JP3934428B2 - Remote control system, remote control method, and gateway device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a remote control network that controls operation of electrical equipment from a remote location and a gateway device used in the network. In particular, the present invention relates to a remote control method in the network and a remote control service method using the network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
One form of connection to the Internet is power line carrier. In power line transportation, an Internet connection is realized by superimposing an IP packet signal on a lead-in line from a transformer to a building. The power line carrier is disclosed in the September 2000 issue of Interface (pages 70-81, CQ Publisher). On the other hand, there is a need to control home appliances from a remote location. Techniques for remotely controlling home appliances via a network are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2001-94483 and 2001-28093.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when a network of home appliances (hereinafter referred to as a home network) is connected to an open network such as the Internet to which various devices are connected, the problem of unauthorized access occurs. An example of this unauthorized access is a DoS (Denial of Service) attack. This attack makes the device inoperable by sending a large number of packets or illegal packets to the attacked device.
[0004]
As countermeasures, there are methods such as increasing IP packet processing capacity and eliminating program bugs, but there is no complete solution. Computers installed in home appliances have a small memory capacity, limited functions, and are vulnerable to DoS attacks. For this reason, home appliances and gateways that connect the Internet and the home network are easily stopped when a DoS attack occurs, making it impossible to remotely control the devices.
[0005]
The above is not a problem specific to the Internet. For example, a method for controlling a home network by telephone is disclosed in the above-mentioned publication, but if a malicious person blocks the control telephone line, the user cannot connect to the telephone line, and the home network Cannot be controlled.
[0006]
That is, the control of the home network via the network to which an unspecified device is connected has a security problem and is particularly vulnerable to a DoS type attack.
[0007]
In addition, if the dedicated line is connected to the home network, the security is improved. However, since the devices that can be connected to the dedicated line are limited, the convenience is impaired, which is a problem.
[0008]
Furthermore, the conventional remote control method for electric devices via the Internet is vulnerable to attacks by unauthorized access. In particular, since home appliances have a small amount of memory, they are easily out of control when subjected to a DoS type attack. On the other hand, there is a measure to use a dedicated line for device control, but there is a problem that the installation and maintenance of the dedicated line is expensive, and the device cannot be controlled if it cannot be connected to the dedicated line.
[0009]
Therefore, the object of the present invention is to take advantage of the convenience of the Internet that it can be connected from anywhere and is cheaper than a dedicated line, and even when control via the Internet is impossible due to an unauthorized access attack, remote control of electrical equipment It is to provide a network that can be implemented reliably.
[0010]
Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a remote control network having a high degree of freedom and high reliability.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention, a first network to which only limited devices are connected, a second network to which unspecified devices are connected, and a device to be controlled are connected. By providing a network in which the third network is connected by a gateway device that independently processes communication between the first network and the third network and between the second network and the third network Remote control of equipment can be implemented.
[0012]
Furthermore, the present invention includes a first network to which only limited devices are connected, a second network to which unspecified devices can be connected, and a third network to which controlled electrical devices are connected. The first network and the third network, and the second network and the third network are connected by a gateway device that independently processes communication, and the first network and the third network are connected. And a device for transmitting a control instruction for the third network to the second network and the second network. This provides a network configuration and apparatus capable of controlling the third network from both the first network and the second network.
[0013]
According to the present invention, the first network is controlled even if the third network is normally controlled from the second network to which various devices can be connected, and the third network cannot be controlled from the second network. Thus, it becomes possible to control the devices connected to the third network. Further, since only a limited device is connected to the first network, the first network can be secured more safely and more reliably than the second network to which an unspecified device is connected, and the problem of unauthorized access does not occur.
[0014]
For example, if the Internet is used as the second network, the load on the first network can be reduced, so that the cost for installing and maintaining the first network can be reduced. If control via the Internet is impossible, the third network can be controlled by using the first network, and reliability similar to that of a dedicated line can be realized.
[0015]
Furthermore, the third network can be controlled from anywhere as long as it can be connected to the Internet, and the convenience of the Internet can be fully utilized.
[0016]
Furthermore, the configuration of the remote control network according to the present invention is such that only the limited device is connected to the first network and the unspecified device is connected to the second network. A device that overlaps one communication channel, and the third network to which the communication channel and the electric device to be controlled are connected is between the first network and the third network, and the first network 2 and the third network are connected by a gateway device that independently processes the communication between the second network and the third network.
[0017]
With the use of the network configuration and the gateway device, home network devices can be controlled via the second network while the second network is operating normally, and the second network Even when the device cannot be used, control of the device connected from the first network to the third network is realized.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
1st Embodiment of this invention is related with the remote control system of the electrical equipment in a building using the internet connection by power line conveyance. In particular, a configuration of a network that can remotely control electrical equipment via another reliable network even when Internet connection is impossible will be described.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a network according to the present embodiment. The electric power generated at the power plant is transmitted to the user's building 150 via the power station 107 through the substation and the transformer. On the other hand, the electric power company constructs a power transmission control network 105 in order to manage the power transmission state. The power transmission control network 105 is connected to a power plant, a substation, a transformer, and the like. The power transmission control network 105 is connected to the management center 101, and the manager of the power company monitors and controls the power transmission state from the management center 101.
[0021]
On the other hand, on the power user building 150 side, the power line modem 103 is connected to the power transmission control network 105 and the Internet 106. The power line modem 103 is connected to the power line gateway 110 in the building 150 via the power lead-in line 104. The power line modem 103 and the power line gateway 110 exchange the IP packet signal and the power transmission control packet signal using different carrier frequencies on the lead-in line 104.
[0022]
In the building 150, electrical devices are connected to form a home network 120. The home network 120 is connected to an air conditioner 121, a video 122, a lighting 123, a lock 124, a central controller 125, and the like. Each device is equipped with a control program for communicating with each other using a communication protocol defined by the home network 120, receiving a communication command, and controlling the operation of the device.
[0023]
The central controller 125 collects connected device information according to the rules of the home network 120 and creates an operation menu for each device. A user in the building 150 can perform device operations such as power-on / off of each device, time reservation operation, brightness adjustment, and the like using the operation menu of the central controller 125.
[0024]
A power line gateway 110 is installed between the service line 104 and the home network 120. The power line gateway 110 includes a power line carrier adapter 111 and a computer 112.
[0025]
The power line carrier adapter 111 separates the IP packet signal and the power transmission control packet signal from the signal flowing through the lead-in line 104 and outputs the separated signal to the computer 112. The IP packet and the power transmission control packet are transmitted using different carrier frequencies, and the power line carrier adapter 111 can separate two communication signals using a bandpass filter. Further, the power line carrier adapter 111 outputs a power signal 115 obtained by removing the communication signal from the lead-in line 104. In addition, the power line carrier adapter 111 modulates the IP packet and the power transmission control packet output from the computer 112 to the respective carrier frequencies and places them on the lead-in line 104.
[0026]
With the above configuration, the computer 112 is capable of line It communicates with the Internet 106 and the power transmission control network 105 via the modem 103 and the power line carrier adapter 111.
[0027]
The computer 112 is a normal computer having a CPU, a memory, an input / output device, and the like. In the computer 112, an IP processing OS 113 that processes IP packets and a control communication OS 114 that processes power transmission control packets are executed independently. Executing independently means that the two OSs divide and use the memory and input / output devices that are the resources of the computer 112, and the mutual execution does not affect others. A technique for independently executing a plurality of OSs on one computer is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-149385. According to this, the IP processing OS 113 and the control communication OS 114 can be executed independently, and even when the IP processing OS 113 stops due to a failure, the control communication OS 114 can continue to operate.
[0028]
The computer 112 shown in FIG. 2 is provided with two IP packet adapters 205 and control communication adapters 206, which are network adapters for exchanging signals with the input and output ports of the IP packet and power transmission control packet signal of the power line carrier adapter 111, respectively. It is placed under the management of OS 113 and OS 114. The computer 112 also has a home network adapter 207 for exchanging signals with the home network 120.
[0029]
A Web terminal 130 is connected to the Internet 106 (FIG. 1). A user 140 operates a device on the home network 120 using the Web terminal 130. The web terminal 130 may be any device as long as it can connect to the Internet and browse web pages, such as a PC or a mobile phone.
[0030]
The power line gateway 110 generates a Web page having a function equivalent to that provided by the central control device 125 to users in the building 150. The user 140 accesses this Web page and controls the devices of the home network 120.
[0031]
Next, the configuration of the computer 112 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the computer 112.
[0032]
The computer 112 includes a CPU 201, a memory 203, and network adapters 205, 206 to 207. The CPU 201 and the memory 203 are connected by a bus 202. The network adapters 205, 206 to 207 are connected via an I / O bus 208. The I / O bus 208 is connected to the bus 202 via the I / O bus control device 204. The I / O bus control device 204 exchanges data between the bus 202 and the I / O bus 208, and interrupts from devices such as the IP packet adapter 205, the control communication adapter 206, and the home network adapter 207 on the I / O bus 208. Is transferred to the CPU 201.
[0033]
The memory 203 is divided into an area for the IP processing OS 113 and an area for the control communication OS 114. Each OS is configured not to access each other's memory area. A shared area 209 accessible from both OSs is also provided. In the shared area 209, OS switching processing is executed, and an interrupt processing module for processing data for communication between OSs and interrupts generated by the network adapters 205, 206 to 207 is arranged.
[0034]
Network adapters 205 and 206 are connected to the power line carrier adapter 111. The IP packet adapter 205 is controlled by the IP processing OS 113 and exchanges IP packet signals with the power line carrier adapter 111. The control communication adapter 206 is controlled by the control communication OS 114, and exchanges power transmission control communication signals with the power line carrier adapter 111.
[0035]
The home network adapter 207 is connected to the home network 120. The home network adapter 207 is configured to be controlled from both the IP processing OS 113 and the control communication OS 114. However, the OS 113 and the OS 114 cooperate so that one of the OSs controls the home network adapter 207. Usually, the IP processing OS 113 controls the home network adapter 207.
[0036]
Network addresses are set in the network adapters 205, 206 to 207. When each of the adapters 205 to 207 receives a packet or a communication signal for the address set to each of the adapters 205 to 207, the adapter 205 generates an interrupt to request execution of the communication process.
[0037]
Next, the software configuration of the computer 112 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of software executed by the computer 112.
[0038]
In the computer 112, the IP processing OS 113 and the control communication OS 114 execute independently. In the shared area 209 of the memory 203 (FIG. 2), an interrupt processing module 305, an OS switching processing module 306, and a home network processing OS flag 307 are arranged.
[0039]
The home network processing OS flag 307 stores a value indicating which OS processes the home network adapter 207 interrupt.
[0040]
The interrupt processing module 305 is an interrupt handler that receives interrupts from the IP packet adapter 205, the control communication adapter 206, and the home network adapter 207. The interrupt handler identifies the network adapter that generated the interrupt and passes the interrupt to the OS that manages the adapter. If the interrupt is generated by the home network adapter 207, the home network processing OS flag 307 is referred to and an OS for processing the interrupt is determined. At this time, the execution OS is switched as necessary.
[0041]
The OS switching module 306 switches the OS executed by the CPU 201 in response to an instruction from the OS or the interrupt processing module 305.
[0042]
In each OS, a program for controlling the home network 120 is executed. The IP processing OS 113 incorporates a device driver for the IP packet adapter 205 (included in the IP processing OS 113) and a protocol stack for processing IP packets. On the IP processing OS 113, a home appliance control program 301 and a Web server 302 are executed.
[0043]
The home appliance control program 301 collects device information on the home network 120 and generates a Web page for controlling those devices. The home appliance control program 301 controls devices of the home network 120 (FIG. 1) in cooperation with the Web server 302.
[0044]
The Web server 302 analyzes a Web request from the Internet 106 and transmits a Web page generated by the home appliance control program 301 or performs processing such as instructing the home appliance control program 301 to control the home network 120.
[0045]
In the control communication OS 114, a device driver of the control communication adapter 206 and a protocol stack for processing a power transmission control signal are incorporated. In the control communication OS 114, the emergency control program 303 and the OS monitoring program 304 are executed.
[0046]
The emergency control program 303 processes the power transmission control signal transmitted from the management center 101, and issues a control instruction to the home network 120 accordingly.
[0047]
The OS monitoring program 304 monitors the operation of the IP processing OS 113. When the OS monitoring program 304 detects the stop of the IP processing OS 113, the OS monitoring program 304 rewrites the home network processing OS flag 307 and notifies the OS switching processing module 306 that the IP processing OS 113 has stopped. The computer 112 is configured to control 120.
[0048]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the startup procedure of the computer 112. The startup process of the computer 112 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0049]
First, the computer 112 activates the IP processing OS 113 (step 401). The OS 113 interrupts the activation process and activates the control communication OS 114 (step 402). After completing the startup process, the OS 114 waits for an input from the control communication adapter 206 (step 403), and resumes the execution of the OS 113 (step 404). The OS switching processing module 306 implements OS interruption and resumption.
[0050]
After restarting, the OS 113 initializes the home network processing OS flag 307 to a value indicating that the OS 113 controls the home network 120 (step 405), and further initializes the IP packet adapter 205 and the home network adapter 207 (step). 406). Thereafter, communication from the network is waited (step 407).
[0051]
Here, the overall movement of the network in this embodiment will be described.
[0052]
First, a case where the Internet connection is normal will be described. Here, a description will be given assuming that the air conditioner 121 shown in FIG.
[0053]
A user 140 who operates a Web terminal 130 connected to the Internet 106 specifies an IP address set in the IP packet adapter 205 (FIG. 2) of the power line gateway 110 and opens a Web page for operating the home network 120. . A Web request from the Web terminal 130 is superimposed on the service line 104 by the power line modem 103 via the Internet 106 and reaches the power line gateway 110. The IP packet is separated from other signals by the power line carrier adapter 111 in the power line gateway 110, reaches the IP packet adapter 205 of the computer 112, is processed by the IP processing OS 113, and passes to the Web server 302 (FIG. 3).
[0054]
The web server 302 analyzes the web request and sends the web page generated by the home appliance control program 301 (FIG. 3) to the web terminal 130. For example, the Web page 500 shown in FIG. 5 is sent. The user 140 can perform status monitoring, power control, timer setting, and the like of the electrical devices of the home network 120 from the Web terminal 130 through such a Web page.
[0055]
The generated web page 500 has a button 511 for instructing to turn on the air conditioner 121 (FIG. 1). When the user 140 presses the button on the Web terminal 130, the Web terminal 130 transmits a Web request indicating that the button 511 has been pressed to the Web server 302 (FIG. 3). The Web server 302 determines that the button 511 has been pressed, and instructs the home appliance control program 301 to turn on the air conditioner 121.
[0056]
3 receives an instruction from the Web server 302 and transmits a control command for turning on the air conditioner 121 to the home network 120 (FIG. 2). Then, the control program of the air conditioner 121 receives the control command and turns on the power of the air conditioner 121.
[0057]
In this way, the user 140 can control the home appliances of the home network 120 from a remote location via the Internet 106 and the service line 104.
[0058]
Next, the flow of control when the power line gateway 110 is a target of a DoS attack from the Internet 106 and the IP processing OS 113 that processes IP packets is stopped will be described.
[0059]
The IP processing OS 113 of the computer 112 is a target of DoS attack and has stopped functioning. However, since the computer 112 is configured such that the IP processing OS 113 and the control communication OS 114 operate independently, the control communication OS 114 is executed even after the IP processing OS 113 is stopped. Further, the control communication OS 114 waits for a power transmission control signal after the computer 112 is started, and is suspended. The independent operation of the OS 113 and OS 114 on the computer 112 is described as a nanokernel method in REAJ 2000 (pages 395 to 403, Vol. 22, No. 5 (Vol. 105)).
[0060]
The user 140 tries to connect to the power line gateway 110 from the Web terminal 130, but cannot connect because the IP processing OS 113 of the power line gateway 110 is stopped.
[0061]
The user 140 notifies the management center 101 that control via the Internet 106 is impossible. This contact means may take any form, and contact is made by accessing the management center 101 via the Internet 106 or calling the management center 101. In response to this notification, the management center 101 transmits a power transmission control signal to the power transmission control network 105 toward the address set in the control communication adapter 206 (FIG. 2) of the power line gateway 110.
[0062]
The power transmission control signal is superimposed on the lead-in line 104 by the power line modem 103, separated from other signals by the power line carrier adapter 111 in the power line gateway 110, and sent to the control communication adapter 206. The control communication adapter 206 detects a power transmission control signal addressed to its own address, and generates an interrupt to the CPU 201.
[0063]
The interrupt is captured by an interrupt handler in the shared area 209 of the computer 112. The interrupt handler determines that the interrupt is from the control communication adapter 206, updates the home network processing OS flag 307, and instructs the OS switching module 306 to switch the execution OS to the control communication OS 114.
[0064]
In response to the instruction, the OS switching module 306 switches the execution of the CPU 201 to the control communication OS 114. Thereafter, the control communication OS 114 is executed in the computer 112 until there is an instruction from the home network 120 or the power transmission control network 105 to validate the IP processing OS 113.
[0065]
The control communication OS 114 passes communication data to the emergency control program 303. The emergency control program 303 performs processing such as transmitting a device control signal to the home network 120 and transmitting configuration information of the home network 120 to the management center 101 in accordance with communication data from the management center 101.
[0066]
When the user 140 instructs the management center 101 to turn on the air conditioner 121, the management center 101 sends a power transmission control signal corresponding to the instruction to the power transmission control network 105. The emergency control program 303 receives the power transmission control signal and transmits a control command for turning on the power of the air conditioner 121 to the home network 120.
[0067]
As described above, even when the user 140 cannot connect to the power line gateway 110 from the Internet 106, the user 140 can control the home network 120 via the management center 101.
[0068]
By providing the power line gateway 110 that independently executes communication processing between the Internet 106 and the power transmission control network 105 between the home network 120 and the both networks 105 and 106, even if the Internet 106 receives an attack due to unauthorized access, The home network 120 can be reliably controlled via the power transmission control network 105.
[0069]
The control method described above can also be provided as a remote control method having the following features (1) to (3).
[0070]
(1) a first network including a management terminal to which limited devices are connected; a second network including a user terminal to which an unspecified number of devices are connected; and a first network to which controlled devices are connected. In the remote control method in a network composed of three networks, the step of accessing the third network from the second network via the gateway device, and the first network via the gateway device, Accessing the third network, and when the second network cannot access the third network, the user terminal notifies the management terminal, and after the notifying step , Instead of accessing the third network from the second network, Wherein the the serial first network comprising the step of implementing access to the third network.
[0071]
(2) In the remote control method, the gateway device includes a first processing unit and a second processing unit, and the second processing unit transfers a communication signal from the second network to the third network, The first processing unit transfers a control signal from the first network to the third network.
[0072]
(3) In the remote control method described above, the step to be performed includes the step that the first processing unit continues when the second processing unit receives unauthorized access from the second network and becomes inaccessible. After the management terminal receives the notification, the control signal is transmitted to the third network via the first processing unit included in the gateway device, and the third network The method includes a step of controlling a predetermined device connected to the device.
[0073]
Here, the first network is the power transmission control network 105, the second network is the Internet 106, and the third network is the home network 120.
[0074]
Further, since the power transmission control network 105 is a network that is not open to unspecified devices, the transmission source of communication can be trusted. Therefore, compared to the Internet to which unspecified devices are connected, the power transmission control network 105 has fewer security problems and is safer.
[0075]
In addition, a gateway that performs communication processing of two networks such as the power line gateway 110 independently on a network to which only specific devices such as the power transmission control network 105 are connected and an open network such as the Internet. By connecting to, a remote control network that can secure the same level of safety as a dedicated line and can utilize the openness of the Internet can be constructed at low cost.
[0076]
In the present embodiment, the medium forming the power transmission control network 105 is not specified, but any medium may be used. For example, if the power transmission control network 105 is constructed with an optical fiber, it becomes difficult to mix an unauthorized signal into the network because it requires advanced technology, and the security of the network is increased.
[0077]
In the present embodiment, the power transmission control network 105 and the Internet 106 are connected via the power line modem 103, but a signal from the Internet 106 may be superimposed on the power transmission control network 105. For example, IP packets and power transmission control signals may be transmitted using the power transmission control network 105 by using different frequency bands of the power transmission control network 105 and using different optical fiber cores. In this case, the power line gateway 110 separates and superimposes two communication signals.
[0078]
In this embodiment, the form of the home network 120 is not particularly limited, but any type of network may be used. For example, it may be power line carrier, IEEE 1394, wireless, BlueTooth, Ethernet or the like. In the present embodiment, the control target is an electric device, but this is not limited to an electric device in the home. For example, it may be an electrical device in a building, a control device in a factory, an electrical device in a certain area, or the like.
[0079]
In the present embodiment, the power line modem 103 and the power line gateway 110 are connected by the power lead-in line 104 to the building, but this does not limit the connection form to the power line. For example, a telephone line or wireless may be used. In this case, the power line modem 103 and the power line carrier adapter 111 are communication devices adapted to the communication medium.
[0080]
In the present invention, the communication signals of the two networks are put on one communication medium. However, the power line gateway 110 may be directly connected to the Internet 106 and the power transmission control network 105.
[0081]
In this embodiment, the control communication OS 114 resumes execution when the power transmission control signal reaches the power line gateway 110. However, the control communication OS 114 monitors the operation status of the IP processing OS 113, and switches the execution OS as necessary. May be. For example, a watchdog timer for monitoring the IP processing OS 113 may be provided, and the execution of the computer 112 may be switched to the control communication OS 114 when the timer is fired.
[0082]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the above-described remote control network can be provided as a remote control network having the following feature points (a) to (d).
[0083]
(A) a first network to which a management terminal is connected, a second network to which a user terminal is connected, a third network, a communication channel for multiplexing communications of the first network and the second network, And communication between the first network and the third network, and between the second network and the third network, connected to the communication channel, and independently processing A gateway device, and a device connected to the third network can be controlled from both the management terminal of the first network and the user terminal connected to the second network. Remote control network characterized by
[0084]
(B) In the remote control network, the gateway device includes a first processor and a second processor, and the first processor controls communication between the first network and the third network, and The second processor controls communication between the second network and the third network.
[0085]
(C) In the remote control network, the monitoring software included in the first processor monitors the operating state of the second processor, and when the function of the second processor is stopped, the first processor The second processor is restarted based on an instruction signal from a third network, and a predetermined device connected to the third network is controlled.
[0086]
(D) In the remote control network, the first network is a power transmission control network 105, the second network is the Internet 106, the third network is a home network 120, and the stop is It is caused by unauthorized access that has occurred in the communication channel from the second network to the third network.
[0087]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the above-described power line gateway or gateway device can also be provided as a gateway device having the following feature points (I) to (IV).
[0088]
(I) To control access from a first network to which limited devices are connected or a second network to which an unspecified number of devices are connected to a third network to which controlled devices are connected In the gateway apparatus, the gateway apparatus includes an adapter apparatus and a computer, the adapter apparatus receives a control signal supplied from the first network or the second network, and receives the control signal from the first and second networks. And the first and second signals are multiplexed and transmitted to the first network and the second network, and the adapter device transmits the third signal based on the control signal. A communication signal is transmitted to the network, and the computer processes the communication between the first network and the third network. 1 OS and the second OS that processes the communication between the second network and the third network are independently executed, and the first OS is not stopped even after the second OS is stopped. By being continuously executed, the access from the first network to the third network can be continued.
[0089]
(II) In the gateway device, the first signal is a power transmission control signal, the second signal is a communication packet, the gateway device further includes a first adapter, and the adapter device includes the computer. And the adapter device and the computer are transmitted from the second network, the second adapter receiving the first signal transmitted from the first network, and the second network. Connected via a third adapter that receives the second signal, the first adapter is a home network adapter, the second adapter is a control communication adapter, and the third adapter is a communication It is a packet adapter.
[0090]
(III) In the gateway device, a computer that executes the first OS that controls communication between the first network and the third network, and between the second network and the third network The computer that executes the second OS that controls the communication is independent.
[0091]
(IV) In the gateway device, when the first OS of the computer monitors the operation of the second OS and the second OS is stopped, the first OS is connected to the first network. And a notification indicating the stop of the second OS are transmitted to the third network, and after the stop of the second OS, an instruction from the device of the first network or the third network is sent to the first network. And the first OS restarts the second OS.
[0092]
Here, the first network is the power transmission control network 105, the second network is the Internet 106, and the third network is the home network 120.
[0093]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, another method for superimposing an IP packet signal and a power transmission control signal on the lead-in line 104 will be described.
[0094]
In this embodiment, spread spectrum modulation is used for communication signal modulation. (SS modulation) use. The spread spectrum system is disclosed in the October 1999 issue of Transistor Technology (CQ Publishing Co., 217-225). Spread spectrum modulation multiplies an information signal by a PN code (pseudo-random noise code) and distributes the information signal in a wide frequency band for transmission.
[0095]
This method is characterized by being resistant to noise and having high confidentiality.
[0096]
In the following description, communication from the power transmission control network 105 to the home network 120 is assumed to be downstream, and vice versa.
[0097]
First, downlink communication will be described. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a power line modem transmitter 600 in the power line modem 103. The transmitter 600 superimposes communication between the Internet 106 and the power transmission control network 105 on the lead-in line 104.
[0098]
The transmitter 600 has two address tables 603 and 607. FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the address tables 603 and 607. The address table 603 stores IP address information of the downstream power line gateway 110. Specifically, the IP address 701 set in the IP packet adapter 205 (FIG. 2) and the PN code 702 used for SS modulation of the IP packet are stored. On the other hand, the address table 607 stores the network address 703 of the control communication adapter 206 of the power line gateway 110 and the PN code 704 used for SS modulation. As the PN code, a unique code is assigned to each network adapter.
[0099]
A plurality of power line gateways 110 may be connected to the end of the lead-in line 104, and the address tables 603 and 607 store respective address information.
[0100]
An IP packet from the Internet 106 is input to the address checker 601. The address checker 601 checks whether the destination address of the IP packet is in the address table 603. If there is, the address checker 601 outputs the PN code 702 and the IP packet corresponding to the IP address to the SS modulator 602. The SS modulator 602 generates a signal to be superimposed on the lead-in line 104 by multiplying the IP packet by the PN code and sends the signal to the mixer 604.
[0101]
The power transmission control signal of the power transmission control network 105 is input to the address checker 605, SS-modulated in the same manner as the IP packet, and input to the mixer 604. However, the power transmission control signal is SS-modulated with a PN code 704 different from that of the IP packet.
[0102]
The frequency of the SS-modulated signal is higher than the power frequency. The mixer 604 superimposes the power signal 107 and the outputs of the SS modulators 602 and 606 and outputs the result to the lead-in line 104. Since the IP packet and the power transmission control signal are modulated with different PN codes, they can be separated on the receiving side.
[0103]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a receiver 800 that receives a communication signal from the service line 104 in the power line carrier adapter 111.
[0104]
The duplexer 801 divides the signal of the lead-in line 104 into the power line 115 and the communication signal. The communication signal is input to SS demodulators 802 and 805. The SS demodulator 802 multiplies the PN code 803 and the SS demodulator 805 multiplies the PN code 806 to demodulate the communication signal. These PN codes are the same PN codes that are used at the time of modulation by the transmitter 600 in the power line modem 103. That is, the PN codes 803 and 806 are stored in the address tables 603 and 607 of the transmitter 600.
[0105]
The demodulated signals pass through bandpass filters 804 and 807, are output to the computer 112, and are input to the IP packet adapter 205 and the control communication adapter 206.
[0106]
Next, uplink communication will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a transmitter 900 of the power line carrier adapter 111 that transmits a communication signal to the lead-in line 104.
[0107]
The outputs of the IP packet adapter 205 and the control communication adapter 206 of the computer 112 are input to SS modulators 901 and 902. SS modulators 901 and 902 modulate the communication signal by multiplying the communication signal by PN codes 903 and 904. The combiner 903 superimposes the modulated signal on the power line 115 and outputs it to the lead-in line 104.
[0108]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a receiver 1000 that receives a communication signal from the service line 104 of the power line modem 103.
[0109]
A signal in the lead-in line 104 is divided into a power line 107 and a communication signal by a distributor 1008. The communication signal is distributed to a plurality of SS demodulators 1001. The demodulator 1001 is connected by the number of entries that can be stored in the address tables 603 and 607.
[0110]
Each demodulator 1001 is assigned one of the PN codes stored in the address tables 603 and 607. The demodulator 1001 multiplies the communication signal by the assigned PN code, and extracts the IP packet signal and the control communication signal on the lead-in line 104. Further, the communication signal passes through the band pass filter 1002 and is extracted.
[0111]
The extracted communication signals are time-division multiplexed by multiplexers 1003 and 1004 and combined into one signal. An IP packet appears at the output of the multiplexer 1003, and a power transmission control signal appears at the output of the multiplexer 1004.
[0112]
Modulators 1005 and 1006 modulate the combined signal so as to ride on the Internet 106 and the power transmission control network 105.
[0113]
As described above, the IP packet signal and the power transmission control signal can be superimposed on the same lead-in line 104. Two independent communication lines can be secured by using spread spectrum modulation and using different PN codes for modulation of IP packets and power transmission control signals.
[0114]
Further, the spread spectrum modulation method has high secrecy and noise resistance, and it is difficult to make the power transmission control signal flowing through the lead-in line 104 an illegal signal, thereby improving the safety of remote control.
[0115]
Moreover, if the PN code 904 of the transmitter 900 in the power line carrier adapter (FIG. 9) does not leak to the outside, an unauthorized power transmission control signal cannot be sent to the lead-in line 104, and high security can be realized.
[0116]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, a method of further increasing security by changing the PN code used for modulation of the power transmission control signal over time will be described.
[0117]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of the transmitter 600 of the power line modem 103 and the receiver 800 of the power line carrier adapter 111 in the present embodiment. It is the figure which showed the part regarding the spread spectrum modulation of the power transmission control signal especially.
[0118]
First, the transmitter 600 will be described. The PN code used for modulation of the power transmission control signal is stored in the address table 607. The transmitter 600 includes a timer 1103, a random number generator 1102, and a PN code table 1101.
[0119]
The timer 1103 starts the random number generator 1102 at regular time intervals. The random number generator 1102 generates a random number and sends the random number to the PN code table 1101. The PN code table 1101 stores a plurality of PN codes used for modulation of the power transmission control signal. The PN code table 1101 determines from which random number generated by the random number generator 1102 which PN code for communication with the power line carrier adapter 111 is to be changed, and is used for subsequent communication of the selected power line carrier adapter 111. A code is selected and sent to the address table 607.
[0120]
The address table 607 generates a packet that informs the receiver 800 of the change of the PN code. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a packet 1200 that conveys the change of the PN code. The packet 1200 has a type 1201 column indicating the contents of the packet and a field 1202 for storing a new PN code. The type 1201 stores a value indicating the change of the PN code so that the receiver 800 can determine the change of the PN code.
[0121]
The address table 607 sends the PN code and packet for the selected power line carrier adapter 111 to the address checker 605 and stores the new PN code in the address table 607. The communication packet is modulated with the PN code before the change, and is superimposed on the lead-in line 104 through the mixer 604.
[0122]
The receiver 800 demodulates the communication packet with the PN code 806. The demodulated signal passes through the bandpass filter 807 and is sent to the packet inspector 1111. The packet inspector 1111 inspects the communication packet type 1201 column (FIG. 12). If a value indicating the change of the PN code is written in the type 1201 column, the PN code is extracted from the field 1202 of the packet and stored in the PN code 806. Thereby, subsequent communication by the power transmission control signal is performed by modulation by the new PN code.
[0123]
As described above, the modulation parameter of the power transmission control signal can be changed over time, and communication confidentiality can be further enhanced.
[0124]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a remote control service using the network configuration described so far will be described.
[0125]
In the present embodiment, the power company that manages the power transmission control network 105 becomes a provider of the remote control service. The power company installs a power line gateway 110 for controlling the home network 120 on the customer's service line 104, and enters into a contract with the customer to provide a remote control service. An electric power company provides a variety of services to customers by preparing a plurality of network routes used for remote control. An electric power company can set a service charge system that lowers the charge for customers who have contracts that can reduce the maintenance cost of equipment.
[0126]
This embodiment will be described below. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a network configuration in the present embodiment.
[0127]
The user 140 concludes a contract with the power company to remotely control the home network 120 and acquires a user ID and the like for accessing the service center 1301. Customers include not only individuals but also factory owners and building managers.
[0128]
At the time of contract, the user 140 designates the type of network used for remote control. For example, the selection is made from the form of using only the power transmission control network 105, using only the Internet 106, or mainly using the Internet. Thereby, the electric power company determines a service fee to be charged to the user 140.
[0129]
For example, when the user 140 uses only the power transmission control network 105, the electric power company charges a higher service fee than other forms as compensation for the maintenance cost of equipment, safety of control, and reliability. In addition, when only the Internet 106 is used, the maintenance cost of equipment can be reduced, so that an inexpensive service charge can be set. As an intermediate process, control via the power transmission control network 105 may be permitted when necessary. In this case, charging is performed according to the number of times of control via the power transmission control network 105.
[0130]
In the service center 1301, a call center 1302, a Web server 1303, a customer information DB 1304, and a home network control server 1305 are installed. When the electric power company makes a service contract with the customer, the customer information is stored in the customer information DB 1304.
[0131]
FIG. 15 shows the customer information DB 1304. The customer information DB 1304 includes a customer ID 1501, a service type 1502, a charge per control 1503 using the power transmission control network 105, a use count 1504 of the power transmission control network 105, a service basic charge 1505, an IP address 1506 of the power line gateway 110, a power line. The power transmission control network address 1507 of the gateway 110 is stored.
[0132]
A case where the customer A performs remote control will be described with reference to FIG. Customer A presents the user ID, connects to Web server 1303 via Internet 106, and requests control of home network 120.
[0133]
The Web server 1303 sends a request to the home network control server 1305. The server 1305 refers to the customer information DB 1304 to determine a network route used for control. Since customer A has selected only the power transmission control network as the service form 1502 (FIG. 15), the server 1305 uses the power transmission control network 105 to communicate with the power line gateway 110 at the address 1507 to control the home network 120. .
[0134]
In this case, the customer A has a contract to use the power transmission control network 105, and no new charge is generated by performing the control.
[0135]
Next, the case of customer B will be described. Customer B has a service form only for the Internet. The customer B directly connects to the power line gateway 110 via the Internet 106, sends a control command to the home network 120, and controls the home network 120. In this case, since the service center 1301 and the management center 101 are not involved in the control, the power company can reduce the service cost and set an inexpensive service fee.
[0136]
On the other hand, customer C has a contract that mainly uses the Internet. Customer C normally controls home network 120 via Internet 106 in the same manner as customer B. However, if the control by the Internet 106 is impossible for some reason, the customer C can request the Web server 1303 or the call center 1302 of the service center 1301 to control the home network 120 using the power transmission control network 105.
[0137]
Upon receiving such a request, the home network control server 1305 adds 1 to the power transmission control network usage count 1504 (FIG. 15) in the customer information DB 1304 and charges the customer C, and then passes through the home via the power transmission control network 105. Communicate with the network 120.
[0138]
The electric power company determines a service fee for each customer from the basic fee 1505 of the customer information DB 1304, the power transmission control network usage count 1504, and the usage fee 1503 per power transmission control network usage. Since the customer C uses the power transmission control network 105 less frequently, the power company can set the basic charge 1505 of the customer C low.
[0139]
As a result, the customer C can reliably remotely control the home network 120 with an inexpensive service fee. On the other hand, the electric power company guides the user 140 to control via the Internet 106 by setting an inexpensive service charge, so that the electric power company can reduce the capital investment and maintenance management cost for the Web server 1303, the power transmission control network 105, etc. it can.
[0140]
Further, the electric power company may provide the control means via the service center 1301 to the customer C so that the home network 120 can be controlled by only one access destination.
[0141]
In this case, customer C sends a control request for home network 120 to Web server 1303 of service center 1301. The Web server 1303 sends a control request to the home network control server 1305. The server 1305 determines a network to be used from the customer information DB 1304. Since the customer C is contracted to mainly use the Internet, the server 1305 connects to the power line gateway 110 via the Internet 106 and communicates with the home network 120.
[0142]
When the server 1305 cannot connect to the power line gateway 110 via the Internet 106, the Web server 1305 sends a Web page for confirming whether to control via the power transmission control network 105, such as 1401 in FIG. 14, to the Web terminal of the customer C. 1303 is instructed. Further, when the customer C selects OK, the Web server 1303 transmits a Web page for confirming charging, such as 1402. Here, when the customer C selects OK, the Web server 1303 instructs the home network control server 1305 to communicate with the home network 120 using the power transmission control network 105.
[0143]
In this embodiment, the service providing entity is the electric power company. However, the electric power company only provides access to the power transmission control network 105, and the service itself may be provided by another business entity. In this case, the power company charges the service company as a price for the access service to the power transmission control network 105.
[0144]
The remote control service according to the fourth embodiment described above can also be provided as a remote control service method having the following features (i) to (iii).
[0145]
(I) A first network including a server and a database, to which limited devices are connected, a second network to which an unspecified number of devices are connected, and a third network to which controlled devices are connected In the remote control service method using a configured network, a service provider uses the server to access the third network via the first network based on contract information with a user included in the database. Providing the user with a first service to be controlled; and the service provider provides the user with a second service for controlling the third network via the second network according to an instruction from the server. And providing the contract information corresponding to the authentication number possessed by the user. Based on the availability of the first or second service by the fine said user, characterized in that it comprises the step of charging to the user.
[0146]
(Ii) In the remote control service method, the first network is a power transmission control network 105, the second network is the Internet 106, the third network is a home network 120, and the authentication number is The identification number given to the user by the provider when the user requests the provider for the first or second service, and the contract information is between the provider and the user. Of the first service and the second service, the contract contents are used to decide which service is to be used.
[0147]
(Iii) In the remote control service method, the charging step is different from the step of determining the service charge of the user based on the contract information and the usage status, and the administrator who manages the provider and the first network. In this case, the administrator includes a step of charging the provider for the usage fee of the first network.
[0148]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the second network is a network with few restrictions to which an unspecified device such as the Internet can be connected, and the user can control the device with a high degree of freedom. In addition, even when the second network cannot be used, the user can use the reliable first network with a limited number of connected devices. The machine Can be remotely controlled.
[0149]
As described above, the present invention provides a remote control network with a high degree of freedom and high reliability.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a network according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a computer 112 in the power line gateway 110 according to the first embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a software configuration of a computer 112 in the power line gateway 110 according to the first embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a startup process of the computer 112 in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a Web screen for controlling the home network 120 in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a transmitter 600 to a service line 104 in a power line modem 103 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of address tables 603 and 607 in the power line modem 103 in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a receiver 800 from a service line 104 of a power line carrier adapter 111 in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a transmitter 900 to the service line 104 of the power line carrier adapter 111 in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a receiver 1000 from a service line of a power line modem 103 in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a transmitter 600 of a power line modem 103 and a receiver 800 of a power line adapter 110 in the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communication packet in the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a network configuration in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a Web page in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a table structure of a customer information DB in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of sign]
101: Management center, 102: Power transmission control network gateway, 103: Power line modem, 104: Service line, 105: Power transmission control network, 106: Internet, 107: Power line, 110: Power line gateway, 111: Power transmission carrier adapter, 112: Computer: 113: IP processing OS, 114: Control communication OS, 115: Power line, 120: Home network, 121, 124: Electrical equipment to be controlled, 125: Central control device, 130: Web terminal, 140: User, 150 : Building, 201: CPU, 202: Bus, 203: Memory, 204: I / o bus control device, 205: IP packet adapter, 206: Control communication adapter, 207: Home network adapter, 208: I / O bus, 209 : A shared area in the memory 203.

Claims (8)

In a remote control system comprising a management terminal, a user terminal, a power line modem device and a gateway device,
The gateway device has a first OS that processes an IP packet signal and a second OS that processes a power transmission control packet signal,
The user terminal transmits an IP packet signal including a request to an electrical device connected to the gateway device,
The power line modem device receives the IP packet signal from the user terminal via the Internet, which is a network to which an unspecified number of devices are connected, and uses the IP packet signal to connect the power line modem device and the gateway device. Superimposed on the lead-in line
The gateway device separates the IP packet signal from a signal transmitted through the lead-in line, and the first OS processes the IP packet signal,
The electrical device receives the IP packet signal processed by the first OS, executes the request,
When the first OS stops,
The management terminal transmits a power transmission control packet signal including a request to the electrical device,
The power line modem device receives the power transmission control packet signal via a dedicated network connecting the management terminal and the power line modem device, and superimposes the power transmission control packet signal on the lead-in line,
The gateway device separates the power transmission control packet signal from a signal transmitted through the lead-in line, switches the execution OS from the first OS to the second OS, and the second OS transmits the power transmission control packet signal. Process
The electrical apparatus receives the power transmission control packet signal processed by the second OS and executes the request. The remote control system according to claim 1, wherein
The gateway device further includes a first processor and a second processor,
The remote control system, wherein the first processor executes the first OS, and the second processor executes the second OS. The remote control system according to claim 2, wherein
The remote control system characterized in that the second OS monitors the operating state of the first processor and restarts the first processor when the first processor stops. The remote control system according to claim 3, wherein
The power line modem apparatus uses a spread spectrum modulation as a packet signal superimposing method. A management terminal, a user terminal, a power line modem device,
A remote control method for controlling an electrical device via a gateway device having a first OS that processes an IP packet signal and a second OS that processes a power transmission control packet signal,
A first step in which the user terminal transmits an IP packet signal including a request to an electrical device connected to the gateway device;
The power line modem apparatus receives the IP packet signal via the Internet, which is a network to which an unspecified number of devices are connected from the user terminal, and uses the IP packet signal to connect the power line modem apparatus and the gateway apparatus. A second step of superimposing on the lead-in line of
A third step in which the gateway device separates the IP packet signal from a signal transmitted through the lead-in line, and the first OS processes the IP packet signal;
A fourth step in which the electrical device receives the IP packet signal processed by the first OS and executes the request;
When the first OS stops,
A fifth step in which the management terminal transmits a power transmission control packet signal including the request;
A sixth step in which the power line modem device receives the power transmission control packet signal via a dedicated network connecting the management terminal and the power line modem device, and superimposes the power transmission control packet signal on the lead-in line;
The gateway device separates the power transmission control packet signal from a signal transmitted through the lead-in line, switches the execution OS from the first OS to the second OS, and the second OS transmits the power transmission control packet signal. A seventh step of processing
A remote control method comprising: an eighth step of receiving the power transmission control packet signal processed by the second OS and executing the request; A gateway device having a first OS that processes an IP packet signal and a second OS that processes a power transmission control packet signal,
Separating an IP packet signal superimposed on a power lead-in line connecting the power line modem device and the gateway device, and transmitting the IP packet signal processed by the first OS to an electrical device;
When the first OS stops,
A power transmission control packet signal transmitted from the management terminal via a dedicated line connecting the management terminal and the power line modem device and superimposed on the service line is separated, and the first OS transfers to the second OS. A gateway device characterized by switching an execution OS and transmitting the power transmission control packet signal processed by the second OS to the electrical device. The gateway device according to claim 6,
Further comprising a first processor and a second processor;
The gateway device, wherein the first processor controls the first OS, and the second processor controls the second OS. The gateway device according to claim 7, wherein
The gateway device characterized in that the second OS monitors the operating state of the first processor, and restarts the first processor when the first processor stops.

Images