JP3829796B2 - Communication adapter device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication adapter device for connecting electrical devices to a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional wireless housing equipment system is periodically activated by a plurality of sensor means or remote control means installed in and around the house and driven by a battery, and a plurality of sensor means or remote control means. Connected to each other via a wireless line, and based on information from a plurality of sensor means or remote control means, the home equipment that monitors, reports, or controls the living environment of the house and the use of energy, and radio waves periodically And periodic transmission means for launching. The plurality of sensor means, remote control means, or house equipment each includes a receiving means, a clock means that puts the receiving means into an operating state at a time timing synchronized with an integer of a radio wave emission period of the periodic transmission means, The time difference between the clock means and the periodic transmission means is calculated based on the information from the radio wave periodically emitted from the periodic transmission means received by the reception means, and the clock means is corrected so as to be synchronized with the periodic transmission means. It is configured to include a clock correction unit and a transmission unit that performs transmission at a time timing that is controlled by the clock unit and synchronized with an integral part of the radio wave emission period of the periodic transmission unit when transmission is necessary ( (See Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-08-130785 (pages 2-6, FIGS. 1-5)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional wireless housing equipment system is configured as described above. In order to match the transmission and reception timings of sensor means, remote control means, housing equipment, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “nodes”), It was necessary to install periodic transmission means and transmit radio waves periodically. When the node needs to be transmitted, the transmission must be performed at a time timing synchronized with an integer of the radio wave emission period of the periodic transmission means.
[0005]
For this reason, there has been a problem that a node that is difficult to select a transmission timing that is an integer fraction of a radio wave emission period cannot be used due to limitations in power usage and power supply capability.
[0006]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and eliminates the need for periodic transmission means, and can set the transmission interval and the like in detail according to the power situation of each node. The object is to provide a wide communication adapter device (node).
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The communication adapter device according to the present invention includes a first communication unit that transmits and receives data via an interface unit and an electric device each having a connection terminal for transmitting and receiving data such as attribute information and commands and external power feeding; A second communication means for exchanging data with the network by a wireless medium; a power storage means for storing power for operation of the second communication means that is stored by power feeding from an electrical device; and from the power storage means to the second communication means A power control means for controlling power supply; and a control means for controlling the first and second communication means and the power control means. The control means is based on information on the power supply capability from the electrical equipment. The power supply to the second communication means is controlled by the power means.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a communication adapter device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
In the figure, a communication adapter device 1 is connected via an interface means 3 to an electrical device 2 having an external terminal for the purpose of sending and receiving data such as attribute information and commands and supplying power to the outside. 1 communication means 4, power supply means 5 that receives electric power from the electric device 2 through the interface means 3, temporarily stores this electric power, control means 6 having various control functions, and wireless access via the antenna 7. It comprises a second communication means 9 that exchanges data with the point 8 and a power control means 11 that controls power supply to the second communication means 9 via a current switching means 10 such as a relay. .
[0009]
The network includes a wired LAN (abbreviation of Local Area Network) 13 such as Ethernet (registered trademark) in which the controller 12 is installed, a wireless LAN such as Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b, and 802.11a, and the like. The wireless access point 8 has a function of converting and relaying signals.
[0010]
Further, attribute information and data such as commands related to the communication adapter device 1 and the electrical equipment 2 are exchanged in units of frames.
FIG. 2 is a communication sequence showing the exchange of frames among the communication adapter device 1, the electric equipment 2, and the wireless access point 8 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0011]
Hereinafter, the communication sequence will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the operation in the process of starting up and starting up the communication adapter device 1 will be described.
Along with the activation, the control means 6 in the communication adapter device 1 creates a request frame A for starting the communication service. The request frame A is transmitted to the electrical device 2 via the first communication unit 4 and the interface unit 3.
The electrical device 2 that has received the request frame A interprets this and returns a response frame B to the communication adapter device 1 when the communication service can be started.
[0012]
This response frame B reaches the control means 6 via the interface means 3 and the first communication means 4 of the communication adapter device 1, and is interpreted here. Upon receiving the response frame B and interpreting that the communication service can be started, the control means 6 immediately creates a request frame C for inquiring the model and version. The request frame C is transmitted to the electrical device 2 through the first communication unit 4 and the interface unit 3 in the same manner as the request frame A.
[0013]
The electrical device 2 that has received the request frame C includes information indicating power that can be supplied to the communication adapter device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “power” information), along with information such as its model number and version number. A response frame D is created and returned. The communication adapter device 1 that has received the response frame D acquires information on the power that can be supplied from the electrical device 2.
[0014]
When executing this sequence, in the communication adapter device 1, the control means 6 instructs the power control means 11 not to supply power to the second communication means 9, and the current opening / closing for turning the current on and off. The means 10 is kept open. In this state, the electric device 2 supplies power to the communication adapter device 1, but this current is supplied to the circuit unit excluding the second communication means 9.
[0015]
On the other hand, the control means 6 that has received the response frame D, based on the acquired “power” information, the time that can be connected to the network, that is, the operation time Tf that allows the second communication means 9 to operate, and the power storage means 5. The storage time Ts for storing the electric power is determined.
Here, the time during which the second communication means 9 can receive the response frame matches the operating time Tf. However, since a large amount of power is required when transmitting the request frame, the time that can be transmitted is equal to the operating time Tf. There are many cases that become part. In FIG. 2, this transmission time is represented by Tf ′.
[0016]
When the operation time Tf and the storage time Ts are determined, in the communication adapter device 1, the control unit 6 controls the current switching unit 10 to be closed using the power control unit 11. As a result, the power storage means 5 is connected to the second communication means 9 and power feeding is started. Then, after the operation time Tf elapses, the control unit 6 controls the current switching unit 10 to be in the open state using the power control unit 11 and stops the power supply to the second communication unit 9.
[0017]
Here, the operation (reception) time Tf, the transmission time Tf ′, and the storage time Ts are “power” information acquired from the electrical device 2, “storage amount” information of the storage unit 5, and the second communication unit 9. It is determined based on “power consumption” information and “power consumption” information of other circuits.
[0018]
Further, when the control means 6 determines the operation (reception) time Tf, the transmission time Tf ′, and the storage time Ts, these information (“operation (reception) time Tf” information, “transmission time Tf ′” information, “storage time”) immediately. A frame E including “Ts” information) is created. This frame E is broadcast to the network via the second communication means 9 and the antenna 7, and is distributed to each terminal on the wired LAN 13 via the wireless access point 8 (hereinafter this frame E). Is referred to as a broadcast frame E).
[0019]
Further, the control means 6 controls the current switching means 10 via the power control means 11, the second communication means 9 is fed by the power storage means 5, and a series of operations of operating after feeding is performed at the operating time Tf. The time (Ts + Tf) obtained by adding the storage time Ts is repeated as a cycle unit. This cycle unit corresponds to the polling cycle Tp.
[0020]
Furthermore, the control means 6 transmits various request frames via the first communication means 4 so that the period of communication with the electric device 2 coincides with the above-described polling period Tp. For example, in FIG. 2, request frames F and J and response frames H and K are transmitted at a polling period Tp, respectively.
[0021]
When the terminal on the network, for example, the controller 12 shown in FIG. 1 receives the broadcast frame E, the “operation (reception) time Tf” information, the “transmission time Tf ′” information included therein, A time zone in which the communication adapter device 1 can receive is calculated from the “storage time Ts” information, and a request frame G is transmitted to the communication adapter device 1 via the wireless access point 8 based on the calculation result. The request frame G is interpreted by the control unit 6 via the antenna 7 and the second communication unit 9 in the communication adapter device 1. Based on the interpretation result, the control means 6 creates a corresponding response frame I and sends it back to the network via the second communication means 9 and the antenna 7.
[0022]
Here, for example, when the request frame G is a monitor command of the operating state of the electrical device 2, the control unit 6 responds to the request frame C that has been transmitted to the electrical device 2 in advance using the first communication unit 4. The second communication means 9 is instructed to incorporate the information related to the latest operation state contained in the frame D into the response frame I to the network and send it back within the transmission time Tf ′.
[0023]
Further, when the response frame K when the communication adapter device 1 issues the request frame J to the electrical device 2 is information that requires urgency such as device abnormality, the control means 6 requests from the terminal on the network. The notification frame L can be distributed over the network even if there is not. When the content of the notification frame L is not urgent, the control unit 6 can reduce the transmission power of the second communication unit 5 by not transmitting a response frame on the network.
[0024]
As described above, in the communication adapter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the power storage means 5 is provided, and the operation (reception) time Tf, the transmission time Tf ′, the power storage, based on the power supply capability of the electric device 2. Periodic time Ts is determined, and the power storage means 5 stores the power stored in the power storage means 5 and the power for operating the second communication means 9 by supplying power from the power storage means 5 to the second communication means 9 periodically. I tried to cover with minutes. As a result, the polling cycle is set in accordance with the power supply situation of the node composed of the electric device 2 and the communication adapter device 1, and the power capability of the electric device 2 is kept low to the extent that the power storage means 5 can cover it. The communication adapter device 1 with high energy saving can be obtained.
[0025]
Furthermore, by broadcasting the operation (reception) time Tf, the transmission time Tf ′, and the storage time Ts on the network, each terminal on the network can predict a time zone in which the communication adapter device 1 can communicate. Thus, it is possible to easily construct a network system using a node composed of the electric device 2 and the communication adapter device 1.
[0026]
Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, the case where the communication adapter device 1 acquires the power supply capability from the electric device 2 via the interface unit 3 at the time of start-up has been described.
In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the communication adapter device 1 is provided with electrical contact means such as a switch, for example, and thereby the power supply capability of the electrical device 2 is input.
[0027]
FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of the communication adapter apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
The same or corresponding parts as in FIG.
In the figure, the switch means 14 is for inputting the power supply capability of the electrical equipment 2 via the interface means 3, and is composed of, for example, a dip switch or other electrical contact means.
In addition, the display unit 15 displays information such as an operation (reception) time Tf, a transmission time Tf ′, and a storage time Ts determined based on the power supply capability (“power” information) input by the switch unit 14. For example, it is composed of a liquid crystal display.
[0028]
FIG. 4 is a communication sequence showing exchange of frames among the communication adapter device 1, the electric device 2, and the wireless access point 8 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Hereinafter, the communication sequence will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0029]
First, before the communication adapter device 1 is activated, the power supply capability of the electrical equipment 2 connected by the switch means 14 is set.
Next, when the communication adapter device 1 is operated, the control unit 6 reads the power supply capability (“power” information) of the electrical device 2 from the switch unit 14 and acquires it. An operation (reception) time Tf, a transmission time Tf ′, and a storage time Ts for enabling the second communication means 9 are determined based on the acquired power supply capability.
[0030]
Specifically, the operation (reception) time Tf, the transmission time Tf ′, and the power storage time Ts are the power supply capability (“power” information) of the electric device 2, the “power storage amount” information of the power storage means 5, and the second communication means. 9 "power consumption" information, "power consumption" information of other circuits, and the like. Simultaneously with the determination of the operation (reception) time Tf, the transmission time Tf ′, and the storage time Ts, the control unit 6 displays information on the operation (reception) time Tf, the transmission time Tf ′, and the storage time Ts on the display unit 15. Let them be confirmed from the outside.
Note that the communication sequence between the communication adapter device 1 and the electrical device 2 and the network (wireless access point 8) is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
[0031]
In the above configuration, for example, consider a case where an IP (abbreviation of Internet Protocol) address is acquired from a DHCP (abbreviation of Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server connected to a network by Ethernet (registered trademark) and set to have a short leaving determination time.
In this case, when the power to the second communication means 9 of the communication adapter device 1 corresponding to the client is cut off, the DHCP server determines that it is disconnected, and when the second communication means 9 is started up again. However, there is a problem that the system is reconfigured by giving different addresses.
[0032]
In this embodiment, since the operation (reception) time Tf, the transmission time Tf ′, and the power storage time Ts are displayed, the DHCP server can set an appropriate determination time from these, and the related problem It can be avoided.
[0033]
As described above, in the communication adapter device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the power supply capability of the electrical device 2 is configured to be set by the switch unit 14, so that it can be reliably set while being visually recognized.
[0034]
In addition, since the operation (reception) time Tf, the transmission time Tf ′, and the power storage time Ts are configured to be displayed on the communication adapter device 1, an appropriate address release time is provided to the address automatic assignment device (DHCP server) on the network. Therefore, even if the communication function of the terminal is temporarily stopped to reduce power consumption, it is possible to obtain the communication adapter device 1 that does not cause a problem that the system is immediately reconfigured.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the communication adapter device of the present invention, the power storage means 5 is provided, and the polling cycle of the communication adapter device is determined based on the power supply capability of the electric device 2. It is possible to provide a communication adapter device with high energy savings that can be widely applied according to the situation of the node constituted by.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a communication adapter device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a communication sequence diagram of the communication adapter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram of a communication adapter device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a communication sequence diagram of the communication adapter device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Communication adapter apparatus 2 Electric equipment 3 Interface means 4 First communication means 5 Power storage means 6 Control means 7 Antenna 8 Wireless access point 9 Second communication means 10 Current switching means 11 Power control means 12 Controller 13 Wired LAN
14 Switch means 15 Display means

Claims (5)

First communication means for sending and receiving data via interface means and an electrical device each having a connection terminal for sending and receiving data such as attribute information and commands and external power feeding;
A second communication means for exchanging data with the network via a wireless medium;
Power storage means for storing electric power for operation of the second communication means that is stored by feeding from the electrical device;
Power control means for controlling power supply from the power storage means to the second communication means;
Control means for controlling each of the first and second communication means and the power control means,
The control means controls the power supply to the second communication means by the power means based on information relating to the power supply capability from the electrical equipment. The control means obtains information relating to the power supply capability of the electrical equipment from the electrical equipment via the interface means, and determines the power supply cycle to the second communication means based on this information. The communication adapter device according to claim 1, wherein: The communication adapter device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a switch for inputting a power supply capability of the electric device. The communication adapter device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines a polling cycle for the electric device based on an operation cycle of the second communication unit. 5. The communication adapter device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit configured to display at least one of the polling period, a time required for power storage, and an operation time of the second communication unit.

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