JP2021057740A - Gateway device, sensor node, data collection method, data transmission method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To increase efficiency in collecting data by a mobile gateway device.SOLUTION: A gateway device comprises: a call up unit that transmits, to a plurality of sensor nodes, a call up message including a counter value as a condition for determining whether or not a response is needed; and a data collection unit that determines, on the basis of information on a distance in kilometers from a reference point to the sensor nodes and a distance from the location of the gateway device to the sensor nodes, an order in which to collect data from sensor nodes that responded to the call up message, and collects the data. Further the gateway device inhibits, among the plurality of sensor nodes, a sensor node that successfully transmitted the data, from responding to a call up message including a counter value that is the same as one used when the sensor node transmitted the data thereby collecting data from the plurality of sensor nodes in order.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to gateway devices, sensor nodes, data collection methods, data transmission methods and programs.

As a method of collecting information from a sensor node using a mobile gateway device (data collection device), a method of activating the sensor node only when necessary to efficiently collect data is being studied.

Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless device capable of specifying a device (lighting or the like) to be controlled and easily acquiring a control identifier for controlling the device to control the device to be controlled. According to the same document, this wireless device searches a database that stores the position information of the wireless device and the device and the control identifier of the device in association with each other, and exists in the vicinity of the wireless device based on the position information of the wireless device. Acquire the device to be used and the control identifier. Then, this wireless device determines the control target device and generates the control identifier of the control target device based on the acquired device and the control identifier. Then, this wireless device controls the controlled target device by transmitting the generated control identifier to the receiver mounted on the controlled target device by wireless communication.

In Patent Document 2, sensor data necessary for determining the internal state of an object can be transmitted from a wireless tag to a reader mounted on a vehicle or the like and collected, and necessary information on the object can be obtained by data processing. The wireless tag system is disclosed. According to the same document, this wireless tag controls the timing of intermittent operation of the sensor, and stores the sensor data acquired during the operation of the sensor in the storage unit, and the storage unit when the request signal is received. It is provided with a transmission / reception control means for transmitting the sensor data stored in the device.

International Publication No. 2014/030377 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-219891

The following analysis is given by the inventor of the present invention. The method of Patent Document 1 has a problem that a database for storing the position information of the wireless device and the device and the control identifier of the device in association with each other must be prepared in advance (see FIG. 5 of Patent Document 1). ).

On the other hand, in the configuration of Patent Document 2, data can be collected by transmitting a request signal from the reader to the wireless tag. However, when a plurality of radio tags are present in the reachable range of the request signal, the plurality of radio tags transmit the sensor data, which may cause a conflict of sensor data. In the future, considering the operation of mounting a gateway device on a vehicle or drone and collecting data more efficiently from various sensor nodes scattered around the moving course, it is necessary to solve the above-mentioned competition problem. ..

Generally, in the wireless field, CSMA / CA is used as a technology for avoiding conflicts between nodes that may try to communicate at the same time. However, considering that sensor nodes are efficiently collected over a wide range, CSMA / CA is used. There is a limit to avoiding competition by CA. CSMA / CA is an abbreviation for Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collection Access.

An object of the present invention is to provide a gateway device, a sensor node, a data collection method, a data transmission method, and a program that can contribute to improving the efficiency of data collection by a mobile gateway device.

According to the first viewpoint, a calling unit that transmits a calling message including a counter value as a condition for determining whether or not a response is required to a plurality of sensor nodes, and kilometer information of the sensor node ( A data collection unit that determines the collection order of data from the sensor node that responded to the call message based on the distance between the position) and the position of the own machine and collects the data. A gateway device capable of collecting data in order from the plurality of sensor nodes is provided by suppressing the response to the call message containing the same counter value to the sensor node that has succeeded in data transmission among the plurality of sensor nodes. Node.

According to the second viewpoint, a determination unit that determines whether or not a response is required based on a counter value for determining whether or not a response is required included in the call message according to the call message from the gateway device, and the call message. When it is determined to respond to the call message, a sensor node including a response unit for transmitting the response message is provided.

According to the third viewpoint, a call message including a counter value as a condition for determining the necessity of response is transmitted to a plurality of sensor nodes, and the information (position) of the sensor node is used as the kilometer information (position). , The data collection order from the sensor node that responded to the call message is determined based on the distance from the position of the own machine, the data is collected, and the data transmission among the plurality of sensor nodes is successful. By causing the sensor node to suppress the response to the call message including the same counter value, a data collection method for collecting data in order from the plurality of sensor nodes is provided. This method is linked to a specific machine called a gateway device including the above-mentioned calling unit and data collecting unit.

According to the fourth viewpoint, in response to the call message from the gateway device, the necessity of response is determined based on the counter value for determining the necessity of response included in the call message, and the call message is answered. If determined, a data transmission method for transmitting a response message to the call message is provided. This method is linked to a specific machine called a sensor node including the above-mentioned determination unit and response unit.

According to the fifth viewpoint, a computer program for realizing the function of the gateway device or the sensor node described above is provided. This program is input to a computer device from an input device or from the outside via a communication interface, stored in a storage device, and drives a processor according to a predetermined step or process. In addition, this program can display the processing result including the intermediate state step by step via the display device, or can communicate with the outside via the communication interface, if necessary. Computer devices for that purpose typically include, for example, a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and, if necessary, a display device that can be connected to each other by a bus.

According to the present invention, it is possible to contribute to the efficiency of data collection by the mobile gateway device.

It is a figure which shows the structure of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating operation of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating operation of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which showed the detailed structure of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the node call operation of IoT-GW of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the sensor information held by the sensor management server of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating operation of the sensor node of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the data acquisition operation of IoT-GW of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which showed the operation of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the function of changing the data collection order of IoT-GW of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example which applied the 1st Embodiment of this invention to the deterioration diagnosis of a transformer transformer and a utility pole. It is a figure which shows the example which applied the 1st Embodiment of this invention to the deterioration diagnosis of a high voltage electric wire and a steel tower. It is a figure which shows an example of the sensor information held by the sensor management server of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the sensor information held by the sensor management server of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the sensor information held by the sensor management server of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows for demonstrating the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating operation of 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the order of data collection from a sensor node in 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the computer mounted on the IoT-GW or the sensor node of this invention.

First, an outline of one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the drawing reference reference numerals added to this outline are added to each element for convenience as an example for assisting understanding, and the present invention is not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiment. Further, the connecting line between blocks such as drawings referred to in the following description includes both bidirectional and unidirectional. The one-way arrow schematically shows the flow of the main signal (data), and does not exclude interactivity. The program is executed via a computer device, which includes, for example, a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and, if necessary, a display device. Further, this computer device is configured to be able to communicate with an internal or external device (including a computer) via a communication interface regardless of whether it is wired or wireless. Further, although there are ports or interfaces at the input / output connection points of each block in the figure, they are not shown. Further, in the following description, "A and / or B" is used to mean A or B, or A and B.

In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the present invention can be realized by a configuration including a gateway device 10 and sensor nodes 20A to 20N. More specifically, the gateway device 10 includes a calling unit 11 and a data collecting unit 12. The sensor nodes 20A to 20N include a determination unit 21 and a response unit 22, respectively.

The gateway device 10 is mounted on a vehicle, an unmanned aerial vehicle, or the like, or is carried by a user, and performs a data acquisition operation while moving. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the calling unit 11 of the gateway device 10 includes a counter value (counter = 1 in the example of FIG. 2) as a condition for determining whether or not a response is required. To send. It is assumed that the sensor nodes 20A to 20N of FIG. 2 are located in an area where this call message can be received.

The determination unit 21 of the sensor nodes 20A to 20N determines the necessity of response based on the counter value for determining the necessity of response included in the call message. For example, the determination unit 21 of the sensor nodes 20A to 20N determines that no response is required when the counter value included in the call message and the value managed by the own device match. Then, when the response unit 22 of the sensor nodes 20A to 20N determines that the call message is to be answered, the response unit 22 transmits a response message to the call message. In the example of FIG. 3, it is determined that the sensor node 20B responds to the call message, and the response message is transmitted.

After that, the data collecting unit 12 of the gateway device 10 determines the order of collecting data from the sensor node 20B that responded to the call message based on the distance between the position of the sensor node and the position of the own machine. And collect the data. After that, the gateway device 10 causes the sensor nodes 20B among the sensor nodes 20A to 20N that have succeeded in data transmission to suppress the response to the call message including the same counter value. This makes it possible to collect data in order from the remaining sensor nodes. When a sensor node other than the sensor node 20B responds to the call message, the data collection unit 12 of the gateway device 10 collects data from these sensor nodes in a predetermined order. The data collection order can be determined based on, for example, the kilometer information (position) of the sensor node, the signal strength of the received data, and the like.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to send a call message to a sensor node located in a predetermined area and set it as a data acquisition target without specifying the sensor node. In addition, in the present embodiment, since the counter value is used as a condition for determining whether or not a response is required for the call message, the number of sensor nodes that respond can be limited. As a result, it is possible to solve the above-mentioned data collection without specifying the sensor node and the problem of data race.

[First Embodiment]
Subsequently, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 4, a configuration including a plurality of sensor nodes 200A to 200K, an IoT-GW 100, a terminal 400, and a cloud 500 is shown. IoT and GW are abbreviations for Internet of Things and gateway, respectively.

The sensor nodes 200A to 200K (hereinafter, referred to as “sensor node 200” when the sensor nodes 200A to 200K are not particularly distinguished) are nodes for transmitting data measured by various sensors illustrated in FIG. 7. In the present embodiment, the sensor node 200 is an IoT device that operates on a built-in battery and, when receiving a wireless signal (call message) for activation, transitions from a standby state to an activation state and communicates with the IoT-GW 100. It will be explained as a thing. Of course, the sensor node 200 is not limited to such an IoT device. For example, a terminal device having a function of transmitting data received from the sensor in response to a call message from the gateway may be included. Details of the sensor node will be described later with reference to FIG.

The IoT-GW 100 is a device corresponding to the above-mentioned gateway device that moves a predetermined course including a route from the point P1 to the point P2 and broadcasts the above-mentioned activation radio signal (call message). Then, the IoT-GW 100 collects data from the sensor nodes 200 scattered along a predetermined course by acquiring the data from the sensor nodes 200 that responded.

The terminal 400 receives the data collected by the IoT-GW 100, transmits it to the cloud 500 side, and requests the accumulation and analysis of the data. The terminal 400 is also used for viewing the data and analysis results stored in the cloud 500.

The cloud 500 receives data from the terminal 400 and manages it. In addition, the cloud 500 provides an analysis service for data collected by the IoT-GW 100 in response to a request from the terminal 400 or the like. As the data management form in the cloud 500, various forms can be adopted depending on the purpose of data collection, such as the type of sensor and each data owner. Further, in the present embodiment, the data is analyzed and the like is performed by the cloud 500, but it is needless to say that the data may be analyzed and managed by the on-premises type equipment.

Subsequently, the configurations of the IoT-GW 100 and the sensor node 200 described above will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, the IoT-GW 100 includes a calling unit 101, a data collecting unit 102, and a sensor information acquisition unit 103.

The calling unit 101 broadcasts a radio signal (calling message) for activation at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time interval may be changed in real time according to the arrangement density of the sensor nodes 200 of the IoT-GW 100, the moving speed of the IoT-GW 100, and the like. The call message of the present embodiment includes response restriction information that specifies the sensor node 200 to be answered. The response restriction information will be described later together with the function of the determination unit 201 of the sensor node 200.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a node calling operation of the IoT-GW 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The calling unit 101 broadcasts a calling message while the IoT-GW 100 is running. In the example of FIG. 6, the call message has reached the sensor nodes 200D, 200E, 200F, and 200I. As can be understood from FIG. 6, the range of arrival of the call message is that the transmission power and directivity are set so that the number of sensor nodes 200 that receive the call message falls within an appropriate range. preferable. For example, the sensor nodes 200G, 200H, 200J, and 200K in FIG. 6 are in the traveling direction of the IoT-GW 100, and it is more efficient to call and acquire data after the IoT-GW 100 approaches. Further, the sensor nodes 200A, 200B, and 200C of FIG. 6 are likely to have already acquired data, and the reachable range of the call message is appropriate in the sense of avoiding restarting such a sensor node. Must be set.

The sensor information acquisition unit 103 acquires the information of the sensor node 200 from the sensor management server 300 and provides it to the data collection unit 102.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of sensor information held by the sensor management server 300. With reference to FIG. 7, information in which the sensor type of the sensor node 200 and the sensor position are associated with each other is shown. In this embodiment, this sensor type is set in the response restriction information. In the example of FIG. 7, latitude / longitude information is used as the sensor position, but when the sensor node 200 is arranged along a railroad track or the like, kilometer information is used instead of latitude / longitude information. You can also. Here, the "kilometer information" represents the distance from the starting point to the reference point in kilometers.

The data collection unit 102 transmits a sensor data request message to the sensor node 200 that has responded to the call message from the call unit 101, and acquires data. As shown in FIG. 8, when there are a plurality of sensor nodes 200 that have responded to the call message, the data collection unit 102 acquires data based on the sensor position information obtained from the sensor information acquisition unit 103. Determine the order of. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when there is a response from the sensor nodes 200D, 200E, 200I, the data collection unit 102 determines the order of the sensor nodes 200 for acquiring data based on the distance to the own machine. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the data collection unit 102 selects the sensor node 200D having the shortest distance as the sensor node that first acquires data. Next, the data collection unit 102 compares the sensor node 200E with the sensor node 200I and selects the sensor node 200I. Finally, the data collection unit 102 selects the sensor node 200E. The distance between the IoT-GW 100 and the sensor node 200 may be calculated each time from the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) position information. If the sensor node 200 is fixed, the distance between the IoT-GW 100 and the sensor node 200 calculated at the time of the previous data collection may be cached and reused.

Subsequently, the configuration of the sensor node 200 will be described again with reference to FIG. Referring to FIG. 5, the sensor node 200 includes a determination unit 201 and a response unit 202.

When the determination unit 201 receives the call message from the IoT-GW 100, the determination unit 201 refers to the response restriction information included in the call message and confirms whether or not the own machine satisfies the condition specified in the response restriction information, and as a result, To the response unit 202. As a method for the sensor node to identify its own sensor type, a value indicating the sensor type may be held in a predetermined register or the like. For example, when the sensor type = transformer is set as the response restriction information, the determination unit 201 determines that a response is required when the sensor type of the own machine is a transformer. On the other hand, when the sensor type of the own machine is a utility pole, the determination unit 201 determines that no response is required. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the sensor nodes 200D, 200E, 200F, and 200I receive a call message in which a transformer is specified in the response restriction information, the determination unit 201 of each sensor node 200 makes a determination. Specifically, the determination unit 201 of each sensor node 200 confirms whether or not the own machine satisfies the condition defined in the response restriction information. In the example of FIG. 8, the sensor nodes 200D, 200E, and 200I whose sensor type is a transformer makes a response, and the determination unit 201 of the sensor node 200F whose sensor type is a utility pole suppresses the response.

When the determination result of the determination unit 201 requires a response, the response unit 202 transmits a response (node response) to the call message to the IoT-GW 100 by unicast. On the other hand, when the determination result of the determination unit 201 does not require a response, the response unit 202 does not respond (node response) to the call message of the IoT-GW 100.

Further, when the response (node response) to the call message is transmitted and the sensor data request message is received from the IoT-GW 100, the response unit 202 transmits the sensor data to the IoT-GW 100 (see FIG. 9). ..

Subsequently, the operation of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a data collection operation performed by the IoT-GW 100 of the first embodiment at a predetermined cycle. Referring to FIG. 10, first, the IoT-GW 100 broadcasts a call message with a predetermined transmission power (step S001; node call).

In the example of FIG. 10, the call message has reached the sensor nodes 200D, 200E, 200F, and 200I. The sensor nodes 200D, 200E, 200F, and 200I that have received the call message determine whether or not to respond by referring to the response restriction information included in the call message. In the example of FIG. 10, the sensor nodes 200D, 200E, and 200I among them transmit the response (step S002; node response).

The IoT-GW 100 that has received the response from the sensor nodes 200D, 200E, and 200I determines the data collection order by referring to the information of the sensor node 200 acquired from the sensor management server 300 (step S003).

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a function of changing the data collection order in the IoT-GW 100. For example, as shown on the left side of FIG. 11, it is assumed that the IoT-GW 100 receives the node response in the order of the sensor nodes 200E, 200D, and 200I. CSMA / CA is used for the response from the sensor node 200, and the waiting time is randomly set. Therefore, there is no guarantee that the response from the sensor node 200, which is close to the IoT-GW 100, will arrive earliest.

Here, it is assumed that the positional relationship between the sensor nodes 200E, 200D, 200I and the IoT-GW100 is as shown in FIG. In this case, if the data is acquired in the order of receiving the node response, that is, the sensor nodes 200E, 200D, and 200I, the data will be acquired from the sensor node 200E farthest from the IoT-GW 100, which is inefficient. .. Therefore, the IoT-GW 100 uses the position information of the sensor node 200 acquired from the sensor management server 300 to determine the data collection order of the sensor nodes 200E, 200D, and 200I in the order of the closest distance to the own machine. In the example of FIG. 11, the IoT-GW 100 determines to acquire data in the order of sensor nodes 200D, 200I, and 200E.

After that, the IoT-GW 100 acquires data in the order of the sensor nodes 200D, 200I, and 200E according to the determined data collection order (steps S004 to S009). As shown in FIG. 8, the data collection order is to acquire data in order from the sensor node 200 closest to the IoT-GW 100, which makes the data acquisition more efficient.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the gateway device (IoT-GW100) is moving and collecting data, a number of sensor nodes 200 exceeding its processing capacity respond to the call message. It is possible to avoid the situation where it ends up. The reason is that the number of sensor nodes 200 to respond can be adjusted by using the response restriction information included in the call message.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the data collection order when a plurality of sensor nodes 200 respond is optimized. This makes it possible to improve the data acquisition performance of the IoT-GW 100 per unit time. The reason is that a configuration is adopted in which the data collection order is changed in consideration of the distance by using the position information of the sensor node 200 acquired from the sensor management server 300.

Further, in the above embodiment, the data collection order is determined based on the distance between the sensor node 200 and the IoT-GW 100, but instead of this distance, the signal strength of the data received from the sensor node 200 and the like are used. It can also be used to determine the order in which data is collected. For example, since it can be estimated that the sensor nodes 200 having a strong signal strength of the received data are located near the IoT-GW 100, it is conceivable to give priority to the data collection of these sensor nodes 200. Of course, the data collection order may be determined based on both the distance between the sensor node 200 and the IoT-GW 100 and the signal strength of the received data.

The configuration of the first embodiment described above can be applied to a configuration in which deterioration diagnosis of a transformer or a utility pole itself arranged on an overhead distribution line is performed using the IoT-GW 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the IoT-GW 100 is mounted on a vehicle and moved along an overhead distribution line. The IoT-GW 100 mounted on the vehicle transmits a call message in which the transformer is specified by the response limitation information at predetermined time intervals, as in the first embodiment described above. By doing so, the IoT-GW 100 can efficiently collect data (for example, vibration data of the transformer) from the sensor node 200 whose sensor type is a transformer. Similarly, by transmitting a call message in which the utility pole is specified in the response restriction information, data (for example, vibration data or tilt data of the utility pole) can be efficiently collected from the sensor node 200 whose sensor type is the utility pole. it can. By analyzing these data on the cloud 500 side, it is possible to diagnose the deterioration of transformers and utility poles.

The IoT-GW 100 of the first embodiment described above can be mounted not only on a vehicle but also on a drone (UAV). For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the IoT-GW 100 is mounted on the drone (UAV) 100A and moved along a high-voltage power line stretched on a steel tower. The IoT-GW 100 mounted on the drone (UAV) 100A transmits a call message in which the steel tower is designated by the response restriction information at predetermined time intervals, as in the first embodiment described above. By doing so, the IoT-GW 100 can efficiently collect data (for example, vibration data of the steel tower) from the sensor node 200 whose sensor type is the steel tower. Similarly, by transmitting a call message in which the high-voltage power line is specified in the response restriction information, data (for example, vibration data of the high-voltage line) can be efficiently collected from the sensor node 200 whose sensor type is the high-voltage line. it can. Further, when the IoT-GW 100 is mounted on the drone (UAV) 100A, it is possible to take an image of a steel tower or a high-voltage electric wire with the camera of the drone (UAV) 100A. By analyzing these data on the cloud 500 side, it is possible to diagnose the deterioration of high-voltage power lines and steel towers.

[Second Embodiment]
Subsequently, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment described above, the IoT-GW 100 transmits a call message in which the sensor type is set as the response restriction information, but the information that can be set as the response restriction information is not limited to the sensor type. In the second embodiment, the management department information of each sensor node 200 is set as the response restriction information. As a method for the sensor node to identify its own management department, it is sufficient to hold a value indicating the management department in a predetermined register or the like. Since the configuration of the second embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, the differences will be mainly described below.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of sensor information held by the sensor management server 300 of the second embodiment. With reference to FIG. 14, information in which the management department of the sensor node 200 and the sensor position are associated with each other is shown. As in the sensor node 200C of FIG. 14, one sensor node may belong to a plurality of management departments. For example, the sensor node 200C of FIG. 14 responds to the call message in which the power department is specified and the call message in which the signal department is specified.

The calling unit 101 of the IoT-GW 100 of the present embodiment broadcasts a calling message designating the management department as response restriction information. Upon receiving the call message, the determination unit 201 of the sensor node 200 refers to the response restriction information included in the call message, confirms whether or not the player belongs to the management department defined in the response restriction information, and confirms whether or not the player belongs to the management department specified in the response restriction information. The result is transmitted to the response unit 202. Then, when the determination result of the determination unit 201 requires a response, the response unit 202 of the sensor node 200 transmits a response to the call message to the IoT-GW 100.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the gateway device (IoT-GW100) is moving and collecting data, a management department is designated and the number of sensor nodes 200 to respond is adjusted. Data can be collected efficiently. For example, the IoT-GW 100 can set any one or more of the communication department, the electric power department, and the signal department in FIG. 14 and collect data from the corresponding management department. In the present embodiment, since data can be collected for each management department that manages the sensor node, it can be suitably applied to applications such as collecting data at different cycles for each management department.

[Third Embodiment]
Subsequently, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the third embodiment, the MAC (Media Access Control) address of each sensor node 200 is set as the response restriction information. Since the configuration of the third embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, the differences will be mainly described below.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of sensor information held by the sensor management server 300 of the third embodiment. With reference to FIG. 15, information in which the sensor type of the sensor node 200, the sensor position, and the MAC address are associated with each other is shown.

The calling unit 101 of the IoT-GW 100 of the present embodiment broadcasts a calling message in which a MAC address is specified as response limiting information for acquiring data from a specific sensor node 200. Upon receiving the call message, the determination unit 201 of the sensor node 200 refers to the response restriction information included in the call message, determines whether or not a response is necessary, and transmits the result to the response unit 202. Then, when the determination result of the determination unit 201 requires a response, the response unit 202 of the sensor node 200 transmits a response to the call message to the IoT-GW 100.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the gateway device (IoT-GW100) collects data while moving, it is possible to specify a sensor node and collect data. In particular, it can be suitably used in a case where the sensor node 200 itself moves or a case where the sensor node 200 itself has a function of collecting data from another sensor node 200.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Subsequently, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the fourth embodiment, the data acquisition history is set in addition to the sensor type of each sensor node 200 as the response restriction information. As a method for the sensor node to identify its own sensor type and data transmission history, it is sufficient to hold a value indicating the sensor type and data transmission history in a predetermined register or the like. Since the configuration of the fourth embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, the differences will be mainly described below.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of sensor information held by the sensor management server 300 of the fourth embodiment. With reference to FIG. 16, information in which the sensor type of the sensor node 200, the sensor position, and the data transmission history are associated with each other is shown.

The calling unit 101 of the IoT-GW 100 of the present embodiment broadcasts a calling message specifying a sensor node whose data transmission history has not been transmitted, in addition to the sensor type, as response limiting information. The determination unit 201 of the sensor node 200 that has received the call message determines whether or not a response is necessary based on the sensor type of the own machine and the data transmission history with reference to the response restriction information included in the call message. The result is transmitted to the response unit 202. Then, when the determination result of the determination unit 201 requires a response, the response unit 202 of the sensor node 200 transmits a response to the call message to the IoT-GW 100.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the gateway device (IoT-GW100) collects data while moving, the type of the sensor node and the data transmission history are specified to collect the data. Is possible. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the data transmission history can be specified, it can be suitably used in the case where a large number of sensor nodes 200 exist within the reach of the call message.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Subsequently, the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention can also be suitably applied to a form in which the IoT-GW 100 is mounted on a vehicle or the like that patrols a predetermined route such as a railroad vehicle or a fixed-route bus. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a fifth embodiment of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 17, an arrangement example of an IoT-GW 100 mounted on a railroad vehicle and a sensor node 200 from which the IoT-GW 100 acquires data is shown.

In the example of FIG. 17, the sensor node 200 is arranged on an electric pole or a balancer (tension balancer), a suspension line or a trolley line, a railroad crossing or an obstacle detection device, a rail or a ballast, a traffic light, a switch or a track circuit.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the IoT-GW 100 of the fifth embodiment mounted on the railroad vehicle. In the case of a railroad vehicle, the IoT-GW 100 will make a round trip on a predetermined route according to a predetermined diagram. Further, each of the sensor nodes 200-1 to 200-10 in FIG. 18 will be described as having a counter. The initial value of the counter is 1, indicating a state in which data has not been transmitted. Then, when the data transmission is successful, the sensor nodes 200-1 to 200-10 change the value of the counter to 0.

For example, as shown in FIG. 18, at the time of the first run, the IoT-GW 100 broadcasts a call message with a counter = 1 as response restriction information (see “Node call (counter = 1)” in the upper part of FIG. 18). ).

As a result of the first run, it is assumed that there is a response from the sensor nodes 200-1 to 200-10 (see (a) in FIG. 18). It is assumed that data collection is successful from the sensor nodes 200-1 to 200-3, 200-5 to 200-7, and 200-9. At this point, the sensor nodes 200-1 to 200-3, 200-5 to 200-7, and 200-9 change the value of the counter to 0. As a result, the sensor nodes 200-1 to 200-3, 200-5 to 200-7, and 200-9 do not respond to the second and subsequent node calls (see (b) in FIG. 18).

After that, in the second run, the IoT-GW 100 broadcasts a call message with the counter = 1 as the response restriction information. In this case, the sensor nodes 200-4, 200-8, 200-10 whose counter value remains 1 will respond to the call message (see (c) in FIG. 18). Then, when the sensor nodes 200-4, 200-8, and 200-10 succeed in data transmission, the value of the counter is changed to 0. As a result, the counter values of the sensor nodes 200-1 to 200-10 become 0, and in the third and subsequent runs, there is no sensor node that responds to the node call. This reduces the power consumption and unnecessary communication of the sensor node.

After that, when the sensor nodes 200-1 to 200-10 return the counter value to 1 at an arbitrary timing, the sensor nodes 200-1 to 200-10 return to the state of responding to the node call again (FIG. 18). (C)).

Of course, in addition to the above counter, the sensor type and the management department may be set as the response restriction information as in the first to fourth embodiments. This makes it possible to further reduce the number of responding nodes.

When it is assumed that the IoT-GW 100 is mounted on a railroad or a fixed-route bus as in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the sensor management server 300 holds information on the kilometer of each sensor node. Then, the IoT-GW 100 can more easily determine the data acquisition order from the sensor node 200 by acquiring the sensor information from the sensor management server 300. For example, as shown in the table on the left side of FIG. 19, it is assumed that information on the sensor nodes 200A to 200N is obtained. On the other hand, the IoT-GW 100 of the present embodiment is mounted on a railroad vehicle and moves in a certain direction on a railroad track. Therefore, the IoT-GW 100 collects data from the sensor nodes in the order of proximity to the own machine by determining the data collection order using the kilometer information for the sensor nodes that responded to the call message. Can be done. For example, when the IoT-GW 100 moves from a direction as small as a kilometer to a direction as large as a kilometer (referred to as an outward route), the IoT-GW 100 has a sensor node 200C and a sensor node 200A as shown in the table on the right side of FIG. , Sensor node 200B ... By collecting data in the order of sensor node 200N, it is possible to efficiently collect data. Similarly, for the return route, the IoT-GW 100 can efficiently collect data by collecting data in the order of sensor node 200N ..., sensor node 200B, sensor node 200A, and sensor node 200C. It becomes.

As described above, the present invention can also be suitably applied to data collection in the form of mounting the IoT-GW 100 on a vehicle or the like that operates on a predetermined route such as a railroad vehicle or a fixed-route bus.

In the above embodiment, the sensor nodes 200-1 to 200-10 have been described as having a counter for managing the call response status, but instead of the counter, the counter value included in the call message is stored. Can also be adopted. In this case, the sensor nodes 200-1 to 200-10 store the counter value included in the previously answered call message. Then, when the sensor nodes 200-1 to 200-10 receive the call message including the same counter value again, the sensor nodes 200-1 to 200-10 suppress the response to the call message as corresponding to the response restriction information. On the other hand, when the IoT-GW 100 succeeds in acquiring the necessary data from the sensor node 200, the IoT-GW 100 updates (for example, increments) the counter value included in the next call message. Then, the IoT-GW 100 can start collecting new data by transmitting a call message in which the updated counter value is set. As described above, even when the sensor nodes 200-1 to 200-10 do not have a counter, it is possible to efficiently collect data as in the above-described embodiment.

Although each embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and further modifications, substitutions, and adjustments are made without departing from the basic technical idea of the present invention. Can be added. For example, the connection configuration between the devices, the configuration of each element, and the data representation form shown in each drawing are examples for assisting the understanding of the present invention, and are not limited to the configurations shown in these drawings. ..

Further, the procedure shown in the first to fifth embodiments described above can be realized by a program that enables a computer (9000 in FIG. 20) that functions as an IoT-GW 100 or a sensor node 200 to realize the functions as these devices. Is. Such a computer is exemplified in a configuration including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 9010, a communication interface 9020, a memory 9030, and an auxiliary storage device 9040 in FIG. That is, the CPU 9010 of FIG. 20 may execute a node calling program or a data collecting program, and update each calculation parameter held in the auxiliary storage device 9040 or the like.

Further, each part (processing means, function) of the IoT-GW 100 and the sensor node 200 shown in each of the above-described embodiments executes the above-mentioned processing by using the hardware of the processor mounted on these devices. It can be realized by a computer program to be made.

Finally, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is summarized.
[First form]
(Refer to the gateway device from the first viewpoint above)
[Second form]
The gateway device mentioned above
By updating the value of the counter included in the call message, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which collection of new data from the sensor node is started.
[Third form]
The gateway device mentioned above
As the counter value, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the value of the counter updated when the data transmission is successful is used on the sensor node side.
[Fourth form]
The gateway device described above can further acquire the position information of the sensor node, and the data collecting unit receives data from the sensor node based on the distance between the position of the sensor node and the position of its own machine. It is possible to adopt a configuration that determines the collection order of.
[Fifth form]
The data collection unit of the gateway device described above
A configuration can be adopted in which the order of collecting data from the sensor node is determined based on the signal strength of the data received from the sensor node.
[Sixth form]
The gateway device mentioned above
As a condition for determining the necessity of the response, a configuration for setting the type of the sensor node can be further adopted.
[7th form]
(Refer to the sensor node device from the second viewpoint above)
[8th form]
(Refer to the data collection method from the third viewpoint above)
[9th form]
(Refer to the data transmission method from the fourth viewpoint above)
[10th form]
(Refer to the computer program from the fifth viewpoint above)
The seventh to tenth forms can be developed into the second to sixth forms in the same manner as the first form.

In addition, each disclosure of the above-mentioned patent documents shall be renormalized and described in this document by reference, and may be used as a basis or a part of the present invention as necessary. Within the framework of the entire disclosure (including the scope of claims) of the present invention, it is possible to change or adjust the embodiments or examples based on the basic technical idea thereof. Further, within the framework of the disclosure of the present invention, various combinations or selections (parts) of various disclosure elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment or embodiment, each element of each drawing, etc.) (Including target deletion) is possible. That is, it goes without saying that the present invention includes all disclosure including claims, and various modifications and modifications that can be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the technical idea. In particular, with respect to the numerical range described in this document, it should be interpreted that any numerical value or small range included in the range is specifically described even if there is no other description. Furthermore, each of the disclosed matters of the above-cited documents may be used in combination with the matters described in this document as a part of the disclosure of the present invention, if necessary, in accordance with the purpose of the present invention. It is considered to be included in the disclosure matters of the present application.

10 Gateway device 11, 101 Calling unit 12, 102 Data collecting unit 20A to 20N, 200, 200A to 200K, 200 to 200-10 Sensor node 21, 201 Judgment unit 22, 202 Response unit 100 IoT-GW
100A Drone 103 Sensor information acquisition unit 210A, 210B Vibration sensor 300 Sensor management server 400 Terminal 500 Cloud 9000 Computer 9010 CPU
9020 Communication interface 9030 Memory 9040 Auxiliary storage

Claims (10)

A calling unit that sends a calling message containing a counter value as a condition for determining whether or not a response is required to a plurality of sensor nodes, and a calling unit.
Based on the distance between the kilometer information of the sensor node and the position of the own machine, the data collection unit that collects the data by determining the data collection order from the sensor node that responded to the call message. , With
A gateway device capable of collecting data in order from the plurality of sensor nodes by causing the sensor node that has succeeded in data transmission among the plurality of sensor nodes to suppress a response to a call message containing the same counter value. The gateway device according to claim 1, which starts collecting new data from the sensor node by updating the value of the counter included in the call message. The gateway device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein as the counter value, a counter value updated when data transmission is successful is used on the sensor node side. The gateway device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further, the data collecting unit determines the order of collecting data from the sensor node based on the signal strength of the data received from the sensor node. The gateway device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the type of the sensor node is further set as a condition for determining the necessity of response. A determination unit that determines the necessity of response based on the counter value for determining the necessity of response included in the call message according to the call message from the gateway device.
When it is determined to respond to the call message, a response unit that sends a response message to the call message and
Sensor node with. A call message containing a counter value as a condition for determining whether or not a response is required is sent to a plurality of sensor nodes.
Based on the distance between the kilometer information of the sensor node and the position of the own machine, the order of collecting data from the sensor node that responded to the call message is determined, and the data is collected.
By causing the sensor node that has succeeded in data transmission among the plurality of sensor nodes to suppress the response to the call message containing the same counter value, data is collected in order from the plurality of sensor nodes.
Data collection method. In response to the call message from the gateway device, the response necessity is determined based on the counter value for determining the response necessity included in the call message.
If it is determined to respond to the call message, a response message is sent in response to the call message.
Data transmission method. The process of sending a call message containing a counter value as a condition for determining whether or not a response is required to multiple sensor nodes, and
Based on the distance between the kilometer information of the sensor node and the position of the own machine, the data collection order from the sensor node that responded to the call message is determined, and the data is collected.
The process of collecting data in order from the plurality of sensor nodes by suppressing the response to the call message containing the same counter value to the sensor node that has succeeded in data transmission among the plurality of sensor nodes. ,
A program to be executed by the gateway device. In response to the call message from the gateway device, the process of determining the response necessity based on the counter value for determining the response necessity included in the call message, and the process of determining the response necessity.
When it is determined that the call message is to be answered, the process of sending a response message to the call message is performed.
A program that causes the sensor node to execute.

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