication device via another power information acquisition device, and the power information acquisition device is a direct transmission / reception destination of a communication signal. Broadcasting search information for searching for a device to be searched and including identification information of a network corresponding to the power information communication device; and the power information communication device or other power information acquisition device However, when receiving the search information from the power information acquisition device, the identification information included in the search information is the power information communication device of the self or the A step of confirming whether or not the identification information of the network corresponding to the power information acquisition device of the second information matches the identification information of the network, and the power information communication device or the other power information acquisition device confirmed that the identification information matches. A response information corresponding to the search information is transmitted to the power information acquisition device.

  In this way, when the power information communication device matches the identification information included in the received search information and the network identification information corresponding to the power information communication device, response information that contributes to establishment of a communication connection is obtained. Since it is possible to avoid sending response information that does not contribute to establishment of the communication connection, the power information acquisition device receives and processes response information that does not contribute to establishment of the communication connection. Can be avoided. That is, since it is possible to avoid the occurrence of each processing and communication traffic in the power information communication system that does not contribute to the establishment of the communication connection, more time is required to establish the communication connection between the power information acquisition device and the power information communication device. Can be shortened. Therefore, the communication connection between the child device and the parent device can be quickly established.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated. Moreover, you may combine arbitrarily at least one part of embodiment described below.

[Configuration of power information communication system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a power information communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 1, a power information communication system 201 includes one or more power information acquisition apparatuses 101, one or more power information communication apparatuses 102, and a server 103.

  The power information acquisition device 101 is a smart meter, for example. The power information communication device 102 is, for example, a concentrator. The server 103 is a head end, for example.

  The power information communication system 201 is used in the apartment house 151, for example. Each power information acquisition apparatus 101 is connected to the power information communication apparatus 102 via the power line 161. Specifically, for example, the power line 161 has a plurality of systems arranged in the vertical direction of the upper and lower floors in the apartment house 151, and the power information acquisition device 101 is connected to each floor.

  The power information acquisition apparatus 101 and the power information communication apparatus 102 exchange various types of information by, for example, power line communication using the power line 161.

  The power information acquisition apparatus 101 is a slave unit in power line communication, and the power information communication apparatus 102 is a master unit in the power line communication. Hereinafter, the power information acquisition device 101 and the power information communication device 102 are also referred to as a child device 101 and a parent device 102, respectively.

  The slave device 101 is a power meter with a communication function. The slave device 101 periodically acquires, for example, power information indicating power consumed in a measurement target home or office, and transmits the acquired power information to the parent device 102.

  In addition, the child device 101 can communicate with the parent device 102 via another child device 101. That is, the child device 101 has a function of relaying communication between other child devices 101 and the parent device 102.

  Specifically, the child device 101 may directly transmit the acquired power information to the parent device 102 without passing through the other child device 101, and the acquired power information may be transmitted to one or more other child devices. In some cases, the data is transmitted to the parent device 102 via the device 101.

  The parent device 102 and the server 103 exchange various information via the Internet 10 by wired communication or wireless communication.

  The parent device 102 receives power information from each child device 101. The parent device 102 receives power information from each child device 101 and aggregates the received power information and transmits it to the server 103 or transmits the received power information to the server 103 individually.

  For example, the server 103 transmits power charge information to the parent device 102. When the parent device 102 receives the power charge information from the server 103, the parent device 102 transmits the received power charge information to the child device 101.

  When the child device 101 receives the power charge information from the parent device 102, the child device 101 transmits the received power charge information to another device such as a non-illustrated HEMS (Home Energy Management System).

  For example, Non-Patent Document 1 (G3-PLC Alliance, “Narrowband OFDM PLC specifications for G3-PLC networks”, G3-PLC Alliance, 2014) communicates between the parent device 102 and the child device 101. In October).

  Further, for example, information transmitted / received between the child device 101, the parent device 102, and the server 103 is encrypted and decrypted according to a predetermined method.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of each device and wiring state in the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 representatively shows two systems of power lines 161A and 161B in the apartment house 151.

  Referring to FIG. 2, for example, 6.6 kV three-phase AC power is supplied from the power system 171 to the apartment house 151. The AC power from the electric power system 171 is converted into, for example, 200 V single-phase three-wire AC power by the transformers 104A and 104B and supplied to each floor.

  The power line 161A is connected to the transformer 104A, the parent device 102A that is the parent device 102, and the child devices 101C and 101D that are the child devices 101. The power line 161B is connected to the transformer 104B and the parent device 102 that is the parent device 102. The device 102B and the child devices 101A and 101B which are the child devices 101 are connected.

  Hereinafter, each of the transformers 104A and 104B is also referred to as a transformer 104. Each of power lines 161A and 161B is also referred to as power line 161.

[Network topology]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a network topology in the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 3, parent device 102 and child device 101 have, for example, a PAN_ID (Personal Area Network Identification) and a short address.

  Each parent device 102 has a different PAN_ID. The short address of each parent device 102 is set to zero, for example. Note that the short address of each parent apparatus 102 can be set to a value other than zero.

  For example, the PAN_ID of the child device 101 is set to the same value as the PAN_ID of the parent device 102 that is a transmission destination of power information for the child device 101 by the user who installs the child device 101.

  Further, the parent device 102 and the child device 101 have, for example, a 64-bit long address that is an ID in an EUI (Extended Unique ID) -64 format that is an identifier unique to the device. This long address is set, for example, when the apparatus is manufactured.

  For example, the parent device 102 manages one or more child devices 101 and exchanges authentication information, power information, and the like with the child devices 101 to be managed.

  The child device 101 establishes a communication connection with the parent device 102 that is a transmission destination of power information. Specifically, when the child device 101C is not under the control of the parent device 102, the child device 101C establishes a communication connection with the parent device 102A.

  In this case, the child device 101C directly exchanges authentication information, power information, and the like with the parent device 102A, for example.

  If the child device 101D is not under the control of the parent device 102, the child device 101D establishes a communication connection with the parent device 102A via the child device 101C.

  In this case, the child device 101D exchanges authentication information, power information, and the like with the parent device 102A via the child device 101C. That is, the child device 101C is a hop destination for relaying information exchanged between the parent device 102A and the child device 101D. The child device 101D may establish a communication connection with the parent device 102A without going through the child device 101C.

  The PAN_ID of the parent device 102A and the child devices 101C and 101D under the management of the parent device 102A is, for example, “0001”.

  In addition, each device having the same PAN_ID is assigned a short address which is a different identifier. Specifically, the short addresses of the slave devices 101C and 101D are non-zero values that do not overlap each other, for example, “3” and “4”, respectively. The addresses of the child devices 101C and 101D are given by the parent device 102A, for example.

  The parent device 102A and the child devices 101C and 101D form a PA network NWA.

  Similarly, the parent device 102B manages the child devices 101A and 101B. The PAN_ID of the parent device 102B and the child devices 101A and 102B under the management of the parent device 102B is, for example, “0002”. The short addresses of the slave devices 101A and 101B are non-zero values that do not overlap each other, for example, “1” and “2”, respectively. The addresses of the child devices 101A and 101B are given by the parent device 102B, for example.

  The parent device 102B and the child devices 101A and 101B form a PA network NWB.

  That is, it is possible to determine which PA network the parent apparatus 102 and the child apparatus 101 are connected to based on the PAN_ID.

[MAC frame]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a MAC frame used in the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows the format of a MAC frame in accordance with the G3-PLC standard described in Non-Patent Document 1.

  Referring to FIG. 4, MAC frame 71 includes a MAC header, a MAC payload, and a MAC footer.

  The MAC header includes, for example, “Segment control”, “Frame control”, “Sequence number”, “Destination PAN”, and “Destination address”. , “Source PAN”, “Source address”, and “Auxiliary security header” fields. These fields are 3 octets, 2 octets, 1 octet, 2 octets, 2 octets, 2 octets, 2 octets and 2 octets, respectively.

  In the “destination address” field, for example, the short address of the destination of the MAC frame 71 is stored. In the “source address” field, for example, the short address of the source of the MAC frame 71 is stored.

  Note that the MAC frame 71 may not include at least one of the fields of “destination PAN”, “destination address”, “source PAN”, “source address”, and “sub security header”.

  Further, the long address of the destination of the MAC frame 71 may be stored in the “destination address” field. Further, the long address of the transmission source of the MAC frame 71 may be stored in the “transmission source address” field.

[Operation (connection processing)]
Each device in the power information communication system 201 includes a computer, and an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU in the computer reads a program including a part or all of each step of the following sequence diagram or flowchart from a memory (not shown). Run. Each of the programs of the plurality of apparatuses can be installed from the outside. The programs of the plurality of apparatuses are distributed while being stored in a recording medium.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a comparative example of a sequence for establishing a communication connection in the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, for example, when the power of child device 101C is off, unlike the network topology shown in FIG. 3, child device 101D communicates with parent device 102A without passing through child device 101C. Assume that a connection is established. Further, assume that the child device 101C holds the PAN_ID of the parent device 102A that is the transmission destination of the power information, that is, “0001”.

  First, for example, the power of the child device 101C is turned on (step S102).

  Next, the child device 101C searches for the parent device 102 or another child device 101 that should be a direct transmission / reception destination of the communication signal.

  Specifically, the slave device 101C creates a beacon request in which “0xffff” and “0xffff” are stored in the “destination PAN” field and the “destination address” field in the MAC frame 71 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a number starting with “0x” means that the number after “0x” is expressed in hexadecimal.

  Here, "0xffff" is stored in the field "Destination PAN" is non-patent document 2 (IEEE Computer Society, "Standard for Information technology-Telecommunications and information exchange between systems-Local and metropolitan area networks-Specific requirements Part 15 .4: Wireless Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specialties for Low-Rate Wireless Personal Area Network rks (WPANs) ", IEEE Std 802.15.4-2006 (Revision of IEEE Std 802.15.4-2003), IEEE, September 8, 2006), defined as the value of broadcast PAN_ID It has been.

  Also, “0xffff” stored in the “destination address” field is defined as a broadcast short address value in the standard described in Non-Patent Document 2.

  The slave device 101C broadcasts the created beacon request (step S104).

  Next, when receiving the beacon request from the child device 101C, the child device 101D stores the parent information as the transmission destination of power information for itself in the “source PAN” field and “source address” field in the MAC frame 71. A beacon storing the PAN_ID of the device 102, that is, “0001” and its own short address, that is, “4”, is created as response information (step S106).

  Further, when receiving the beacon request from the child device 101C, the parent device 102A has its own PAN_ID, that is, “0001” and its own short address in the “source PAN” field and the “source address” field in the MAC frame 71, respectively. That is, a beacon storing “0” is created as response information (step S108).

  Further, when receiving the beacon request from the child device 101C, the parent device 102B has its own PAN_ID, that is, “0002” and its own short address in the “source PAN” field and the “source address” field in the MAC frame 71, respectively. That is, a beacon storing “0” is created as response information (step S110).

  Next, the parent device 102B transmits the created beacon to the child device 101C (step S112).

  Next, the parent device 102A transmits the created beacon to the child device 101C (step S114).

  Next, the slave device 101D transmits the created beacon to the slave device 101C (step S116).

  Next, the child device 101C determines, for example, the parent device 102 or another child device 101 to be a direct transmission / reception destination of the communication signal according to the order in which the beacons are received. In this example, since the child device 101C has received the beacon from the parent device 102B first, it is assumed that the parent device 102B should be the direct transmission / reception destination of the communication signal (hereinafter also referred to as a 1-hop connection device). Determine (step S118).

  Next, the child device 101C transmits a connection request for establishing a communication connection with another device, specifically Joining, to the parent device 102B, including its own long address and the PAN_ID of the parent device 102A (step S102). S120).

  Next, when receiving a connection request from the child device 101C, the parent device 102B performs content confirmation processing for confirming the content of the received connection request. More specifically, the parent device 102B confirms whether or not the PAN_ID included in the connection request matches its own PAN_ID. When the parent device 102B confirms that these PAN_IDs do not match, the parent device 102B determines not to manage the child device 101C (step S122).

  Next, the parent device 102B creates error information indicating that the child device 101C is not managed, and transmits the created error information to the child device 101C (step S124).

  Next, when receiving error information from the parent device 102B, the child device 101C determines that the 1-hop connection device should be changed to a device other than the parent device 102B based on the received error information. Then, the child device 101C determines the parent device 102A, which is the transmission source device of the second received beacon, as a 1-hop connection device (step S126).

  Next, the child device 101C transmits a connection request including its own long address and the PAN_ID of the parent device 102A to the parent device 102A (step S128).

  Next, when the parent device 102A receives a connection request from the child device 101C, the parent device 102A performs content confirmation processing for the received connection request. When the parent device 102B confirms that the PAN_ID included in the connection request matches its own PAN_ID, the parent device 102B determines to manage the child device 101C (step S130).

  Next, authentication information is exchanged between the child device 101C and the parent device 102A using the long address included in the connection request, and the parent device 102A authenticates the child device 101C (step S132).

  Thereby, a direct communication connection is established between the child device 101C and the parent device 102A (step S134).

  Next, the child device 101C transmits power information to the parent device 102A (step S136).

[Task]
In step S118, the child device 101C determines the parent device 102B having a PAN_ID different from the PAN_ID held by the child device 101C as a one-hop connection device.

  Therefore, the child device 101C transmits a connection request to the parent device 102B in step S120, although the child device 101C cannot join the parent device 102B.

  For this reason, in step S122 and step S124, a content confirmation process and an error information transmission process are respectively performed.

  Such processing is not preferable because it takes extra time for the child device 101 to join the parent device 102 and wasteful traffic occurs in the power information communication system.

  Therefore, in the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, such a problem is solved by the following configuration and operation.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a communication connection establishment sequence in the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, for example, when the power of child device 101C is in an off state, unlike the network topology shown in FIG. 3, child device 101D communicates with parent device 102A without going through child device 101C. Assume that a connection is established. Further, assume that the child device 101C holds the PAN_ID of the parent device 102A that is the transmission destination of the power information, that is, “0001”.

  First, for example, the power of the child device 101C is turned on (step S202).

  Next, the slave device 101C is search information for searching for a device that should be a direct transmission / reception destination of a communication signal, and is a network corresponding to the parent device 102, specifically, a PA network to which the device itself belongs. The search information including the identification information is broadcast.

  More specifically, the child device 101C is, for example, a Beacon Request Command conforming to the G3-PLC standard, and creates a Beacon Request Command in which PAN_ID is inserted in the destination PAN field.

  Specifically, the child device 101C searches for a beacon request command, that is, a beacon request in which the PAN_ID of the parent device 102A, which is an example of the identification information, is stored in the “destination PAN” field in the MAC frame 71 illustrated in FIG. Create as information. For example, “0xffff” is stored in the “destination address” field in the beacon request.

  The slave device 101C broadcasts the created beacon request (step S204).

  Next, when the parent device 102A receives the search information from the child device 101C, the identification information included in the search information identifies the network corresponding to itself, specifically, the PA network constructed by itself. Check if it matches the information.

  More specifically, when receiving a beacon request from the child device 101C, the parent device 102A performs a PAN_ID confirmation process for confirming the PAN_ID included in the received beacon request.

  Specifically, the parent device 102A acquires the value stored in the “destination PAN” field in the received beacon request, and checks whether the acquired value matches its own PAN_ID. The parent apparatus 102A confirms that the acquired value matches its own PAN_ID (step S206).

  Next, when the parent device 102A confirms that the identification information matches, the parent device 102A creates response information corresponding to the search information.

  Specifically, the parent device 102A stores its own PAN_ID, that is, “0001” and its own short address, that is, “0”, in the “source PAN” field and the “source address” field in the MAC frame 71, respectively. A beacon is created as response information (step S208).

  Next, the parent device 102A transmits the created beacon, that is, response information to the child device 101C (step S210).

  Further, when the slave device 101D receives the search information from the slave device 101C, the identification information included in the search information matches the identification information of the network corresponding to itself, specifically, the PA network to which the slave device 101D belongs. Check whether or not.

  More specifically, when receiving a beacon request from the child device 101C, the child device 101D performs a PAN_ID confirmation process.

  Specifically, the slave device 101D acquires the value stored in the “destination PAN” field in the received beacon request, and checks whether or not the acquired value matches its own PAN_ID. The slave device 101D confirms that the acquired value matches its own PAN_ID (step S212).

  Next, when confirming that the pieces of identification information match, the child device 101D creates response information corresponding to the search information.

  Specifically, the child device 101D stores its own PAN_ID, that is, “0001” and its own short address, that is, “4”, in the “source PAN” field and the “source address” field in the MAC frame 71, respectively. A beacon is created as response information (step S214).

  Next, the slave device 101D transmits the created beacon, that is, response information to the slave device 101C (step S216).

  Further, when the parent device 102B receives the search information from the child device 101C, the identification information included in the search information is the identification information of the network corresponding to itself, specifically, the PA network constructed by itself. To see if it matches.

  More specifically, when receiving a beacon request from the child device 101C, the parent device 102B performs a PAN_ID confirmation process.

  Specifically, the parent device 102B acquires a value stored in the “destination PAN” field in the received beacon request, and checks whether the acquired value matches its own PAN_ID. The parent apparatus 102B confirms that the acquired value and its own PAN_ID do not match. Then, the parent device 102B ends the PAN_ID confirmation process (step S218).

  Next, the child device 101C determines, for example, the parent device 102 or another child device 101 to be a direct transmission / reception destination of the communication signal according to the order in which the beacons are received. In this example, the child device 101C first receives the beacon from the parent device 102A, and therefore determines the parent device 102A as a one-hop connection device (step S220).

  Next, the child device 101C transmits a connection request including its own long address and the PAN_ID of the parent device 102A, specifically, a Joining to the parent device 102A (step S222).

  Next, when the parent device 102A receives a connection request from the child device 101C, the parent device 102A performs content confirmation processing for the received connection request. When the parent device 102A confirms that the PAN_ID included in the connection request matches its own PAN_ID, the parent device 102A determines to manage the child device 101C (step S224).

  Next, authentication information is exchanged between the child device 101C and the parent device 102A using the long address included in the connection request, and the parent device 102A authenticates the child device 101C (step S226).

  As a result, a direct communication connection is established between the child device 101C and the parent device 102A (step S228).

  Next, the child device 101C transmits power information to the parent device 102A (step S230).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an exemplary sequence of establishing a communication connection in the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 7, unlike FIG. 6, for example, it is assumed that the child device 101C establishes a communication connection with the parent device 102A when the power of the child device 101D is off. Further, it is assumed that the child device 101D holds the PAN_ID of the parent device 102A that is the transmission destination of the power information, that is, “0001”.

  Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, first, for example, the power of child device 101D is turned on (step S302).

  Next, the child device 101D broadcasts a beacon request in which the PAN_ID of the parent device 102A is stored in the “destination PAN” field in the MAC frame 71 (step S304).

  Next, when receiving the beacon request from the slave device 101D, the slave device 101C performs a PAN_ID confirmation process. The slave device 101C confirms that the value stored in the “destination PAN” field in the received beacon request matches its own PAN_ID (step S306).

  Next, the slave device 101C transmits beacons storing its own PAN_ID, that is, “0001” and its own short address, that is, “3”, in the “source PAN” field and the “source address” field in the MAC frame 71, respectively. It is created as response information (step S308).

  Next, the slave device 101C transmits the created beacon, that is, response information to the slave device 101D (step S310).

  When the parent device 102A receives a beacon request from the child device 101D, the parent device 102A performs a PAN_ID confirmation process. The parent apparatus 102A confirms that the value stored in the “destination PAN” field in the received beacon request matches its own PAN_ID (step S312).

  Next, the parent device 102A transmits a beacon storing its own PAN_ID, ie, “0001” and its own short address, ie, “0”, in the “source PAN” field and the “source address” field in the MAC frame 71, respectively. Created as response information (step S314).

  Next, the parent device 102A transmits the created beacon, that is, response information to the child device 101C (step S316).

  Further, when receiving the beacon request from the child device 101D, the parent device 102B performs a PAN_ID confirmation process (step S318). The parent device 102B confirms that the value stored in the “destination PAN” field in the received beacon request does not match its own PAN_ID. Then, the parent device 102B ends the PAN_ID confirmation process.

  Next, the child device 101D determines, for example, the parent device 102 or another child device 101 to be a direct transmission / reception destination of the communication signal according to the order in which the beacons are received. In this example, since the child device 101D has received the beacon from the child device 101C first, it determines the child device 101C as a one-hop connection device (step S320).

  Next, the child device 101D transmits a connection request including its own long address and the PAN_ID of the parent device 102A, specifically, a Joining to the child device 101C (step S322).

  Next, when receiving the connection request from the child device 101D, the child device 101C transmits the received connection request to the parent device 102A (step S324).

  Next, when the parent device 102A receives a connection request from the child device 101C, the parent device 102A performs content confirmation processing for the received connection request. When the parent device 102A confirms that the PAN_ID included in the connection request matches its own PAN_ID, the parent device 102A determines to manage the child device 101D (step S326).

  Next, authentication information is exchanged between the child device 101D and the parent device 102A via the child device 101C using the long address included in the connection request, and the parent device 102A authenticates the child device 101D (step S328). ).

  As a result, a communication connection is established between the child device 101D and the parent device 102A (step S330).

  Next, the child device 101D transmits power information to the parent device 102A via the child device 101C (step S332).

[Configuration of power information acquisition device]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a power information acquisition apparatus in the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the power information acquisition device 101 includes a communication unit 21, a search unit (creation unit) 22, a communication control unit 23, a storage unit 24, a power consumption measurement unit 25, and a confirmation unit 26. Is provided.

  The storage unit 24 stores, for example, the PAN_ID of the parent device 102 that is the transmission destination of the power information for the own power information acquisition device 101 and the long address of the own power information acquisition device 101.

  The communication unit 21 communicates with a parent device 102 that is a transmission destination of power information. Specifically, the communication unit 21 communicates with the parent device 102 via the power line 161 according to the G3-PLC standard described in Non-Patent Document 1, for example. In addition, the communication unit 21 can communicate with the parent device 102 via another power information acquisition device 101.

  The search unit 22 searches for the parent device 102 or other power information acquisition device 101 that should be the direct transmission / reception destination of the communication signal by the communication unit 21.

  Specifically, the search unit 22 is search information for searching for a one-hop connection device, and is a network corresponding to the parent device 102, specifically, a PA to which the own power information acquisition device 101 belongs. Create search information including network identification information.

  For example, the search unit 22 creates a Beacon Request Command according to the G3-PLC standard, in which the PAN_ID is inserted into the destination PAN field, as the creation unit.

  More specifically, the search unit 22 acquires PAN_ID, which is an example of the identification information, from the storage unit 24, and stores the acquired PAN_ID in the “destination PAN” field in the MAC frame 71 illustrated in FIG. Command, that is, a beacon request is created as search information. For example, “0xffff” is stored in the “destination address” field in the beacon request.

  The search unit 22 broadcasts search information including identification information of the network corresponding to the parent device 102 via the communication unit 21.

  Specifically, the search unit 22 outputs the created beacon request to the communication control unit 23, for example. For example, when receiving a beacon request from the search unit 22, the communication control unit 23 outputs the received beacon request to the communication unit 21.

  When receiving a beacon request from the communication control unit 23, the communication unit 21 broadcasts the received beacon request.

  The communication unit 21 receives response information for the search information, and establishes a communication connection with the parent device 102 or other power information acquisition device 101 that is the transmission source of the response information.

  Specifically, for example, when receiving a beacon as response information from the parent device 102 or another power information acquisition device 101, the communication unit 21 outputs the received beacon to the communication control unit 23.

  When receiving a beacon from the communication unit 21, the communication control unit 23 outputs the received beacon to the search unit 22.

  The search unit 22 determines a one-hop connection device based on the contents of one or more beacons received from the communication control unit 23, for example. The search unit 22 determines a one-hop connection device according to the order in which beacons are received from the communication control unit 23, for example.

  Then, for example, the search unit 22 acquires the PAN_ID and the long address from the storage unit 24, includes the acquired PAN_ID and the long address, and sets the PAN_ID and the short address of the one-hop connection device as “destination PAN” and “destination address”. A connection request that is the MAC frame 71 stored in each of the fields, specifically, a Joining is created and output to the communication control unit 23.

  When receiving a connection request from the search unit 22, the communication control unit 23 outputs the received connection request to the communication unit 21.

  When receiving a connection request from the communication control unit 23, the communication unit 21 transmits the received connection request to the one-hop connection device.

  For example, when the one-hop connection device is the parent device 102 that is the transmission destination of power information for the own power information acquisition device 101, the communication unit 21 transmits and receives authentication information for the connection request to and from the parent device 102. Thus, a communication connection with the parent apparatus 102 is established.

  For example, when the one-hop connection device is another power information acquisition device 101, the communication unit 21 transmits / receives authentication information for a connection request to / from the parent device 102 via the other power information acquisition device 101. As a result, a communication connection is established between the other power information acquisition apparatus 101 and the parent apparatus 102.

  Moreover, the communication part 21 receives the information for a search broadcast by the other electric power information acquisition apparatus 101, for example. Specifically, the communication unit 21 receives, for example, a beacon request as search information, and outputs the received beacon request to the communication control unit 23.

  When receiving a beacon request from the communication unit 21, the communication control unit 23 outputs the received beacon request to the confirmation unit 26.

  For example, the confirmation unit 26 includes a network in which the identification information included in the search information received by the communication unit 21 corresponds to its own power information acquisition device 101, specifically, the PA network to which the power information acquisition device 101 belongs. It is confirmed whether it matches with the identification information.

  Specifically, for example, when receiving a beacon request from the communication control unit 23, the confirmation unit 26 acquires a value stored in the “destination PAN” field in the received beacon request, and the acquired value and the storage unit 24. PAN_ID confirmation processing is performed for confirming whether or not the PAN_ID matches the current PAN_ID.

  For example, when the acquired value and the PAN_ID in the storage unit 24 do not match, the confirmation unit 26 ends the PAN_ID confirmation process.

  On the other hand, for example, when the confirmation unit 26 confirms that the acquired value matches the PAN_ID in the storage unit 24, the confirmation unit 26 creates response information corresponding to the search information.

  Specifically, for example, the confirmation unit 26 acquires the PAN_ID from the storage unit 24, and acquires the acquired PAN_ID and its own short address in the “source PAN” field and the “source address” in the MAC frame 71. A beacon stored in each field is created as response information.

  The confirmation unit 26 outputs the created beacon to the communication control unit 23. When receiving a beacon from the confirmation unit 26, the communication control unit 23 outputs the received beacon to the communication unit 21.

  For example, when the confirmation unit 26 confirms that the identification information matches, the communication unit 21 transmits response information corresponding to the search information to another power information acquisition apparatus 101.

  Specifically, for example, when receiving a beacon from the communication control unit 23, the communication unit 21 transmits the received beacon to the power information acquisition device 101 that is the transmission source of the beacon request.

  The power consumption measuring unit 25 measures, for example, the power consumed in the home or office that is measured by the power information acquisition apparatus 101 of the self, and outputs the measurement result to the communication control unit 23.

  The communication control unit 23 acquires power information. Specifically, for example, when receiving a measurement result from the power consumption measuring unit 25, the communication control unit 23 creates power information indicating the received measurement result.

  Then, for example, the communication control unit 23 transmits the created power information to the parent device 102 that is the transmission destination of the power information for the own power information acquisition device 101 via the communication unit 21.

  In the power information acquisition device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 21 communicates with the parent device 102 or the other power information acquisition device 101 that is the transmission destination of power information via the power line 161. Although there is, it is not limited to this. The communication unit 21 may be configured to perform wireless communication or wired communication other than power line communication with the parent device 102 or the other power information acquisition device 101.

[Configuration of power information communication device]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a power information communication device in the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 9, the power information communication apparatus 102 includes a communication unit 41, a confirmation unit 42, a communication control unit 43, a storage unit 44, and a content confirmation processing unit 45.

  The storage unit 44 stores, for example, the PAN_ID of its own power information communication device 102 and the long address of its own power information communication device 102.

  The communication unit 41 communicates with the child device 101 that is a transmission source of power information.

  Further, the communication unit 41 receives the search information broadcast by the child device 101. Specifically, for example, the communication unit 41 receives a beacon request as search information, and outputs the received beacon request to the communication control unit 43.

  When receiving a beacon request from the communication unit 41, the communication control unit 43 outputs the received beacon request to the confirmation unit 42.

  The confirmation unit 42 includes a network in which the identification information included in the search information received by the communication unit 41 corresponds to its own power information communication device 102, specifically, a PA constructed by the power information communication device 102. Check whether it matches the network identification information.

  Specifically, for example, when receiving a beacon request from the communication control unit 43, the confirmation unit 42 acquires the value stored in the “destination PAN” field in the received beacon request, and the acquired value and the storage unit 44. PAN_ID confirmation processing is performed for confirming whether or not the PAN_ID matches the current PAN_ID.

  For example, when the acquired value and the PAN_ID in the storage unit 44 do not match, the confirmation unit 42 ends the PAN_ID confirmation process.

  On the other hand, for example, when the confirmation unit 42 confirms that the acquired value matches the PAN_ID in the storage unit 44, the confirmation unit 42 creates response information corresponding to the search information.

  Specifically, for example, the confirmation unit 42 acquires the PAN_ID from the storage unit 44, and uses the acquired PAN_ID and its own short address, that is, “0”, in the field of “source PAN” and “transmission” in the MAC frame 71. A beacon stored in the “original address” field is created as response information.

  The confirmation unit 42 outputs the created beacon to the communication control unit 43. When receiving a beacon from the confirmation unit 42, the communication control unit 43 outputs the received beacon to the communication unit 41.

  When the confirmation unit 42 confirms that the identification information matches, the communication unit 41 transmits response information corresponding to the search information to the child device 101.

  Specifically, for example, when receiving a beacon from the communication control unit 43, the communication unit 41 transmits the received beacon to the child device 101 that is the transmission source of the beacon request.

  In addition, when the communication unit 41 receives a connection request from the slave device 101, the communication unit 41 outputs the received connection request to the communication control unit 43.

  When receiving a connection request from the communication unit 41, the communication control unit 43 outputs the received connection request to the content confirmation processing unit 45.

  For example, when receiving a connection request from the communication control unit 43, the content confirmation processing unit 45 performs content confirmation processing on the received connection request. More specifically, the content confirmation processing unit 45 acquires, for example, PAN_ID from the storage unit 44 and confirms whether or not the acquired PAN_ID matches the PAN_ID included in the connection request. Then, for example, the content confirmation processing unit 45 notifies the communication control unit 43 of the confirmation result and outputs a connection request to the communication control unit 43.

  For example, when receiving a notification that the PAN_IDs do not match from the content confirmation processing unit 45, the communication control unit 43 creates error information, and transmits the created error information to the child device 101 that is the transmission source of the connection request. 41 to send.

  On the other hand, when the communication control unit 43 receives a notification that the PAN_IDs match from the content confirmation processing unit 45, the communication control unit 43 acquires a long address from the connection request received from the content confirmation processing unit 45.

  And the communication control part 43 authenticates the said child apparatus 101 by exchanging authentication information with the child apparatus 101 of the transmission source of a connection request via the communication part 41 using the acquired long address, for example. Thereby, a communication connection is established between the power information communication apparatus 102 and the slave apparatus 101.

  For example, when receiving power information from the slave device 101 via the communication unit 41, the communication control unit 43 transmits the received power information to the server 103 via the communication unit 41.

  In the power information communication apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 41 is configured to communicate with the slave apparatus 101 that is the transmission source of power information via the power line 161, but the present invention is limited to this. It is not a thing. The communication unit 41 may be configured to perform wired communication other than wireless communication or power line communication with the slave device 101.

  In the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the network corresponding to the parent device 102 is the network formed by the parent device 102, but the present invention is not limited to this. The network corresponding to the parent device 102 may be a network formed by devices other than the parent device 102 and the power information acquisition device 101.

  Further, in the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the beacon including the PAN_ID is transmitted as the response information with respect to the search information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the power information communication system 201, a beacon that does not include PAN_ID may be transmitted as response information.

  By the way, in a communication system including a parent device and a child device such as a communication network described in Patent Document 1, when a child device attempts to establish a communication connection with the parent device by joining the communication network, A request to join a communication network may be broadcast. At this time, if each device in the communication network transmits a message in response to the participation request, traffic in the communication network increases, and it may take a long time for the slave unit to establish a communication connection with the master unit. .

  On the other hand, the power information acquisition device according to the embodiment of the present invention acquires power information. The communication unit 21 communicates with a parent device 102 that is a transmission destination of power information. The communication unit 21 can communicate with the parent device 102 via another power information acquisition device 101. The search unit 22 searches for the parent device 102 or other power information acquisition device 101 that should be the direct transmission / reception destination of the communication signal by the communication unit 21. The search unit 22 broadcasts search information including identification information of the network corresponding to the parent device 102 via the communication unit 21. And the communication part 21 receives the response information with respect to the information for a search, and establishes a communication connection with the parent apparatus 102 or other power information acquisition apparatus 101 which is the transmission source of the said response information.

  With such a configuration, the parent apparatus 102 can determine whether or not to transmit response information based on the identification information included in the received search information, so response information that does not contribute to establishment of a communication connection Can be avoided. Also, the power information acquisition apparatus 101 can avoid receiving and processing response information that does not contribute to establishment of a communication connection. That is, since it is possible to avoid the processing in each device and the occurrence of communication traffic between the devices that do not contribute to the establishment of the communication connection, the time required for establishing the communication connection between the power information acquisition device 101 and the parent device 102 is reduced. It can be made shorter. Therefore, the communication connection between the child device and the parent device can be quickly established.

  In the power information communication apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 41 communicates with the power information acquisition apparatus 101 that is the transmission source of the power information. The communication unit 41 is search information for searching for a device that the power information acquisition device 101 should be a direct transmission / reception destination of a communication signal, and corresponds to the power information communication device 102 that is a transmission destination of the power information. And the search information broadcast by the power information acquisition apparatus 101 is received. The confirmation unit 42 confirms whether or not the identification information included in the search information received by the communication unit 41 matches the identification information of the network corresponding to the own power information communication device 102. When the confirmation unit 42 confirms that the identification information matches, the communication unit 41 transmits response information corresponding to the search information to the power information acquisition apparatus 101.

  In this way, when the power information communication apparatus 102 matches the identification information included in the received search information and the identification information of the network corresponding to the power information communication apparatus 102, a response that contributes to establishment of a communication connection By transmitting the information, it is possible to avoid transmitting response information that does not contribute to establishment of the communication connection. Therefore, the power information acquisition apparatus 101 also receives response information that does not contribute to establishment of the communication connection. Can be avoided. That is, since it is possible to avoid the processing in each device and the generation of communication traffic between the devices that do not contribute to establishment of the communication connection, it is necessary to establish the communication connection between the power information acquisition device 101 and the power information communication device 102. Time can be shortened. Therefore, the communication connection between the child device and the parent device can be quickly established.

  Further, in the power information acquisition device according to the embodiment of the present invention, search unit 22 creates a Beacon Request Command that is a Beacon Request Command according to the G3-PLC standard and in which PAN_ID is inserted in the destination PAN field. Then, the communication unit 21 broadcasts the Beacon Request Command created by the search unit 22.

  With this configuration, the device on the receiving side of the Beacon Request Command can determine whether or not to transmit response information, for example, a response to the Beacon Request Command, based on the PAN_ID included in the received Beacon Request Command. Therefore, it is possible to avoid sending response information that does not contribute to establishment of a communication connection. Also, the power information acquisition apparatus 101 can avoid receiving and processing response information that does not contribute to establishment of a communication connection. That is, since it is possible to avoid the processing in each device and the generation of communication traffic between the devices that do not contribute to establishment of the communication connection, between the power information acquisition device 101 and the receiving side device while satisfying the G3-PLC standard The time required for establishing the communication connection can be shortened. Therefore, the communication connection between the child device and the parent device can be quickly established.

  Moreover, in the power information communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the power information acquisition device 101 can communicate with the power information communication device 102 via another power information acquisition device 101. The power information acquisition apparatus 101 is search information for searching for an apparatus that should be a direct transmission / reception destination of a communication signal, and broadcasts search information including identification information of a network corresponding to the power information communication apparatus 102. . When the power information communication apparatus 102 or other power information acquisition apparatus 101 receives the search information from the power information acquisition apparatus 101, the identification information included in the search information is stored in the power information communication apparatus 102 or other power information. It is confirmed whether or not it matches the identification information of the network corresponding to the information acquisition apparatus 101. When the power information communication apparatus 102 or another power information acquisition apparatus 101 confirms that the identification information matches, the power information communication apparatus 102 or the other power information acquisition apparatus 101 transmits response information corresponding to the search information to the power information acquisition apparatus 101.

  In this way, when the power information communication apparatus 102 matches the identification information included in the received search information and the identification information of the network corresponding to the power information communication apparatus 102, a response that contributes to establishment of a communication connection By transmitting the information, it is possible to avoid transmitting response information that does not contribute to establishment of the communication connection. Therefore, the power information acquisition apparatus 101 also receives response information that does not contribute to establishment of the communication connection. Can be avoided. That is, since it is possible to avoid the generation of each processing and communication traffic in the power information communication system 201 that does not contribute to establishment of the communication connection, it is necessary to establish a communication connection between the power information acquisition apparatus 101 and the power information communication apparatus 102. Time can be shortened. Therefore, the communication connection between the child device and the parent device can be quickly established.

  The above embodiment should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  The above description includes the following features.

[Appendix 1]
A power information acquisition device for acquiring power information,
A communication unit that communicates with a parent device to which the power information is transmitted;
The communication unit can communicate with the parent device via another power information acquisition device,
The power information acquisition device further includes:
A search unit for searching for the parent device or other power information acquisition device to be a direct transmission / reception destination of a communication signal by the communication unit;
The search unit broadcasts information for search including identification information of a network corresponding to the parent device via the communication unit,
The communication unit receives response information for the search information, establishes a communication connection with the parent device or the other power information acquisition device that is the transmission source of the response information,
The power information acquisition device is a smart meter,
The parent device is a concentrator;
The communication unit communicates with the parent device via a power line,
In the power information acquisition device and the parent device having the same identification information, a short address that is a different identifier is given,
When the communication unit receives a beacon as the response information, the communication unit transmits a connection request to the parent device that is the transmission source of the beacon or the transmission source device that is the other power information acquisition device,
The communication unit establishes a communication connection with the transmission source device by exchanging authentication information with the transmission source device,
The communication unit further receives the search information broadcast by the other power information acquisition device,
The power information acquisition device further includes:
A confirmation unit that confirms whether the identification information included in the search information received by the communication unit matches the identification information of the network corresponding to the parent device;
The communication unit further transmits the response information corresponding to the search information to the other power information acquisition device when the confirmation unit confirms that the identification information matches. apparatus.

[Appendix 2]
A power information communication device,
A communication unit that communicates with a power information acquisition device that is a transmission source of power information,
The communication unit is search information for searching for a device that the power information acquisition device should directly transmit and receive a communication signal, and corresponds to the power information communication device that is a transmission destination of the power information. Including search information broadcasted by the power information acquisition device, including network identification information;
The power information communication device further includes:
A confirmation unit that confirms whether or not the identification information included in the search information received by the communication unit matches the identification information of a network corresponding to the power information communication device of the device;
When the confirmation unit confirms that the identification information matches, the communication unit transmits response information corresponding to the search information to the power information acquisition device,
The power information communication device is a concentrator,
The power information acquisition device is a smart meter,
The communication unit communicates with the power information acquisition device via a power line,
The communication unit is PAN_ID, which is search information for searching for a device to which the power information acquisition device should directly transmit and receive a communication signal, and is identification information of a network to which the power information communication device belongs. (Personal Area Network IDentifier) and receiving a beacon request as the search information broadcast by the power information acquisition device,
The confirmation unit confirms whether or not the PAN_ID included in the beacon request received by the communication unit matches a PAN_ID that is identification information of a network constructed by the power information communication device.
When the communication unit confirms that the PAN_IDs match, the communication unit transmits a beacon as response information corresponding to the search information to the power information acquisition device,
If the communication unit confirms that the PAN_IDs do not match by the confirmation unit, the communication unit does not transmit the beacon,
A power information communication apparatus in which a short address which is a different identifier is assigned in the power information communication apparatus and the power information acquisition apparatus having the same PAN_ID.

[Appendix 3]
A plurality of power information acquisition devices for acquiring power information;
A power information communication device as a transmission destination of the power information,
The power information acquisition device can communicate with the power information communication device via the other power information acquisition device,
The power information acquisition device is search information for searching for a device to be a direct transmission / reception destination of a communication signal, and broadcasts search information including identification information of a network corresponding to the power information communication device. ,
When the power information communication apparatus or another power information acquisition apparatus receives the search information from the power information acquisition apparatus, the identification information included in the search information is the power information communication apparatus Check whether it matches the identification information of the network corresponding to the other power information acquisition device,
When the power information communication device or the other power information acquisition device confirms that the identification information matches, the power information communication device transmits response information corresponding to the search information to the power information acquisition device.
The power information acquisition device is a smart meter,
The power information communication device is a concentrator,
The power information acquisition device communicates with the power information communication device via a power line,
The power information acquisition apparatus broadcasts a beacon request including PAN_ID (Personal Area Network IDentifier), which is identification information of a network to which the self belongs, as the search information,
When the power information communication apparatus or another power information acquisition apparatus receives the beacon request from the power information acquisition apparatus, the PAN_ID included in the beacon request is identification information of a network constructed by the power information communication apparatus. PAN_ID, or the PAN_ID that is the identification information of the network to which the other power information acquisition device belongs is confirmed.
When the power information communication device or the other power information acquisition device confirms that the PAN_IDs match, it transmits a beacon to the power information acquisition device as response information corresponding to the search information,
When the power information communication device or the other power information acquisition device confirms that the PAN_IDs do not match, it does not transmit the beacon,
A power information communication system in which a short address which is a different identifier is assigned in the power information acquisition device and the power information communication device having the same PAN_ID.

10 Internet 21 Communication Department 22 Search Department (Creation Department)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 23 Communication control part 24 Storage part 25 Power consumption measurement part 26 Confirmation part 41 Communication part 42 Confirmation part 43 Communication control part 44 Storage part 45 Content confirmation processing part 101,101A, 101B, 101C, 101D Power information acquisition apparatus 102,102A, 102B Power Information Communication Device 103 Server 104, 104A, 104B Transformer 151 Apartment House 161, 161A, 161B Power Line 171 Power System 201 Power Information Communication System

Claims (7)

A power information acquisition device for acquiring power information,
A communication unit that communicates with a parent device to which the power information is transmitted;
The communication unit can communicate with the parent device via another power information acquisition device,
The power information acquisition device further includes:
A search unit for searching for the parent device or other power information acquisition device to be a direct transmission / reception destination of a communication signal by the communication unit;
The search unit broadcasts information for search including identification information of a network corresponding to the parent device via the communication unit,
The communication unit is a power information acquisition device that receives response information for the search information and establishes a communication connection with the parent device or the other power information acquisition device that is the transmission source of the response information. A power information communication device,
A communication unit that communicates with a power information acquisition device that is a transmission source of power information,
The communication unit is search information for searching for a device that the power information acquisition device should directly transmit and receive a communication signal, and corresponds to the power information communication device that is a transmission destination of the power information. Including search information broadcasted by the power information acquisition device, including network identification information;
The power information communication device further includes:
A confirmation unit that confirms whether or not the identification information included in the search information received by the communication unit matches the identification information of a network corresponding to the power information communication device of the device;
The said communication part is a power information communication apparatus which transmits the response information corresponding to the said information for a search to the said power information acquisition apparatus, when each said identification information is confirmed by the said confirmation part. A creation unit for creating a Beacon Request Command according to the G3-PLC standard, in which a PAN_ID (IDentifier) is inserted in a Destination PAN (Personal Area Network) field;
And a communication unit that broadcasts the Beacon Request Command created by the creation unit. A plurality of power information acquisition devices for acquiring power information;
A power information communication device as a transmission destination of the power information,
The power information acquisition device can communicate with the power information communication device via the other power information acquisition device,
The power information acquisition device is search information for searching for a device to be a direct transmission / reception destination of a communication signal, and broadcasts search information including identification information of a network corresponding to the power information communication device. ,
When the power information communication apparatus or another power information acquisition apparatus receives the search information from the power information acquisition apparatus, the identification information included in the search information is the power information communication apparatus Check whether it matches the identification information of the network corresponding to the other power information acquisition device,
The power information communication device or the other power information acquisition device transmits response information corresponding to the search information to the power information acquisition device when confirming that the identification information matches. system. A communication control method in a power information acquisition device,
The power information acquisition device can communicate with the parent device that is a transmission destination of power information via the other power information acquisition device,
Searching for the parent device or other power information acquisition device to be a direct transmission / reception destination of a communication signal,
In the step of searching for the parent device or the other power information acquisition device, broadcast search information including network identification information corresponding to the parent device,
The communication control method further includes:
A communication control method comprising: receiving response information for the search information and establishing a communication connection with the parent device or the other power information acquisition device that is the transmission source of the response information. A communication control method in a power information communication device,
Information for searching for a power information acquisition device to search for a device that should be a direct transmission / reception destination of communication signals, including identification information of a network corresponding to the power information communication device that is a transmission destination of the power information Receiving the search information broadcast by the power information acquisition device;
Confirming whether or not the identification information included in the received search information matches the identification information of the network corresponding to the power information communication device of itself;
And a step of transmitting response information corresponding to the search information to the power information acquisition device when it is confirmed that the identification information matches. A communication control method in a power information communication system comprising a plurality of power information acquisition devices that acquire power information and a power information communication device that is a transmission destination of the power information,
The power information acquisition device can communicate with the power information communication device via the other power information acquisition device,
The power information acquisition device broadcasts search information for searching for a device that should be a direct transmission / reception destination of communication signals, including identification information of a network corresponding to the power information communication device. Steps,
When the power information communication device or another power information acquisition device receives the search information from the power information acquisition device, the identification information included in the search information is the power information communication device of the self or Checking whether or not it matches the identification information of the network corresponding to another power information acquisition device;
A step of transmitting response information corresponding to the search information to the power information acquisition device when the power information communication device or the other power information acquisition device confirms that the identification information matches. , Communication control method.

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