JP2019029843A - Intercom device - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress power consumption of an intercom device.SOLUTION: Radio communication is performed between a master unit and a slave unit concerning an intercom device. The slave unit repeats an operation to start from a sleep state and to temporarily become an operating state at a starting interval set by the master unit. The master unit sets a starting interval of the slave unit to a first starting interval or a second starting interval longer than the first starting interval in accordance with a predetermined condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a door phone device.

  The awareness of crime prevention has been increasing year by year, and in recent years, there has been an increasing demand for realizing low cost, easy installation, etc. not only in detached houses but also in single-living households such as studio apartments.

  In order to meet such a demand for simple installation at a low cost, wireless communication between the two is no longer required and wiring work is becoming popular. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a television door phone device that includes an entrance slave device and a wireless master device for performing wireless communication between the entrance slave device.

JP 2008-252271 A

  In the case where the entrance slave unit or the wireless master unit is driven by a battery, it is desirable to suppress power consumption in order to save time and labor for battery replacement or battery charging.

  The objective of this invention is providing the door phone apparatus which suppresses power consumption.

  A door phone device according to an aspect of the present invention is a door phone device that performs wireless communication between a parent device and a child device, and the child device is activated from a sleep state at an activation interval set in the parent device. The master unit repeats the operation to be temporarily activated, and the master unit sets the startup interval of the slave unit to a first startup interval or a longer startup interval than the first startup interval according to a predetermined condition. 2 is set to one of the activation intervals.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the power consumption of a door phone apparatus can be suppressed.

The figure which shows the television door phone apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structural example of an entrance child machine. The block diagram which shows the structural example of an indoor subunit | mobile_unit. The figure which shows transfer of power consumption mode. The figure which shows the transfer process from normal power consumption mode to low power consumption mode. The figure which shows the transfer process from low power consumption mode to super low power consumption mode. The figure which shows the transfer process from ultra-low power consumption mode to normal power consumption mode. The figure which shows the 1st example of the setting screen of the power consumption mode of a main | base station. The figure which shows the 2nd example of the setting screen of the power consumption mode of a main | base station. The figure which shows the 3rd example of the setting screen of the power consumption mode of a main | base station. The figure which shows the 4th example of the setting screen of the power consumption mode of a main | base station. The figure which shows the hardware structural example which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment)
<Configuration of TV door phone device>
First, the configuration of the television door phone device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The TV door phone apparatus 1 includes an entrance child device (hereinafter referred to as “child device”) 10 and an indoor parent device (hereinafter referred to as “parent device”) 20, and the child device 10 and the parent device 20 are connected by a wireless communication line N. To do. In FIG. 1, one slave unit 10 is connected to the master unit 20, but two or more slave units 10 may be connected to the master unit 20.

  The subunit | mobile_unit 10 is installed in the entrance, for example, and is provided with the call button 109, the subunit | mobile_unit camera 11, the subunit | mobile_unit microphone 13, and the subunit | mobile_unit speaker 12.

  The base unit 20 is installed indoors, for example, and includes an operation unit 211, a display 21, a base unit microphone 23, and a base unit speaker 22. The operation unit 211 includes a response button for responding to pressing of the call button 109 of the slave unit 10, a monitor button for acquiring a captured image of the slave unit camera 11, a control button for controlling the slave unit 10, and the like. . The display 21 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

  Next, an outline of the operation of the TV door phone device 1 will be described.

  When a visitor presses the call button 109 of the child device 10, the parent device 20 displays a captured image of the child device camera 11 on the display 21 and outputs the sound input to the child device microphone 13 from the parent device speaker 22. . Thereby, the resident can confirm the image and sound of the visitor from the master unit 20. At this time, when the resident presses the response button of the parent device 20, the parent device 20 outputs the sound input to the parent device microphone 23 from the child device speaker 12. Thereby, the resident can have a conversation with the visitor through the main unit 20. Hereinafter, these processes are collectively referred to as “call response process”.

  When the resident presses the monitor button of the parent device 20, the parent device 20 acquires a captured image of the child device camera 11 and displays it on the display 21. Thereby, the resident can confirm the state (for example, a suspicious person or a suspicious object) near the entrance from the main device 20. Hereinafter, this process is referred to as “front entrance confirmation process”.

  Moreover, the resident can operate the control button of the main | base station 20 and can perform various settings regarding the power consumption mode of the sub-unit 10. Although details of the power consumption mode and the setting method thereof will be described later, it is possible to suppress the battery consumption of the child device 10.

<Configuration of slave unit>
Next, the structure of the subunit | mobile_unit 10 is demonstrated, referring FIG.

  The slave unit 10 includes a slave unit camera 11, a slave unit speaker 12, a slave unit microphone 13, a slave unit wireless communication unit 101, a voice processing unit 102, an image processing unit 103, a slave unit power supply unit 104, and a slave unit interrupt detection unit 105. A power supply monitoring unit 106, a storage unit 107, a slave unit control unit 108, a call button 109, a crystal resonator 131, and a crystal resonator 132. The slave unit wireless communication unit 101, the sound processing unit 102, the image processing unit 103, the power supply monitoring unit 106, the storage unit 107, and the slave unit control unit 108 are collectively referred to as a slave unit main unit 100.

  The slave unit wireless communication unit 101 transmits / receives data to / from the master unit 20 via the wireless communication line N. The communication method by the slave unit wireless communication unit 101 is, for example, DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications), wireless LAN (Local Area Network), or ZigBee (registered trademark).

  The voice processing unit 102 controls the handset speaker 12 and handset microphone 13 based on an instruction from the handset control unit 108. For example, the voice processing unit 102 outputs the voice data collected by the handset microphone 13 to the handset control unit 108. In addition, the voice processing unit 102 outputs the voice data collected by the parent device microphone 23 input from the child device control unit 108 to the child device speaker 12.

  The image processing unit 103 controls the child camera 11 based on an instruction from the child device control unit 108. For example, the image processing unit 103 outputs the data of the captured image of the child camera 11 to the child device control unit 108.

  The subunit | mobile_unit power supply part 104 supplies the electric power for the subunit | mobile_unit 10 to operate | move to each part. The subunit | mobile_unit power supply part 104 has the battery 122 which is a power supply source, and the switching element 121 which turns ON / OFF the supply of the electric power to the subunit | mobile_unit main part 100. FIG. The battery 122 may be either a primary battery or a secondary battery. In the present embodiment, the battery 122 is used for the child device 10 in consideration of installation properties, but an AC power source or an AC adapter may be used for the child device 10.

  The slave interrupt detection unit 105 detects an interrupt due to the call button 109, an interrupt due to the timer 130, and an interrupt due to occurrence of various events. Interrupt detection includes hardware and software detection.

  The slave unit interrupt detection unit 105 also has a function of controlling power supply from the slave unit power supply unit 104 to the slave unit main unit 100 in order to suppress power consumption of the battery 122 as much as possible. For example, the handset interrupt detection unit 105 is arranged between the handset power supply unit 104 and the handset main unit 100 on the circuit. Then, only the slave unit interrupt detection unit 105 is always operated with a weak current (for example, several microamperes) supplied from the battery 122, and power is supplied to the slave unit main unit 100 based on the above-described interrupt detection. The switching element 121 is turned ON / OFF.

  Hereinafter, the fact that the switching element 121 is ON may be referred to as “main power is ON”, and the fact that the switching element 121 is OFF is referred to as “main power is OFF”. Further, a state where the main power source is ON, that is, a state where power is supplied to the slave unit main unit 100 is “operating state”, and a state where the main power source is OFF, that is, power is not supplied to the slave unit main unit 100. A state where only the slave interrupt detection unit 105 is operating with a weak current is referred to as a “sleep state”.

  In order to make the bias current of the slave unit interrupt detector 105 while the switching element 121 is OFF as small as possible, the slave unit interrupt detector 105 is lower than the crystal resonator 132 employed in the slave unit controller 108. A crystal resonator 131 having an oscillation frequency (for example, 32 kHz) is employed.

  When the main power source is ON, the power monitoring unit 106 measures the remaining amount of the battery 122 (hereinafter referred to as “battery remaining amount”) and outputs the measurement result to the slave unit control unit 108. The remaining battery level is, for example, the voltage value of the battery 122. However, the battery remaining amount may be expressed by a specified level value instead of the voltage value. For example, when the voltage value of the battery 122 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value, “level 3”, when the voltage value is lower than the first threshold value and equal to or higher than the second threshold value, “level 2”, when the voltage value is lower than the second threshold value, “ It may be expressed as “Level 1”. Further, the power supply monitoring unit 106 may add hysteresis in the measurement of the voltage value of the battery 122. In the case of a system in which an increase in current consumption in the sleep state does not cause a problem, the slave unit interrupt detection unit 105 may be provided with a power monitoring function so that the power supply can be monitored even in the sleep state.

  The storage unit 107 is configured by a flash memory or the like, and stores device information such as an identification number of the child device 10, setting information, status information of the parent device 20, image data before transmission to the parent device 20, and the like.

  The subunit | mobile_unit control part 108 performs the arithmetic processing for controlling each part of the subunit | mobile_unit 10. FIG.

  More specifically, the slave interrupt detection unit 105 detects an interrupt when the call button 109 is pressed, turns on the main power, and transmits an event occurrence notification when the call button 109 is pressed to the slave control unit 108. When the handset controller 108 receives an event occurrence notification indicating that the call button 109 has been pressed when the main power is ON, the handset controller 108 transmits a message to that effect to the base unit 20 through the handset radio communication unit 101. Then, the slave unit control unit 108 uses the captured image data of the slave unit camera 11 input from the image processing unit 103 and the voice data of the slave unit microphone 13 input from the voice processing unit 102 as the slave unit wireless communication unit. 101 to the base unit 20. Thereby, the indoor resident can confirm the visitor who exists near the entrance door from the main | base station 20. FIG. Further, the slave control unit 108 outputs the audio data of the master microphone 23 received from the master 20 via the slave radio communication unit 101 to the slave speaker 12 via the voice processing unit 102. Thereby, an outdoor visitor and an indoor resident can have a conversation. That is, the slave unit control unit 108 realizes “call response processing” in cooperation with the master unit 20.

  Further, when the slave unit control unit 108 receives the request information of the captured image of the slave unit camera 11 from the master unit 20 through the slave unit wireless communication unit 101 when the main power is ON, the slave unit control unit 108 is input from the image processing unit 103. The captured image data of the handset camera 11 and the sound data of the handset microphone 13 input from the sound processing unit 102 are transmitted to the base unit 20 through the handset wireless communication unit 101 for a certain period of time. Thereby, the resident can confirm the state near the entrance from the main unit 20. That is, the slave unit control unit 108 realizes the “pre-entrance confirmation process” in cooperation with the master unit 20.

  When the slave unit control unit 108 receives the battery remaining amount request information from the master unit 20 through the slave unit wireless communication unit 101, the slave unit control unit 108 transmits the remaining battery level measured by the power supply monitoring unit 106 through the slave unit wireless communication unit 101. To the machine 20. When the slave unit control unit 108 receives the power consumption mode transition request information from the master unit 20 through the slave unit wireless communication unit 101, the slave unit control unit 108 controls the slave unit interrupt detection unit 105 to perform power consumption mode transition processing. I do. Details of these processes will be described later.

<Configuration of base unit>
Next, the configuration of base unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The base unit 20 includes a display 21, a base unit speaker 22, a base unit microphone 23, a base unit wireless communication unit 201, an RSSI level detection unit 202, an audio processing unit 203, a display processing unit 204, a base unit power supply unit 205, a base unit allocation. A detection unit 206, a storage unit 207, a charge detection unit 208, a clock function management unit 209, a parent device control unit 210, an operation unit 211, a crystal unit 231, and a crystal unit 232. The base unit wireless communication unit 201, the RSSI level detection unit 202, the voice processing unit 203, the display processing unit 204, the storage unit 207, the charge detection unit 208, the clock function management unit 209, and the base unit control unit 210 are combined. This is called a main unit 200.

  The base unit wireless communication unit 201 transmits / receives data to / from the handset 10 via the wireless communication line N. The communication method by the base unit wireless communication unit 201 is, for example, DECT, wireless LAN, or ZigBee (registered trademark), similar to the slave unit 10.

  The RSSI level detection unit 202 detects the strength of the radio signal received by the base unit radio communication unit 201 from the slave unit 10, that is, the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) level.

  The voice processing unit 203 controls the base unit microphone 23 and the base unit speaker 22 based on an instruction from the base unit control unit 210. For example, the voice processing unit 203 outputs the voice data collected by the handset microphone 13 to the base unit speaker 22. Further, the voice processing unit 203 outputs the voice data collected by the base unit microphone 23 to the base unit control unit 210.

  The display processing unit 204 controls the display 21 based on an instruction from the parent device control unit 210. For example, the display processing unit 204 outputs a captured image of the slave camera 11, a setting screen (see FIGS. 8 to 11), and the like to the display 21.

  The base unit power supply unit 205 supplies power for operating the base unit 20 to each unit. The base unit power supply unit 205 includes a power source 222 that is a power supply source and a switching element 221 that turns ON / OFF the power supply to the base unit main unit 200. The power source 222 may be an AC power source or an AC adapter, or may be a battery such as a primary battery or a secondary battery.

  The base unit interrupt detection unit 206 detects an interrupt by the operation unit 211, an interrupt by the timer 230, and an interrupt due to occurrence of various events. Interrupt detection includes hardware and software detection.

  The parent device interrupt detection unit 206 also has a function of controlling power supply from the parent device power supply unit 205 to the parent device main unit 200. For example, the parent device interrupt detection unit 206 is disposed between the parent device power supply unit 205 and the parent device main unit 200 on the circuit. Then, only the master interrupt detection unit 206 is always operated with a weak current (for example, several microamperes) supplied from the power source 222, and power is supplied to the master main unit 200 based on a predetermined interrupt detection. The switching element 221 is turned ON / OFF.

  Hereinafter, the fact that the switching element 221 is ON may be referred to as “main power supply ON”, and the fact that the switching element 221 is OFF may be referred to as “main power supply OFF”. Further, a state where the main power is ON, that is, a state where power is supplied to the main unit main unit 200 is “operating state”, and a state where the main power is OFF, that is, the main unit main unit 200 is not supplied with power. A state where only the parent device interrupt detection unit 206 is operating with a weak current is referred to as a “sleep state”.

  When the power source 222 does not require battery replacement, for example, when the power source 222 is supplied from an AC power source or AC adapter, or from a secondary battery that can be set on a charging stand, the base unit 20 is always in an operating state. It may be. Further, when using the sleep state, the base unit 20 may set the operation state period in accordance with the timing of communication with the slave unit 10 and may set the sleep state during the remaining period other than the operation state.

  In addition, in order to make the bias current of the parent device interrupt detection unit 206 while the switching element 221 is OFF as small as possible, the parent device interrupt detection unit 206 has a crystal oscillator 232 employed in the parent device control unit 210. Alternatively, a crystal resonator 231 having a low oscillation frequency (for example, 32 kHz) may be employed.

  The storage unit 207 includes a flash memory and the like, and includes various images, sounds, and other management information. The image includes, for example, a moving image and a still image, and includes a captured image of the slave camera 11 and an image for operating the master device 20. The voice includes, for example, a voice of a standard message issued from the parent device 20. The other management information includes, for example, password information for preventing various setting information of the parent device 20 from being changed without permission.

  The charge detection unit 208 detects whether the parent device 20 is placed on a charging stand or the like and the parent device power supply unit 205 is connected to an external power source. Note that, when the parent device 20 does not have a charging function, the parent device 20 may not include the charge detection unit 208.

  When the set start time and end time are reached, the clock function management unit 209 notifies the parent device control unit 210 to that effect. When the clock function management unit 209 is used, the master unit 20 needs to be in a state where the main power supply is ON. In the case of a system in which the parent device 20 uses the sleep state and the increase in current consumption in the sleep state in the parent device 20 is not a problem, the parent device interrupt detection is performed so that the clock function can operate even in the sleep state. A clock function management unit may be provided in the unit 206.

  Base unit control unit 210 performs arithmetic processing for controlling each unit of base unit 20.

  Specifically, when the master unit control unit 210 receives an event occurrence notification indicating that the call button 109 is pressed from the slave unit 10 through the master unit wireless communication unit 201 when the main power is ON, the master unit control unit 210 transmits the event through the master unit wireless communication unit 201. The captured image data of the slave camera 11 is received and displayed on the display 21 through the display processing unit 204. In addition, base unit control unit 210 receives voice data of handset microphone 13 through base unit wireless communication unit 201 and outputs the data to base unit speaker 22 through voice processing unit 203. Thereby, the indoor resident can confirm the visitor who exists near the entrance door from the main | base station 20. FIG. Further, when receiving a notification of pressing the response button from the base unit interrupt detection unit 206, the base unit control unit 210 transmits the voice data of the base unit microphone 23 acquired through the voice processing unit 203 to the base unit wireless communication unit. It transmits to the child device 10 through 201. Thereby, an outdoor visitor and an indoor resident can have a conversation. That is, the parent device control unit 210 realizes “call response processing” in cooperation with the child device 10.

  In addition, when the main unit control unit 210 receives an interrupt notification indicating that the monitor button has been pressed from the main unit interrupt detection unit 206 when the main power is on, the main unit control unit 210 transmits the master camera 11 through the main unit wireless communication unit 201. The photographed image data is received and displayed on the display 21 through the display processing unit 204 for a predetermined time. Further, when the main power is turned on, base unit control unit 210 receives the audio data of slave unit microphone 13 through base unit wireless communication unit 201 and outputs it to base unit speaker 22 through audio processing unit 203 for a certain period of time. . Thereby, the resident can confirm the state near the entrance from the main unit 20. That is, the parent device control unit 210 realizes “pre-entrance confirmation processing” in cooperation with the child device 10.

  In addition, base unit control unit 210 transmits a request for the remaining battery capacity to base unit 10 through base unit wireless communication unit 201. Then, base unit control section 210 determines the power consumption mode based on the remaining battery level received from handset 10, and transmits a power consumption mode transition request to handset 10 as necessary. Moreover, the main | base station control part 210 determines a power consumption mode according to a resident's operation and setting, and transmits the transfer request | requirement of a power consumption mode to the subunit | mobile_unit 10 as needed. Details of these processes will be described later.

<Communication method and power consumption mode>
Next, a communication method and a power consumption mode in the TV door phone device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The first communication method is a communication method in which the child device 10 periodically turns on / off the main power supply. That is, in the first communication method, the slave unit 10 periodically repeats the operation state and the sleep state. Hereinafter, in the first communication method, an interval from when the main power source is turned on to when the main power source is turned on next is referred to as a “startup interval”. The activation interval is counted by the timer 130 of the slave interrupt detection unit 105.

  In the first communication method, the power consumption of the child device 10 decreases as the activation interval is increased. However, if the activation interval is too long, the deviation between the crystal resonator 231 of the parent device 20 and the crystal resonator 131 of the child device 10 becomes too large, and synchronization of wireless communication between the parent device 20 and the child device 10 is performed. Will come off. Therefore, the longest activation interval that can be set in the first communication method is the longest interval (for example, 10.24 seconds) at which wireless communication is not synchronized between the parent device 20 and the child device 10.

  In the present embodiment, the first communication method, in which a relatively short activation interval (for example, 2.56 seconds) is set is “normal power consumption mode”, and a relatively long activation interval (for example, 10.2. 24 seconds) is set as “low power consumption mode”. However, this setting is merely an example, and in the first communication method, any activation interval may be set within a range not exceeding the longest activation interval.

  The second communication method is a communication method in which the slave unit 10 turns off the main power supply for a certain set period, and turns on the main power supply after the set period expires. That is, in the second communication method, the slave unit 10 enters a sleep state for a set period, and enters an operation state after the set period expires. Hereinafter, in the second communication method, a period from when the main power source is turned off to when the main power source is turned on next is referred to as a “sleep period”. The sleep period is counted by the timer 130 of the slave interrupt detection unit 105.

  In the second communication method, since it is asynchronous that it is not necessary to maintain the synchronization of the wireless communication between the parent device 20 and the child device 10 during the sleep period, a long time (for example, several hours) can be set. is there. For this reason, although the second communication method requires a certain amount of time (for example, about 1 second) for resynchronization of the wireless communication after activation, the power consumption of the slave unit 10 is greatly reduced as compared with the first communication method. can do. In the present embodiment, the second communication method is referred to as “ultra-low power consumption mode”.

  In the case of the first communication method, since the handset 10 periodically repeats the operating state and the sleep state, the handset 10 sends the request information transmitted from the base unit 20 to the next operating state. Can be received. That is, in the case of the first communication method, the slave unit 10 can respond to request information from the master unit 20 (for example, request information of a captured image of the slave unit camera 11) within the startup interval. It is possible to check the video image taken by the slave camera 11.

  On the other hand, in the case of the second communication method, once the slave unit 10 enters the sleep state, it does not start until the sleep period expires. That is, in the case of the second communication method, the slave unit 10 cannot respond to request information from the master unit 20 (for example, request information of the captured video of the slave unit camera 11) until the sleep period expires. It is not possible to confirm the video captured by the slave camera 11 from the machine 20.

  Therefore, in the case of the first communication method, that is, in the normal power consumption mode and the low power consumption mode, the TV door phone apparatus 1 enables the monitor button of the parent device 20 and in the case of the second communication method, that is, In the ultra-low power consumption mode, the monitor button of the parent device 20 may be disabled.

<Condition for transition to power consumption mode>
Next, the transition conditions for the power consumption mode will be described with reference to FIG. However, the television door phone apparatus 1 does not necessarily have to include all the transition conditions described below, and may include only a part of the transition conditions.

  First, the transition condition (M1) between the normal power consumption mode and the low power consumption mode will be described below.

  (M1-1) If the remaining battery level of the slave unit 10 is less than the first threshold value in the normal power consumption mode, the slave unit 10 shifts to the low power consumption mode. At this time, the master unit 20 may display on the display 21 that the battery level of the slave unit 10 is less than the first threshold value.

  (M1-2) When the resident performs a transition operation to the low power consumption mode in the normal power consumption mode, the slave unit 10 automatically transitions to the low power consumption mode after a certain period of time has elapsed. The normal power consumption mode is entered. The transition operation may be an operation of a dedicated button provided in the parent device or the child device, a long press of a predetermined button of the parent device or the child device, or simultaneous pressing of a plurality of buttons of the parent device or the child device. For example, the resident may perform the transition operation when going out.

  (M1-3) When the start time and end time of the low power consumption mode are set and the normal power consumption mode is set at the start time, the slave unit 10 enters the low power consumption mode when the start time is reached. Transition to the normal power consumption mode when the end time is reached. The resident may set the start time and end time according to, for example, the time of going to bed and getting up.

  (M1-4) When the parent device 20 has not been operated for a certain period or longer in the normal power consumption mode, the child device 10 shifts to the low power consumption mode, and when the parent device 20 is operated, normal consumption is performed. Transition to power mode.

  Next, the transition condition (M2) between the normal power consumption mode and the ultra-low power consumption mode will be described below.

  (M2-1) If the remaining battery level of the slave unit 10 is less than the second threshold value (however, the second threshold value is less than the first threshold value) in the normal power consumption mode, the slave unit 10 enters the ultra low power consumption mode. Transition. At this time, the base unit 20 displays a message on the display 21 asking whether it is allowed to shift to the ultra-low power consumption mode because the battery level of the handset 10 is low (less than the second threshold value). If permitted by the person, the mode may be shifted to the ultra-low power consumption mode.

  (M2-2) When the resident performs a transition operation to the ultra-low power consumption mode during the normal power consumption mode, the slave unit 10 transitions to the ultra-low power consumption mode, and after a certain period of time has elapsed, It automatically shifts to the normal power consumption mode. In addition, the main | base station 20 may display the default value of the said fixed period when the said transfer operation is performed, and may enable a resident to change the said fixed period as needed. The transition operation may be an operation of a dedicated button provided in the parent device or the child device, a long press of a predetermined button of the parent device or the child device, or simultaneous pressing of a plurality of buttons of the parent device or the child device. For example, the resident may perform the transition operation when going out.

  (M2-3) When the start time and end time of the ultra-low power consumption mode are set and the normal power consumption mode is set at the start time, the slave unit 10 is super low when the start time is reached. The mode shifts to the power consumption mode, and shifts to the normal power consumption mode when the end time is reached. The resident may set the start time and end time according to, for example, the time of going to bed and getting up.

  (M2-4) When the call button 109 of the child device 10 is pressed during the sleep period when the normal power consumption mode is shifted to the ultra-low power consumption mode, the child device 10 executes a call response process. In this case, after the call response process is completed, or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the master unit 20 has not responded, the slave unit 10 may shift to the ultra-low power consumption mode.

  Next, the transition condition (M3) between the low power consumption mode and the ultra low power consumption mode will be described.

  (M3-1) If the remaining battery level of the child device 10 is less than the second threshold value in the low power consumption mode, the child device 10 shifts to the ultra low power consumption mode. At this time, the base unit 20 displays a message on the display 21 asking whether it is allowed to shift to the ultra-low power consumption mode because the battery level of the handset 10 is low (less than the second threshold), and the resident If permitted, the mode may be shifted to the ultra-low power consumption mode.

  (M3-2) When the resident performs a transition operation to the ultra-low power consumption mode in the low power consumption mode, the slave unit 10 transitions to the ultra-low power consumption mode, and after a certain period of time has elapsed, It automatically shifts to the low power consumption mode. In addition, the main | base station 20 may display the default value of the said fixed period when the said transfer operation is performed, and may enable a resident to change the said fixed period as needed. The transition operation may be an operation of a dedicated button provided in the parent device or the child device, a long press of a predetermined button of the parent device or the child device, or simultaneous pressing of a plurality of buttons of the parent device or the child device. For example, the resident may perform the transition operation when going out.

  (M3-3) When the start time and end time of the ultra-low power consumption mode are set and the low power consumption mode is set at the start time, the slave unit 10 is super low when the start time is reached. The mode shifts to the power consumption mode, and shifts to the low power consumption mode when the end time is reached. The resident may set the start time and end time according to, for example, the time of going to bed and getting up.

  (M3-4) When the call button 109 of the child device 10 is pressed during the sleep period when the low power consumption mode is shifted to the ultra-low power consumption mode, the child device 10 executes a call response process. In this case, after terminating the call response process or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the master unit 20 has not responded, the slave unit 10 may shift to the ultra-low power consumption mode.

<Power consumption mode transition processing>
FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 are diagrams showing changes in current consumption of the parent device 20 and the child device 10 over time. Base unit 20 periodically transmits a beacon signal (for example, every 10 ms), and current consumption increases at that time. That is, in the graphs of base unit 20 in FIGS. 5 to 7, the timing at which the current consumption periodically increases corresponds to the timing at which base unit 20 transmits a beacon signal. Further, in the graphs of the slave unit 10 in FIGS. 5 to 7, it is indicated that the slave unit 10 is in an operating state during a period in which the consumption current is increasing, and the slave unit 10 is in a period during which the current consumption is extremely small. Indicates sleep mode.

  Next, transition processing from the normal power consumption mode to the low power consumption mode will be described with reference to FIG. The transition process corresponds to a process for changing the activation interval in the first communication method. Below, the process of (M1-1) is demonstrated first, and the process of (M1-2) and (M1-3) is demonstrated next.

  The subunit | mobile_unit 10 starts at the timing (P11) when the starting space | interval Ts1 of normal power consumption mode passed, and will be in an operation state. And the subunit | mobile_unit 10 will transmit the response information containing the battery remaining amount acquired from the power supply monitoring part 106 to the main | base station 20, if the request | requirement information of a battery remaining amount is received from the main | base station 20 with a beacon signal (S11). S12).

  Master device 20 determines whether or not the remaining battery level received from slave device 10 is less than the first threshold value. Then, when the remaining battery level is less than the first threshold, base unit 20 transmits the request information for shifting to the low power consumption mode with the next beacon signal (S13). The transition request information may include the activation interval Ts2 in the low power consumption mode.

  When receiving the request information for shifting to the low power consumption mode in S13, the child device 10 transmits completion response information to the parent device 20 (S14), and shifts to the low power consumption mode. That is, the slave 10 sets the activation interval Ts2 in the timer 130 of the slave interrupt detection unit 105 and turns off the main power supply. Thereafter, the slave unit 10 repeats ON / OFF of the main power supply at the startup interval Ts2.

  In the case of the above (M1-2), that is, when a transition operation to the low power consumption mode is performed, the parent device 20 is a beacon signal at the timing when the child device 10 is next activated, and the low consumption The request information for shifting to the power mode is transmitted (S13). Then, after a certain period of time has elapsed, base unit 20 transmits the request information for shifting to the normal power consumption mode with a beacon signal at a timing when slave unit 10 is next in an operating state.

  In the case of (M1-3) described above, that is, when the start time and end time of the low power consumption mode are set, the parent device 20 is the timing at which the child device 10 is next activated after the start time. The request information for shifting to the low power consumption mode is transmitted using the beacon signal (S13). And the main | base station 20 transmits the transfer request information to a normal power consumption mode with the beacon signal of the timing when the subunit | mobile_unit 10 will be in an operation state next after end time.

  In the case of (M1-4) described above, that is, when the base unit 20 has not been operated for a predetermined period, the base unit 20 is a beacon at the timing when the slave unit 10 is in an operating state next after a certain period of time has elapsed. A signal including the request information for shifting to the low power consumption mode is transmitted (S13). Then, after the master device 20 is operated, the master device 20 transmits the request information for shifting to the normal power consumption mode with a beacon signal at the timing when the slave device 10 is in the operating state next time.

  In this way, the television door phone apparatus 1 switches between the normal power consumption mode and the low power consumption mode based on the transition conditions of the power consumption mode from (M1-1) to (M1-4).

  Next, transition processing from the low power consumption mode to the ultra low power consumption mode will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the process (M3-1) will be described first, and then the processes (M3-2) and (M3-3) will be described. Note that the processing from (M2-1) to (M2-3) is the same as (M3-1) to (M3-3) except that the activation interval is different, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The subunit | mobile_unit 10 starts at the timing (P21) when the starting space | interval Ts2 of low power consumption mode passed, and will be in an operation state. And the subunit | mobile_unit 10 will transmit the response information containing a battery remaining charge to the main | base station 20 if the request | requirement information of a battery remaining level is received from the main | base station 20 with a beacon signal (S21).

  Master device 20 determines whether the remaining battery level received from slave device 10 is less than the second threshold. Then, when the remaining battery level is less than the second threshold, base unit 20 transmits transition request information to the ultra-low power consumption mode with the next beacon signal (S23). The transition request information may include a sleep period Ts3 in the ultra low power consumption mode.

  The subunit | mobile_unit 10 will transmit completion response information to the main | base station 20 (S24), if the transition request information to the super low power consumption mode of S23 is received, and it transfers to super low power consumption mode. That is, the slave 10 sets the sleep period Ts3 in the timer 130 of the slave interrupt detection unit 105 and turns off the main power supply. Thereafter, the slave unit 10 enters a sleep state until the sleep period Ts3 expires, and starts after the sleep period Ts3 expires (P22).

  In the case of the above (M3-2), that is, when a transition operation to the ultra-low power consumption mode is performed in the low power consumption mode, the parent device 20 next enters the slave device 10 in an operating state. The transition request information to the ultra low power consumption mode is transmitted by the beacon signal of the timing (S23). And the main | base station 20 transmits the transfer request information to normal power consumption mode with the beacon signal after expiration of sleep period Ts3.

  In the case of (M3-3) described above, that is, when the start time and end time of the ultra-low power consumption mode are set in the low power consumption mode, the parent device 20 next selects the child after the start time. The request information for transition to the ultra-low power consumption mode is transmitted by the beacon signal at the timing when the machine 10 enters the operating state (S23). And the main | base station 20 transmits the transfer request information to a low power consumption mode with the beacon signal after end time.

  Next, the transition process from the ultra-low power consumption mode to the normal power consumption mode will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the processes (M2-2) and (M2-3) will be described first, and then the process (M2-4) will be described. The processes (M3-2) and (M3-4) are the same as (M2-2) to (M2-4) except that the activation interval is different, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  When detecting the expiration of the sleep period Ts3, the slave interrupt detection unit 105 of the slave 10 turns on the main power supply (P31). And the subunit | mobile_unit 10 performs a reset process, searches a beacon signal, detects the main | base station 20, and establishes the synchronization of the radio | wireless communication with the said main | base station 20 (S31).

  Next, the slave unit 10 transmits an event occurrence notification indicating that the sleep period has expired to the master unit 20 (S32).

  When receiving the event occurrence notification indicating that the sleep period has expired in S32, master device 20 transmits the request information for shifting to the normal power consumption mode to slave device 10 using the next beacon signal (S33).

  The subunit | mobile_unit 10 will transmit completion response information to the main | base station 20 (S34), if the shift request information to the normal power consumption mode of S33 is received, and transfers to the normal power consumption mode. Thereafter, the slave unit 10 repeats ON / OFF of the main power supply at the startup interval Ts1.

  In the case of (M2-4) described above, that is, when the call button 109 of the child device 10 is pressed during the sleep period, the child device 10 turns on the main power supply and starts up (P31). Then, the slave unit 10 establishes synchronization of wireless communication with the master unit 20 (S31), and transmits an event occurrence notification indicating that the call button 109 is pressed to the master unit 20 (S32). When the base unit 20 receives the event occurrence notification of pressing the call button 109, the base unit 20 executes a call response process with the handset 10.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the operating state period (for example, 1 second or more) of the handset 10 when starting from the ultra-low power consumption mode is the time during the normal power consumption mode or the low power consumption mode. It is longer than the period of operation (for example, 50 ms). This is because, as described above, in the ultra low power consumption mode, a certain amount of time (for example, about 1 second) is required for synchronization of wireless communication at the time of activation. Since the power consumption increases as the period of the operation state becomes longer, it is preferable that the sleep period in the ultra low power consumption mode is sufficiently longer than the activation interval in the low power consumption mode.

  In addition, in order to notify the base unit 20 of survival, the slave unit 10 is in an operating state periodically (for example, every two hours) and performs wireless communication with the base unit 20 (hereinafter referred to as “life and death confirmation communication”). Also good. In this case, the child device 10 may transmit the event occurrence notification related to the child device 10 to the parent device 20 at the timing of the life and death confirmation communication. Moreover, the subunit | mobile_unit 10 may match together information, such as a battery remaining charge and / or RSSI, and transmits to the main | base station 20 at the timing of the said life / death confirmation communication.

<Master unit setting screen>
FIGS. 8 to 11 are diagrams showing examples of setting screens in the parent device 20. In the following description, the setting screen of the master unit 20 shown in the screen 206A in FIG. 8, the screen 206D in FIG. 9, the screen 206G in FIG. 10, and the screen 206J in FIG. The menu button is pressed and displayed on the display 21 of the parent device 20.

  Next, an example of a method for setting the low power consumption mode and the ultra low power consumption mode from the parent device 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the resident selects “various settings” from the list displayed on the screen 206A of the parent device 20, and then selects “power consumption mode manual setting” from the list displayed on the screen 206B, the parent device 20 Next, as shown in the screen 206C, a selection list of the normal power consumption mode, the low power consumption mode, and the ultra-low power consumption mode is displayed.

  When the resident selects the “normal power consumption mode” from the list on the screen 206C, the handset 10 operates in the normal power consumption mode. When the resident selects the “low power consumption mode”, the handset 10 operates in the low power consumption mode. Works with.

  Further, when the resident selects the “ultra low power consumption mode” from the list on the screen 206C, the slave unit 10 operates in the ultra low power consumption mode for a certain period. In this fixed period, a default value (for example, 8 hours) is set in advance, and the resident may arbitrarily change it.

  Next, another example of a method for setting the low power consumption mode and the ultra low power consumption mode from the parent device 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the resident selects “various settings” from the list displayed on the screen 206D of the master device 20, and then selects “eco function” and “ON” from the list displayed on the screen 206E, the master device 20 Next, as shown on the screen 206F, a selection list of the low power consumption mode and the ultra low power consumption mode is displayed.

  Next, an example of a method for setting the start time and end time of the low power consumption mode (or the ultra low power consumption mode) from the parent device 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the resident selects “various settings” from the list displayed on the screen 206G of the master device 20, and then selects “eco function” and “ON” from the list displayed on the screen 206H, the master device 20 Next, as shown on the screen 206I, the set values of the start time and end time of the low power consumption mode (or ultra-low power consumption mode) are displayed.

  When the resident sets the start time and the end time from the screen 206I, the handset 10 operates in the low power consumption mode (or the ultra-low power consumption mode) from the set start time to the end time.

  Note that, in the above-described configuration in which the slave unit 10 transmits the event occurrence notification at the timing of the life / death confirmation notification, the start time and end time that can be set on the screen 206I may be limited only to the timing of the life / death confirmation notification. . For example, when the cycle of the life and death confirmation notification is “every two hours”, the start time and end time that can be set are limited to every two hours such as 0:00, 2:00, 4:00,.

  Next, another example of a method for setting the low power consumption mode and the ultra low power consumption mode from the parent device 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the resident selects “various settings” from the list displayed on the screen 206J of the parent device 20, and then selects “eco function automatic setting” from the list displayed on the screen 206K, the parent device 20 Next, as shown on the screen 206L, a list of ON / OFF of the eco functions 1, 2, and 3 is displayed. Here, for example, eco function 1 corresponds to a transition condition (corresponding to the above (M1-1), (M2-1), and (M3-1)) related to a decrease in battery capacity, and eco function 2 is Corresponding to the transition conditions related to the user's operation (corresponding to the above (M1-2), (M2-2) and (M3-2)), the eco function 3 has the transition conditions related to the time (the above (M1-3) , (M2-3) and (M3-3)).

  When the resident sets at least one eco function to ON from the list on the screen 206L, the parent device 20 next selects a selection list of the low power consumption mode and the ultra low power consumption mode as shown on the screen 206M. Is displayed. Then, the resident selects one of the power consumption modes from the selection list on the screen 206M. When the eco function 3 is set to ON, the parent device 20 may display the screen 206I in FIG.

  Accordingly, when the transition condition related to the eco function selected on the screen 206L is met, the slave unit 10 transitions to the power consumption mode selected on the screen 206M.

<Effect of Embodiment>
In this Embodiment, the subunit | mobile_unit 10 of the television door phone apparatus 1 is provided with the 1st communication system and the 2nd communication system. In the first communication method, the slave unit 10 repeats ON / OFF of the main power supply at a constant startup interval. Here, if the said starting space | interval is lengthened, the power consumption of the subunit | mobile_unit 10 can be suppressed. For example, when the activation interval is lengthened according to the remaining battery level of the slave unit 10, the replacement time of the battery 122 can be lengthened.

  In the second communication method, the slave unit 10 turns off the main power supply for the set sleep period, and turns on the main power supply after the sleep period expires or when the call button 109 is pressed. For example, when a period in which the captured image of the slave camera 11 is not confirmed from the master device 20 continues for a long time, such as when going out or sleeping, the first communication is performed by operating the slave device 10 in the second communication method. The power consumption of the child device 10 can be suppressed as compared with the method. Further, by setting the sleep period, for example, the resident can automatically shift to the first communication method without the resident pressing the call button 109 of the child device 10.

<Hardware configuration>
As mentioned above, although embodiment concerning this invention has been explained in full detail with reference to drawings, the function of the apparatus 10 and the apparatus 20 mentioned above may be implement | achieved by a computer program.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the functions of the respective devices by a program. The computer 2100 includes an input device 2101 such as a button or a touch panel, an output device 2102 such as a display or a speaker, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2103, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 2104, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 2105, a flash memory, and the like. Storage device 2106, a reading device 2107 that reads information from a recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, and a transmission / reception device 2108 that communicates via a network, and each unit is connected by a bus 2109.

  Then, the reading device 2107 reads the program from a recording medium on which a program for realizing the function of each device is recorded, and stores the program in the storage device 2106. Alternatively, the transmission / reception device 2108 communicates with a server device connected to the network, and causes the storage device 2106 to store a program for realizing the function of each device downloaded from the server device.

  Then, the CPU 2103 copies the program stored in the storage device 2106 to the RAM 2105, and sequentially reads out and executes the instructions included in the program from the RAM 2105, thereby realizing the functions of the respective devices.

  The above-described embodiments are examples for explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to the embodiments. Those skilled in the art can implement the present invention in various other modes without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  The present invention is useful for suppressing power consumption of a television door phone device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 TV door phone device 10 Entrance child machine 11 Child machine camera 12 Child machine speaker 13 Child machine microphone 20 Indoor parent machine 21 Display 22 Parent machine speaker 23 Parent machine microphone 100 Child machine main part 104 Child machine power supply part 105 Child machine interruption detection Unit 108 Slave unit control unit 109 Call button 130 Timer 200 Base unit main unit 205 Base unit power supply unit 206 Base unit interrupt detection unit 210 Base unit control unit 211 Operation unit 230 Timer

Claims (5)

A door phone device that performs wireless communication between a parent device and a child device,
The slave is
It repeats the operation that starts from the sleep state at the start interval set in the base unit and temporarily enters the operation state,
The base unit is
According to a predetermined condition, the activation interval of the slave unit is set to either the first activation interval or a second activation interval longer than the first activation interval.
Door phone device. The predetermined condition is a remaining battery level of the slave unit,
The base unit is
If the battery level of the slave unit is less than a threshold, the startup interval of the slave unit is set to the second startup interval;
The door phone apparatus according to claim 1. The predetermined condition is a change operation to the low power consumption mode for the parent device or the child device,
The base unit is
When the change operation to the low power consumption mode is performed, the activation interval of the slave unit for a certain period after the change operation to the low power consumption mode is performed is set to the second activation interval.
The door phone apparatus according to claim 1. The predetermined condition is a setting of a start time and an end time,
The base unit is
Setting the start cycle of the handset from the start time to the end time as the second start interval;
The door phone apparatus according to claim 1. The predetermined condition is a period in which the master unit is not operated,
The base unit is
When the non-operation period is equal to or greater than a threshold, the activation interval of the slave unit is set to the second activation interval.
The door phone apparatus according to claim 1.

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