JP5639308B2 - COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, COMMUNICATION METHOD, PROGRAM, AND COMMUNICATION DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system, a communication method, a program, and a communication apparatus.

  Currently, a communication system including a plurality of communication devices that perform wireless communication is used. In the communication system, the first and second communication apparatuses may directly perform wireless communication. Alternatively, a plurality of other communication devices may relay wireless communication between the first and second communication devices.

  In the latter case, the first communication device may not recognize the route to the second communication device. There may be a plurality of paths connecting the first and second communication apparatuses. Therefore, a method for searching for a route and selecting one of the searched routes is considered.

  For example, Zigbee (registered trademark) is a technique for realizing wireless communication at a short distance. In Zigbee, a method called AODV (Ad Hoc On-Demand Distance Vector) is used for route selection. In AODV, a first communication device broadcasts a control message called RREQ (Route Request) for searching for a route to the second communication device. The lowest cost route between the first and second communication devices is selected using RREP (Route Reply), which is a unicast response to RREQ and RREQ.

IBS JAPAN KK, “Introductory Zigbee”, [online], May 13, 2010, IBS JAPAN, [Search July 11, 2012], Internet <URL: http: // www. ibsjapan. co. jp / news / 243. html>

  As described above, it is conceivable to search for a route by transmitting a control message by broadcast. However, this method has a problem that it is inefficient because a communication device that is not used for data transfer after route selection is forced to perform communication processing related to the control message. If extra processing occurs in the communication device, extra power is consumed accordingly.

  According to one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication system, a communication method, a program, and a communication device that can establish a communication path efficiently and perform communication.

  According to one embodiment, a communication system for performing wireless communication is provided. This communication system has a plurality of communication devices and an information processing device. When each of the plurality of communication devices receives route information including information indicating a permutation between any one of the communication devices and the communication device that relays from the communication device to the communication device, the plurality of communication devices receive a wireless link with itself based on the route information. The other communication device that establishes the other communication device is established, a wireless link is established with the other communication device, and if the other communication device is other than the permutation terminal communication device, the other communication device is used by using the wireless link. When the route information is transmitted to the destination and then data destined for other than itself is received, the data is transferred using a wireless link different from the received wireless link. The information processing device is capable of wireless communication with at least the first communication device among the plurality of communication devices, and the second communication device disposed at a position where the wireless link cannot be established with itself, and the first communication device. Route information including information indicating a permutation with the communication device relaying up to the second communication device is transmitted to the first communication device, and then data destined for the second communication device is transmitted to the first communication device. Send to device.

  According to an embodiment, there is provided a communication method executed by a system including a plurality of communication devices that perform wireless communication and an information processing device that can communicate with at least a first communication device among the plurality of communication devices. Provided. In this communication method, a permutation between a second communication device arranged at a position where a wireless link cannot be established with the information processing device and a communication device relaying from the first communication device to the second communication device is shown. Between adjacent communication devices using a communication device that transmits information from the information processing device to the first communication device and relays the information from the first communication device to the second communication device based on the information. And the data addressed to the second communication device is transmitted from the information processing device to the first communication device, and transferred to the second communication device using the established wireless link.

  According to one embodiment, there is provided a program executed by a computer for controlling a system including a plurality of communication devices that perform wireless communication. The program is transmitted from a first communication device to a computer that can communicate with at least the first communication device among a plurality of communication devices, a second communication device that is disposed at a position where a wireless link cannot be established with the computer, and the first communication device. Information indicating a permutation with the communication device relaying up to the second communication device is transmitted to the first communication device, and information is transmitted by each of the communication devices relaying from the first communication device to the second communication device. When a wireless link between adjacent communication devices in the permutation is established based on the above, a process of transmitting data destined for the second communication device to the first communication device is executed.

  According to one embodiment, a communication device that performs wireless communication is provided. This communication apparatus has a control part and a communication part. When the control unit receives path information that includes information indicating another communication apparatus with which the wireless link is established with itself and can identify whether the other communication apparatus is a communication apparatus at the end of the path, Based on the information, a wireless link is established with another communication device. If the communication unit is other than the terminal communication device, the communication unit transmits the route information to the other communication device using the wireless link, and then receives the data destined for other than the own wireless link. Data is transferred using a different wireless link.

According to one embodiment, communication can be established and established efficiently.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments by way of example of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the communication system of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the communication system of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware example of the management apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware example of the plug apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of software of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the control data of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example (continuation) of the control data of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the measured value table of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the plug data of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the link management table of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the plug unit measured value table of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the message | telegram for a search of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the message | telegram for connection / disconnection of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the message | telegram for the initial setting of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence which shows the example of plug registration of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a search by the parent plug of 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence which shows the example of a search by the parent plug of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a search by the child plug of 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence which shows the example of a search by the child plug of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of an initial setting of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the data collection example of 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence which shows the data collection example (the 1) of 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence which shows the data collection example (the 2) of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a connection of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a cutting | disconnection of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the measurement data of 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a communication system according to a first embodiment. The communication system according to the first embodiment includes an information processing apparatus 1 and communication apparatuses 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. The information processing device 1 and the communication devices 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 have a wireless communication function. However, when there is no data to be transmitted / received, it is assumed that a wireless link is not established between the devices. Data cannot be transferred between devices that have not established a wireless link. For example, unless a wireless link is established between the communication devices 2 and 3, data cannot be transmitted from the information processing device 1 to the communication device 3 via the communication device 2. However, even if a wireless link is not established, the presence of another communication device can be detected using a signal notified between the communication devices.

  The information processing device 1 and the communication device 2 are arranged at a position where a wireless link can be established. The position where the wireless link can be established is, for example, one point within a range (range where the wireless link can be established) in which radio communication electromagnetic waves emitted from a certain device reach at a predetermined intensity or higher. The communication devices 3 and 4 are arranged in a range R1 in which a wireless link with the communication device 2 can be established. For example, even if a wireless link is not established between the communication devices 2 and 3, the communication device 2 can detect the presence of the communication devices 3 and 4 arranged in the range R1. The communication devices 5 and 6 are disposed within a range R2 in which a wireless link with the communication device 3 can be established. The communication device 7 is disposed within a range R3 in which a wireless link with the communication device 4 can be established.

  The information processing apparatus 1 can wirelessly communicate with the communication apparatus 2. The information processing apparatus 1 cannot directly establish a wireless link with the communication apparatuses 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. However, the information processing apparatus 1 can perform data transfer with the communication apparatuses 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 via the communication apparatus 2.

  The information processing apparatus 1 includes a storage unit 1a and a control unit 1b. The storage unit 1a may be a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 1b may be a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). For example, information processing by the information processing apparatus 1 may be realized by the control unit 1b executing a program stored in the storage unit 1a.

  The storage unit 1a stores, for each communication device, path information including information indicating a permutation between the communication device that is the destination of data and the communication device that relays from the information processing device 1 to the communication device. The permutation indicates a communication device that hops to reach the target communication device and its order. Here, the information (for example, address) indicating each communication device is as follows. The communication device 2 is “A”. The communication device 3 is “B”. The communication device 4 is “C”. The communication device 5 is “D”. The communication device 6 is “E”. The communication device 7 is “F”.

  At this time, the communication apparatus 2 is routed from the information processing apparatus 1 to the communication apparatus 3. Therefore, the permutation for the communication device 3 is “A, B”. From the information processing device 1 to the communication device 4, the communication device 2 is used. Therefore, the permutation for the communication device 4 is “A, C”. From the information processing apparatus 1 to the communication apparatus 5, the communication apparatuses 2 and 3 are used. Therefore, the permutation for the communication device 5 is “A, B, D”. From the information processing device 1 to the communication device 6, the communication devices 2 and 3 are used. Therefore, the permutation for the communication device 6 is “A, B, E”. From the information processing apparatus 1 to the communication apparatus 7, the communication apparatuses 2 and 4 are used. Therefore, the permutation for the communication device 7 is “A, C, F”. The leftmost side of each permutation is the beginning, and the right side is the end.

  The control unit 1b performs a permutation between the communication device and a communication device that relays from the communication device 2 to the communication device before communicating with the information processing device 1 and a communication device arranged at a position where a wireless link cannot be established. Is transmitted to the communication device 2. For example, before the information processing device 1 communicates with the communication device 5, the control unit 1 b acquires path information 8 including information indicating the permutation “A, B, D” for the communication device 5 from the storage unit 1 a. The control unit 1 b transmits the route information 8 to the communication device 2. When the information processing apparatus 1 includes a wireless unit that performs wireless communication, the control unit 1b may control the wireless unit to transmit the route information 8 (the same applies hereinafter).

  In the transmitted route information, the head of the permutation (for example, “A” if the permutation is “A, B, D”) may be specified as the destination of the frame transmitted to the communication device 2. In this case, for example, “A” is stored in the destination portion of the header of the frame, and the remaining “B, D” is stored in the data portion.

  Thereafter, the control unit 1b transmits to the communication device 2 data destined for any of the communication devices that have established the wireless link as described above. For example, the control unit 1 b transmits data destined for the communication device 5 to the communication device 2. The control unit 1b may transmit the data after receiving a response indicating that the wireless link between the communication devices 2, 3, and 5 is established based on the path information 8.

  Upon receiving the route information, the communication devices 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 identify another communication device that is a counterpart to establish a wireless link with itself based on the route information, and perform the other communication. Establish a wireless link with the device. For example, the communication device 2 receives the route information 8 from the information processing device 1. In the route information 8, the communication device 3 is designated as the next communication device of the communication device 2. The communication device 2 identifies the communication device 3 as a counterpart to establish a wireless link with the communication device 2. The communication device 2 establishes a wireless link with the communication device 3.

  The communication devices 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 use the wireless link to route to other communication devices if the other newly established wireless link destination communication device is other than the permutation terminal communication device. Send information. For example, in the route information 8, the end of the permutation “A, B, D” is “D”, which indicates the communication device 5. Therefore, the communication device 3 is not a termination. Therefore, the communication device 2 transmits the route information 8a to the communication device 3 using the established wireless link.

  In the route information 8 a, the information “A” indicating the communication device 2 may be omitted from the route information 8. This is because the information indicating the communication device 2 is not used for subsequent processing. Moreover, it is because the cost of communication processing can be reduced. In this case, the permutation included in the route information 8a is “B, D”. Similarly to the above, the leading “B” may be stored in the destination portion of the header of the frame. In this case, the remaining part “D” is stored in the data part of the frame.

  When the communication device 3 receives the route information 8a, the communication device 3 establishes a wireless link with the communication device 5 based on the route information 8a. However, the communication device 3 does not have to transmit route information to the communication device 5. This is because the end of the permutation “B, D” included in the path information 8 a is “D”, which indicates the communication device 5. As described above, based on the path information 8, a wireless link is established between the communication devices 2 and 3 and between the communication devices 3 and 5. As a result, a communication path connecting the information processing device 1 and the communication devices 2, 3, 5 is established. For example, data transfer from the information processing apparatus 1 to the communication apparatus 5 or from the communication apparatus 5 to the information processing apparatus 1 is possible.

  Thereafter, when the communication devices 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 receive data destined for other than itself, the communication devices 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 transfer the data using a wireless link different from the received wireless link. For example, when the communication device 2 receives data destined for the communication device 5 from the information processing device 1, the communication device 2 transfers the data using a wireless link on the communication device 3 side. When the communication device 3 receives the data from the communication device 2, the communication device 3 transfers the data using the wireless link on the communication device 5 side. Then, the communication device 5 receives the data.

  According to the communication system of the first embodiment, route information 8 including information indicating the permutation “A, B, D” is transmitted from the information processing device 1 to the communication device 2. Based on the path information 8, wireless links are established between the adjacent communication devices 2 and 3 and between the communication devices 3 and 5 using the communication device 3 that relays from the communication device 2 to the communication device 5. . Data destined for the communication device 5 is transmitted from the information processing device 1 to the communication device 2 and transferred to the communication device 5 using the established wireless link.

As a result, communication can be established and established efficiently. Specifically, it is as follows.
For example, a route search may be performed by transmitting a control message by broadcast. Although this method is suitable when the arrangement of each node that relays wireless communication can change, it is not necessarily suitable for all cases. For example, it may not be suitable when the arrangement of each node is fixed. This is because if broadcast communication occurs every time route selection is performed on demand, a communication device that is clearly not used for data transfer is forced to perform communication processing related to the control message, which is inefficient.

  More specifically, in the communication devices 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 described above, a communication device that is not related to data transfer to the communication device 5 in order to establish a communication path with the communication device 5. It is inefficient to send and receive control messages to both 4 and 7. Further, if extra processing occurs in the communication device, extra power is consumed accordingly.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, before performing data communication, a wireless link is established between communication devices used for data transfer based on the route information specified by the information processing device 1. For this reason, a communication path can be established without forcing communication to a communication device that is not used for data transfer. Therefore, unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed.

  The control unit 1b may generate route information for each communication device in advance and store it in the storage unit 1a. For example, the control unit 1b may allow the user to input route information and store the input route information in the storage unit 1a. Further, for example, the control unit 1b causes the communication devices 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 to sequentially search for peripheral communication devices, generates route information based on the search results, and stores the route information in the storage unit 1a. May be. If the route information is generated by the control unit 1b, the burden on the user can be reduced as compared with the case where the user inputs the route information.

  Further, the control unit 1b may disconnect the established wireless link using each communication device after transmitting data destined for a predetermined communication device (for example, the communication device 5). By doing so, communication such as polling between communication devices can be suppressed to save power.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a communication system according to the second embodiment. The communication system according to the second embodiment includes an air conditioner 10, an illumination device 20, a TV (Television) receiver 30, a PC (Personal Computer) 40, a printer 50, a management device 100, and plug devices 200, 200a, 200b, and 200c. , 200d, 200e, 200f.

  Each plug device supplies electric power supplied from an external power source (for example, commercial power source) to a connected electrical device (for example, the air conditioner 10). A power cable for the TV receiver 30 is connected to the plug device 200. A power cable of the lighting device 20 is connected to the plug device 200a. A power cable of the air conditioner 10 is connected to the plug device 200b. A power cable of the PC 40 is connected to the plug device 200c. A power cable of the printer 50 is connected to the plug device 200e. Each plug device has a sensor device capable of measuring sensor data such as power consumption of the connected electrical equipment. Each plug device has a wireless communication function. In the second embodiment, Bluetooth (registered trademark) is used for wireless communication.

  The management device 100 is a computer that periodically collects sensor data measured by the plug device and manages the collected sensor data. The management device 100 has a wireless communication function. The management device 100 manages a communication path for transmitting / receiving data to / from each plug device for each plug device. In addition, the management device 100 controls the plug device so as to search for a plug device that is a collection destination of sensor data and collect sensor data from the searched plug device. Furthermore, the management apparatus 100 visualizes the collected sensor data and outputs the visualized data. What is visualized is, for example, a screen in which cumulative values of sensor data collected periodically are graphed. The output of the visualization may be displayed on a display or printed on paper.

  The plug devices 200 and 200d are arranged at positions where the management device 100 can establish a wireless link. Other plug devices are not arranged at positions where the management device 100 can establish a wireless link. Here, the state in which the wireless link is established indicates a state in which the wireless link between the devices is active and data can be transferred.

  The plug device 200 is disposed at a position where a wireless link can be established with the plug devices 200a and 200c. The plug device 200a is arranged at a position where a wireless link can be established with the plug device 200b. The plug device 200d is disposed at a position where a wireless link can be established with the plug devices 200e and 200f. In the following description, the plug devices 200 and 200d that directly communicate with the management device 100 may be referred to as parent plugs. In addition, the plug devices 200a, 200b, 200c, 200e, and 200f that can indirectly communicate with the management device 100 via other plug devices may be referred to as child plugs.

  Even when the parent plug does not transmit / receive sensor data, a wireless link is established with the management apparatus 100. On the other hand, when the child plug does not transmit / receive sensor data, a wireless link is not established with the management apparatus 100.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware example of the management apparatus according to the second embodiment. The management apparatus 100 includes a processor 101, a RAM 102, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 103, a wireless unit 104, a display 105, an input device 106, a disk drive 107, and a device connection unit 108. Each unit is connected to the bus of the management apparatus 100.

  The processor 101 controls information processing of the management apparatus 100. The processor 101 may be a multiprocessor. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU, a micro processing unit (MPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic device (PLD). The processor 101 may be a combination of two or more elements of CPU, MPU, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, and PLD.

  The RAM 102 is a main storage device of the management device 100. The RAM 102 temporarily stores at least part of an OS (Operating System) program and application programs to be executed by the processor 101. The RAM 102 stores various data used for processing by the processor 101.

  The HDD 103 is an auxiliary storage device of the management device 100. The HDD 103 magnetically writes and reads data to and from the built-in magnetic disk. The HDD 103 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data. The management device 100 may include other types of auxiliary storage devices such as flash memory and SSD (Solid State Drive), and may include a plurality of auxiliary storage devices.

  The wireless unit 104 is a wireless interface that can directly communicate with the plug devices 200 and 200d using Bluetooth. Further, the wireless unit 104 can also communicate indirectly with the child plug via the parent plug.

  For example, a communication method other than Bluetooth, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) (Wireless-Fidelity) and Zigbee, may be employed. Moreover, you may provide the radio | wireless interface which carries out radio | wireless communication by another system (for example, wireless LAN). In addition to the wireless unit 104, the management apparatus 100 may include a wired interface for communicating by connecting to a network with a wire.

  The display 105 outputs various images according to the control of the processor 101. As the display 105, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display can be used.

  The input device 106 outputs an input signal corresponding to a user operation to the processor 101. As the input device 106, for example, a pointing device such as a touch panel and a keypad can be used.

  The disk drive 107 is a drive device that reads a program and data recorded on the optical disk 11 using a laser beam or the like. As the optical disc 11, for example, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a DVD-RAM, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a CD-R (Recordable) / RW (ReWritable), or the like can be used. For example, the disk drive 107 stores the program and data read from the optical disk 11 in the RAM 102 or the HDD 103 in accordance with an instruction from the processor 101.

  The device connection unit 108 is a communication interface for connecting peripheral devices to the management apparatus 100. For example, the memory device 12 and the reader / writer device 13 can be connected to the device connection unit 108. The memory device 12 is a recording medium equipped with a communication function with the device connection unit 108. The reader / writer device 13 is a device that writes data to the memory card 14 or reads data from the memory card 14. The memory card 14 is a card type recording medium. For example, the device connection unit 108 stores a program or data read from the memory device 12 or the memory card 14 in the RAM 102 or the HDD 103 in accordance with an instruction from the processor 101.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware example of the plug device according to the second embodiment. The plug device 200 includes a main board 200M, a processor 201, a RAM 202, a flash memory 203, a wireless unit 204 and a sensor 205, a power supply unit 206, and a power supply unit 207. The power supply unit 206 is connected to the main board 200M and the power supply unit 207. The processor 201, RAM 202, flash memory 203, wireless unit 204, and sensor 205 are mounted on the main board 200M. The power feeding unit 207 is connected to the sensor 205 in addition to the power source unit 206.

The main board 200M supplies the power supplied from the power supply unit 206 to the processor 201, the RAM 202, the flash memory 203, the wireless unit 204, and the sensor 205.
The processor 201 and the RAM 202 are the same as those in FIG.

  The flash memory 203 is a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data. The plug device 200 may include other types of storage devices such as HDDs and SSDs, and may include a plurality of nonvolatile storage devices.

The wireless unit 204 is a wireless interface that can communicate with the management device 100 and the plug device (for example, the plug device 200a) by Bluetooth.
The sensor 205 is a sensor device that measures the power consumption of an electrical device connected to the power supply unit 207. In addition to power consumption, the sensor 205 can also measure ambient temperature, humidity, illuminance, and the like. The sensor 205 may include a plurality of types of sensor devices for measuring temperature, humidity, illuminance, and the like.

  The power supply unit 206 supplies power supplied from the connected external power supply to the main board 200M and the power supply unit 207. An external power source is connected via a convex connector 206a included in the power source unit 206.

  The power feeding unit 207 supplies the power supplied from the power source unit 206 to the electrical equipment connected to the power feeding unit 207. It connects with the power cable of an electric equipment via the concave connector 207a which the electric power feeding part 207 has. In addition, the physical state indicating the power consumption of the connected electrical device is output to the sensor 205. The power feeding unit 207 may have a plurality of connectors in addition to the connector 207a, and may be able to supply power to a plurality of electrical devices.

The plug devices 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e, and 200f can also be realized by the same hardware as the plug device 200.
FIG. 5 illustrates an example of software according to the second embodiment. The management apparatus 100 includes a storage unit 110, a control unit 120, and a management application 130.

  The storage unit 110 stores control data including data for the management device 100 to control the plug device. Further, the storage unit 110 stores a measurement value table including information for managing sensor data collected from each plug device.

  The control unit 120 controls communication with each child plug based on an instruction from the management application 130. The control unit 120 registers the plug device to be controlled in the control data. Moreover, the control part 120 requests | requires each plug apparatus to search each child plug arrange | positioned in the predetermined position after registration. The control unit 120 updates the searched child plug and control data.

  Furthermore, the control unit 120 requests connection from the management device 100 to a predetermined child plug based on the control data stored in the storage unit 110. The connection is realized by establishing a wireless link included in a communication path from the management apparatus 100 to a predetermined child plug. For example, the control unit 120 requests connection to the plug device 200b. Then, a wireless link between the plug device 200 and the plug device 200a and a wireless link between the plug device 200a and the plug device 200b are established.

  When the wireless link to the plug device is established, the control unit 120 performs initial setting for power measurement such as the current time on the plug device via the established wireless link. In addition, the control unit 120 collects sensor data measured by the plug device from the plug device serving as a communication destination via the established wireless link.

  Further, when receiving a response corresponding to a request to a predetermined child plug (for example, initial setting, provision of sensor data, etc.), the control unit 120 disconnects each wireless link established between the plug devices. Requests a plug device that has established a wireless link.

  The management application 130 is application software that manages sensor data measured by the plug device 200. The management application 130 instructs the control unit 120 to periodically collect sensor data measured from each plug device. Further, the management application 130 visualizes the collected sensor data based on the measurement value table stored in the storage unit 110 and outputs the visualized data.

The plug device 200 includes a storage unit 210, a communication unit 220, and a measurement unit 230.
The storage unit 210 stores plug data including information related to the plug device 200, such as the timing of sensor data measurement and the address of the storage unit 210. In addition, the storage unit 210 stores a link management table including information for managing the radio link established by the plug device 200. Furthermore, the storage unit 210 stores a plug unit measurement value table including information on sensor data.

  The measuring unit 230 measures sensor data such as the TV receiver 30 connected to the plug device 200 regularly or irregularly using the sensor 205. Then, the measurement unit 230 stores the measured sensor data in the plug unit measurement value table stored in the storage unit 210. In addition, the measurement unit 230 sets a setting value (for example, a sensor data measurement cycle) received by the communication unit 220 from the management device 100 in the measurement unit 230 when the management device 100 registers the plug device 200.

The communication unit 220 transmits the sensor data stored in the plug unit measurement value table to the management apparatus 100 in response to a request from the management apparatus 100.
When the plug device is a child plug, the communication unit 220 transmits the sensor data measured by the measurement unit 230 using the established wireless link in response to a request from the management device 100. For example, the communication unit of the plug device 200a transmits sensor data such as power consumption of the lighting device 20 connected to the plug device 200a using a wireless link established between the plug devices 200.

  Further, when the plug device 200 relays a route to the plug device that is the collection destination of the management device 100, the communication unit 220 uses the wireless link that is different from the received wireless link for the received sensor data. Forward to. For example, when the management device 100 collects sensor data such as power consumption of the lighting device 20 connected to the plug device 200a, the communication unit 220 manages the sensor data received using the wireless link on the plug device 200a side. Transfer is performed using a wireless link on the device 100 side.

The plug devices 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e, and 200f can also be realized by the same software as the plug device 200.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of control data according to the second embodiment. The control data 111 is stored in the storage unit 110. The control data 111 is described using XML (Extensible Markup Language). In the following, description will be given by showing the line numbers attached to the control data 111 for convenience. The control data 111 includes a tag <plugList> (description on the second line) indicating a list of data related to each plug device for controlling communication with a predetermined plug device.

  The tag <plugList> has a tag <plug> indicating a plug device controlled by the management device 100 for each plug device controlled by the management device 100. The plug device corresponding to the tag <plug> is identified by the plug number indicated by “No”. In the plug number, a number for uniquely identifying each plug device is set.

  For example, a tag <plug> whose plug number is 1 becomes <plug No = “1”>. The tag <plug No = “1”> has data regarding the plug device 200. This content corresponds to the 3rd to 16th lines. The tag <plug No = "2"> has data related to the plug device 200a. This content corresponds to the 17th to 30th lines. Hereinafter, tags described in each line will be described.

  The tag <plug> is a tag <available>, a tag <parent>, a tag <portNo>, a tag <connect>, a tag <plugAdr>, a tag <routing>, a tag <initialized>, a tag <electronicItemName>, and a tag <targetCost> , Tag <adjustTemp>, tag <adjustHumidity>, and tag <location>.

  In tag <available>, information indicating whether or not its own plug device has been detected by control unit 120 is set. For example, when the tag <available> is true, it indicates that the corresponding plug device has been detected. Further, when the tag <available> is true, it indicates that the corresponding plug device is not detected. At the time of initial registration of the plug device, “false” is set in the tag <available>.

  Information indicating whether or not the plug is a parent plug is set in the tag <parent>. For example, when the tag <parent> is “true”, it indicates that the corresponding plug device is a parent plug. If the tag <parent> is “false”, it indicates that the corresponding plug device is a child plug.

  A tag <portNo> indicates a port number at the time of wireless communication (for example, Bluetooth SPP (Serial Port Profile)). At the time of initial registration of the plug device, “true” is set in the tag <parent>. Information indicating whether sensor data such as power consumption is being measured is set in the tag <connect>.

  The tag <plugAdr> is set with the address of the plug device. The address is 48-bit information, for example. Information indicating a communication path from the management device 100 to the corresponding plug device is set in the tag <routing>. The information indicating the communication path is a character string obtained by connecting plug numbers with commas (","). For example, when “1, 2” is set in the tag <routing>, the plug device 200 with No = 1 and the plug device 200a with No = 2 are connected from the management device 100 to the plug device. Indicates relaying. In the case of the parent plug, it is not necessary to set a value for the tag.

  The tag <initialized> is set with an initialization date when the plug device is registered by the management device 100. If the plug device has not been initialized, a null character (“”) may be set.

  In the tag <electronicItemName>, a name of an electric device connected to the plug device (for example, a TV receiver in the case of the plug device 200) is set. In tag <targetCost>, a target amount of electricity bill for one month is set. The tag <adjustTemp> is set with an adjustment value (for example, measured value ± 20 ° C.) of the ambient temperature measured by the sensor 205.

  In the tag <adjustHumidity>, an adjustment value (for example, measured value ± 20%) of the surrounding humidity measured by the sensor 205 is set. In the tag <location>, a place where the plug device is installed (for example, a living room or a child's room) is set.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example (continued) of control data according to the second embodiment. The description on the 31st to 44th lines of the control data 111 is information relating to the plug device 200b. The description on lines 45 to 58 of the control data 111 is information relating to the plug device 200c. The description of each tag is the same as in FIG. In the 60th line, </ plugList> corresponding to the tag <plugList> in the second line of the control data 111 is described.

  The control data 111 may be other than an XML file such as a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file. Further, the control data 111 may be managed using a database (DB: Database).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a measurement value table according to the second embodiment. The measurement value table 112 is stored in the storage unit 110. The measurement value table 112 includes items of a measurement date, a device name, a measurement time, an electricity bill, an integrated electricity amount, a CO2 (carbon dioxide) emission amount, a monthly continuous use amount, an electricity unit price, temperature, and humidity.

  In the measurement date item, the date and time when the plug device measures the sensor data is set. In the item “device name”, the name of the electric device connected to the plug device is set. For example, in the case of the plug device 200, “TV receiver” is set in the item of the device name. In the item “measurement time”, a time in which the power consumption of the electrical equipment connected to the plug device is tabulated is set.

  In the item of electricity charge, an electricity charge (for example, accumulated electricity amount × electricity unit price) required from the previous measurement date to the current measurement date is set. In the item of accumulated electric quantity, the power consumption of the electric device connected to the plug device measured from the previous measurement date to the current measurement date is set.

  In the item of CO2 emission amount, a calculated value of the CO2 emission amount discharged from the previous measurement date to the current measurement date by the electrical device connected to the plug device is set. The emission amount of CO2 is calculated by, for example, integrated electricity amount × predetermined value (for example, CO2 emission coefficient).

  In the item of continuous use amount for one month, an electricity charge when the use is continued per month is set. For example, when records are registered every hour, monthly usage amount = 30 (days) × 24 (hours) × electricity charge.

  In the item of electricity unit price, a unit price of a charge per predetermined power consumption is set. In the temperature item, a temperature around the plug device measured by the plug device is set. In the humidity item, the humidity around the plug device measured by the plug device 200 is set.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 8, in the storage unit 110, the management device 100 such as the control data 111 and the measurement value table 112 controls communication between child plugs and manages collected sensor data. Is stored. Note that other types of items such as illuminance may be provided to set sensor data such as illuminance.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of plug data according to the second embodiment. Plug data 211 is stored in the storage unit 210. The plug data 211 stores data related to the plug device. The plug data 211 has items of BD_ADDR, BD_NAME, and sensor mode. The address of the plug device 200 is set in the BD_ADDR item. In the item of BD_NAME, a name designated by a management device (for example, the management device 100) that has registered the plug device 200 is set. For example, the name “F-PLUG_A” is designated.

  In the sensor mode item, a measurement cycle by the sensor 205 is set at the time of registration by the management apparatus 100. The measurement period may be, for example, 1 hour or 1 minute. The sensor mode item may be stored in the plug data 211 in advance, or may be set at the time of registration or initial setting by the management apparatus 100.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a link management table according to the second embodiment. The link management table 212 is stored in the storage unit 210. The link management table 212 stores information on radio links with other plug devices or management devices 100 that have been paired.

  The link management table 212 includes BD_ADDR and link key items of the counterpart plug. The address of the established wireless link destination plug device is set in the BD_ADDR item of the counterpart plug. For example, BD_ADDR “0x00000000000000A” is the address of the wireless unit 104. BD_ADDR “0x000000000002” is an address of the plug device 200a. In the link key item, a link key corresponding to the established wireless link is set. The link key is information used for communication using the established wireless link. For example, the link key “KeyA” is information for communicating with the wireless unit 104. The link key “KeyB” is information for communicating with the plug device 200a.

  In Bluetooth pairing, mutual authentication is performed using a common PIN (Personal Identification Number) between devices. A common PIN may be designated in advance for each device. If the authentication is successful, both devices generate a link key, and both devices hold a BD_ADDR and link key pair.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a plug unit measurement value table according to the second embodiment. The plug unit measurement value table 213 is stored in the storage unit 210. The plug unit measurement value table 213 stores one or more types of sensor data measured by the measurement unit 230 at a predetermined cycle. The types of sensor data to be measured include power consumption, temperature, and humidity. Note that the type of sensor data to be measured may be any of power consumption, temperature, and humidity. Further, the type of sensor data to be measured may include other sensor data such as illuminance.

  The plug unit measurement value table 213 includes items of date and time, power consumption, temperature, and humidity. In the date / time item, the date / time when the sensor data is measured is set. In the item of power consumption, the power consumption of an electric device (for example, the TV receiver 30) connected to the plug device 200 measured by the measurement unit 230 is set. In the temperature item, the temperature around the plug device 200 measured by the measurement unit 230 is set. In the humidity item, the humidity around the plug device 200 measured by the measurement unit 230 is set.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, in the storage unit 210, the plug device 200 such as the plug data 211 and the link management table 212 controls the measurement period of sensor data, and controls the establishment of a wireless link. Information is stored. The storage unit 210 stores sensor data measured periodically, such as the plug unit measurement value table 213.

  Next, an example of a message used for the management apparatus 100 to control the plug apparatus will be described. The electronic message is transmitted from a device (for example, the plug device or the management device 100) that is the transmission source of the electronic message to a device arranged at a position where a wireless link can be established. The device that has received the message confirms the destination of the message. When the destination is its own address, the received device executes processing according to the type of message. If the destination is other than its own address, the receiving device discards the message.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search message according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12A shows a search request message 301. The search request message 301 is a message requesting the management device 100 to request a predetermined plug device for a plug device that can establish a wireless link. The search request message 301 includes items of request type, number of searches, and search request destination BD_ADDR.

  Information indicating the type of message requested by the management apparatus 100 to the plug apparatus is set in the request type item. For example, in the case of the search request message 301, information indicating “search request” is set in the item of request type. The number of times the management device 100 has requested the search request message 301 from the same plug device is set in the search number field. For example, when the number of searches reaches a predetermined value or more, the management apparatus 100 outputs that the search has failed. In the search request destination BD_ADDR item, the address of the plug device that requests the search is set.

  FIG. 12B is a diagram showing the search response message 302. The search response message 302 is a message for responding to a plug device that can establish a wireless link searched by the plug device according to the search request message 301. The search response message 302 includes items of response type, number of searches, BD_ADDR, and plug name.

  In the response type item, information indicating the type of message that the plug device responds to the management device 100 is set. For example, in the case of the search response message 302, information indicating “search response” is set in the response type item. In the item of the number of detected cases, the number of plug devices that can establish the searched radio link is set. In the BD_ADDR item, the address of the plug device searched by the management device 100 is set. In the plug name item, an identification name given by the management apparatus 100 is set. For example, the management apparatus 100 assigns the same identification name to a group of plugs to distinguish them from other devices.

  The items of BD_ADDR and plug name are set for the number of searches. For example, when the number of search cases is 2, the data after the search number items are “BD_ADDR (first case)”, “plug name (first case)”, “BD_ADDR (second case)”, “plug name” (Second item) "is set in the order of items.

As described above, when the management device 100 searches for a child plug, the search request message 301 and the search response message 302 are used to control the arranged plug devices.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection / disconnection message according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing a connection request message 311. The connection request message 311 is a message for requesting a connection with the child plug for the management apparatus 100 to transmit and receive data. The connection request message 311 includes items of a request type and a connection route BD_ADDR.

  Information indicating the type of message requested by the management apparatus 100 to the plug apparatus is set in the request type item. For example, in the case of the connection request message 311, information indicating “connection request” is set in the item of request type.

  In the item of the connection path BD_ADDR, an address of a child plug included in the communication path from the management apparatus 100 to the plug apparatus that requests connection is set. One or more items of the connection path BD_ADDR are provided depending on the number of child plugs included in the communication path. When there are a plurality of items of the connection route BD_ADDR, the item name is a character string in which the item name and the item number are combined, such as “connection route BD_ADDR1” and “connection route BD_ADDR2” in order from the parent plug. In this case, the addresses of the child plugs are set in order of the route from the management device 100 to the plug device that requests connection.

  FIG. 13B shows a connection response message 312. The connection response message 312 is a message indicating whether or not a connection request message 311 from the management device 100 to a predetermined plug device is connected. The connection response message 312 has items of response type and connection result.

  In the response type item, information indicating the type of message that the plug device responds to the management device 100 is set. For example, in the case of the connection response message 312, information indicating “connection response” is set in the response type item.

  In the connection result item, a connection result for the connection request by the management apparatus 100 is set. For example, when the connection is successful, information indicating “success” is set in the connection result item. When the connection fails, information indicating “failure” is set in the connection result item.

  FIG. 13C is a diagram showing a disconnection request message 321. The disconnect request message 321 is a message requesting disconnection from the child plug connected to the management apparatus 100. The disconnect request message 321 has items of request type and disconnect BD_ADDR.

  Information indicating the type of message requested by the management apparatus 100 to the plug apparatus is set in the request type item. For example, in the case of the disconnect request message 321, information indicating “disconnect request” is set in the request type item. In the item of disconnection BD_ADDR, the address of the plug device for which the management device 100 requests disconnection is set.

  FIG. 13D is a diagram showing a disconnect response message 322. The disconnect response message 322 is a message indicating whether or not the disconnect request message 321 from the management device 100 to the predetermined plug device is disconnected. The disconnect response message 322 has items of response type and disconnect result.

  In the response type item, information indicating the type of message that the plug device responds to the management device 100 is set. For example, in the case of the disconnection response message 322, information indicating “disconnection response” is set in the response type item.

  In the item of disconnection result, a disconnection result for the disconnection request by the management apparatus 100 is set. For example, when the disconnection is successful, information indicating “success” is set in the disconnection result item. When disconnection fails, information indicating “failure” is set in the disconnection result item.

  As described above, when the management apparatus 100 connects the child plugs, the connection request message 311 and the connection response message 312 are used to control the arranged plug devices. Further, when the management device 100 disconnects the child plug, the disconnect request message 321 and the disconnect response message 322 are used to control the arranged plug device.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial setting message according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14A shows an initial setting request message 331. The initial setting request message 331 is a message for requesting the initial setting to the child plug by the management apparatus 100. The initial setting request message 331 has items of request type, processing request destination BD_ADDR, and parameters.

  Information indicating the type of message requested by the management apparatus 100 to the plug apparatus is set in the request type item. For example, in the case of the initial setting request message 331, information indicating “initial setting request” is set in the item of request type. In the item of processing request destination BD_ADDR, the address of the plug device initially set by the management device 100 is set.

  In the parameter item, a value that is initially set in the plug device by the management device 100 is set. As the value to be initialized, for example, the current time may be set in order to match the time of the management device 100 and the plug device. A correction value or the like for the physical quantity to be measured may be initially set. For example, correction values such as temperature and humidity can be registered in the control data 111. These pieces of information may be designated for each plug device to correct the measured value of the physical quantity.

  FIG. 14B is a diagram showing an initial setting response message 332. The initial setting response message 332 is a message indicating that the initial setting request message 331 from the management device 100 to the predetermined plug device is initially set. The initial response message 332 has items of response type and response content.

  In the response type item, information indicating the type of message that the plug device responds to the management device 100 is set. For example, in the case of the initial setting response message 332, information indicating “initial setting response” is set in the response type item. In the response content item, information indicating that the initial setting for the initial setting request by the management apparatus 100 is completed by the plug apparatus is set.

  FIG. 14C is a diagram showing a data provision request message 341. The data provision request message 341 is a message that the management device 100 requests the predetermined child plug to provide sensor data. The data provision request message 341 includes items of request type, processing request destination BD_ADDR, and parameters.

  Information indicating the type of message requested by the management apparatus 100 to the plug apparatus is set in the request type item. For example, in the case of the data provision request message 341, information indicating “data provision request” is set in the item of request type. In the processing request destination BD_ADDR item, the address of the plug device for which the management device 100 requests provision of sensor data is set.

  In the parameter item, one or more types of sensor data that the management device 100 requests the plug device to provide are set. For example, when requesting the provision of power consumption of an electrical device connected to the plug device, the parameter item includes information indicating “power consumption”. When requesting the provision of the temperature around the plug device, the parameter item includes information indicating “temperature”. When requesting the provision of humidity around the plug device, the parameter item includes information indicating “humidity”. The parameter item may include information indicating the type of sensor data other than the above, such as the illuminance around the plug device.

  FIG. 14D shows a data provision response message 342. The data provision response message 342 is a message that responds to sensor data measured by the plug device in response to a request from the data provision request message 341. The data provision response message 342 has items of response type and response content.

  In the response type item, information indicating the type of message that the plug device responds to the management device 100 is set. For example, in the case of the data provision response message 342, information indicating “data provision response” is set in the response type item.

  In the response content item, sensor data measured by the plug device for each type of sensor data specified in the parameter of the data provision request message 341 and information indicating the measurement date and time of these sensor data are set. For example, the response content “2012/9/1 14:00, 3W, 25 ° C., 49%” of the data provision response message 342 in FIG. 14D indicates that the sensor data measurement date is “2012/9/1 14: This is information indicating that the measured power consumption is “3 W”, the measured temperature is “25 ° C.”, and the measured humidity is “49%”.

  Thus, when the management apparatus 100 initializes data in the child plug, the initial setting request message 331 and the initial setting response message 332 are used. Further, when the management apparatus 100 requests provision of sensor data from the child plug, a data provision request message 341 and a data provision response message 342 are used.

  In the above description, each message name is given a symbol, and specific setting values of each item are exemplified. In the following description, each message name is quoted with a reference numeral, but it should be noted that the specific setting value of each message is not necessarily the same as the above example.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing according to the second embodiment. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 15 will be described in order of step number.
(Step S11) The control unit 120 stores information on each plug device that collects sensor data in the control data 111 (plug registration). At this time, a record relating to a radio link with the management apparatus 100 is registered in the link management table 212 of the parent plug. Thereafter, each registered plug device is arranged at a predetermined position by the user. At this time, each plug device is assumed to be arranged at the position described with reference to FIG.

(Step S12) The control unit 120 establishes a connection with the parent plug by establishing a wireless link. Thereafter, the management apparatus 100 and the parent plug are in a state where a wireless link is established.
(Step S13) The control unit 120 searches for a child plug capable of establishing a wireless link by controlling the parent plug. Details will be described later.

  (Step S14) The control unit 120 determines whether there is an undetected child plug in the plug device registered in step S11. The undetected child plug is determined based on whether or not the information (tag <available>) indicating whether or not the plug device in the control data is detected is “false”. If there is an undetected child plug, the process proceeds to step S15. If there is no undetected child plug, the process proceeds to step S16.

(Step S15) The control unit 120 searches for a child plug by controlling the child plug. Details will be described later.
(Step S16) The control unit 120 requests the searched plug devices to make initial settings. Details will be described later.

  (Step S <b> 17) The control unit 120 requests each searched plug device to provide measured sensor data. Step S17 is executed regularly or irregularly after step S16.

In this way, the management device 100 collects sensor data from each plug device arranged at a predetermined position.
Note that the control unit 120 may initialize the plug device at the time of registration of each plug device in step S11 instead of executing the initial setting for each plug device in step S16. In this case, the plug device has a power source for holding the set time.

Further, the control unit 120 may register the parent plug in the control data 111 in advance, or may execute a process for searching for the parent plug between step S11 and step S12.
Further, in step S <b> 17, a data collection instruction is given to the control unit 120 by the management application 130. For example, the user can specify a data collection cycle for the management application 130. Next, the process of step S11 will be specifically described.

  FIG. 16 is a sequence illustrating an example of plug registration according to the second embodiment. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 16 will be described in order of step number. Each plug device is assumed to be arranged at a position where a wireless link can be established with the management device 100 before registration.

  (Step ST101) The management device 100 searches for a plug device by transmitting a response request to the surroundings (within a range in which a wireless link can be established). The plug device 200 receives a response request from the management device 100.

(Step ST102) The plug device 200 responds to the request from the management device 100. The management device 100 receives a response from the plug device 200.
(Step ST103) The management device 100 performs pairing with the plug device 200 that has received the response. Among them, the management apparatus 100 transmits initial registration information (such as BD_NAME and sensor mode designation) to the plug apparatus 200. The plug device 200 receives the initial registration information from the management device 100. The plug device 200 registers the BD_NAME (for example, “F-PLUG_A”) and the sensor mode (for example, “1 hour”) designated by the management device 100 in the plug data 211. The plug device 200 transmits information including information related to the plug device 200 necessary for the initial registration by the management device 100 as a response to the initial registration. The management device 100 receives the initial registration response from the plug device 200. Then, the management device 100 registers information related to the plug device 200 in the control data 111 based on the received response.

  In this way, the management apparatus 100 performs initial registration of the plug apparatus 200. The initial registration of other plug devices is performed in the same sequence as described above. In step ST103, a user operation may be imposed. For example, a button for performing pairing with the management device 100 is provided in the plug device 200, and pairing is executed only when the button is pressed at the timing when a pairing request is received from the management device 100. You may be made to do. The plug device 200 may be provided with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) indicating that a pairing request is received from the management device 100. This is so that the user can visually recognize that the request has been accepted.

Next, the process of step S13 in FIG. 15 will be described.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of search by the parent plug according to the second embodiment. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 17 will be described in order of step number.

(Step S <b> 21) The control unit 120 refers to the control data 111 and selects one parent plug that requests search.
(Step S22) The control unit 120 transmits the search request message 301 to the selected parent plug.

  (Step S23) The control unit 120 receives the search response message 302 from the parent plug that has transmitted the search request message 301. At this time, the control unit 120 discards the plug device information included in the search response message 302 that has a plug name other than the plug name (“F-PLUG_A”) specified by the management device 100. . This is to eliminate other Bluetooth devices that are unrelated to the information processing system of the second embodiment.

  (Step S <b> 24) Based on the information included in the search response message 302, the control unit 120 updates the path information of the searched undetected child plug. Specifically, based on the address of the child plug included in the search response message 302, the control unit 120 specifies information (tag <Plug>) regarding the corresponding plug device from the control data 111. Then, the control unit 120 specifies a plug number (tag <Plug No>) for setting route information based on the address of the plug device relayed up to the child plug included in the search response message 302. Then, the specified plug number is set in the path information of the specified plug device (tag <routing> in the control data 111). In addition, the control unit 120 updates the information (tag <available>) indicating whether or not the searched undetected child plug is searched to “true”. The control unit 120 updates the information (tag <parent>) indicating whether or not it is the parent plug of the child plug to “false”.

  (Step S25) As in step S14, the control unit 120 determines whether there is an undetected child plug in the plug device registered in step S11. If there is an undetected child plug, the process proceeds to step S26. If there is no child plug that has not been searched, the process ends.

  (Step S <b> 26) The control unit 120 determines whether search requests have been issued to all parent plugs. If all parent plugs have been requested to be searched, the process ends. If there is a parent plug that has not been requested for search, the process proceeds to step S21.

  As described in step S <b> 24, the control unit 120 does not perform redundant registration in the control data 111 for the child plugs that have already been registered under any of the plug devices (detected child plugs). . That is, each child plug is set under one of the plug devices in the order of arrival.

  In step S24, the control unit 120 may generate route information as follows. Specifically, each plug device may include information indicating the radio field intensity of the searched child plug in the search response. The control unit 120 may determine which plug device is subordinate to each child plug based on the radio wave intensity. For example, when a certain child plug is registered only at the end of the path by the method of step S24, it is conceivable that the child plug is searched with a stronger radio wave intensity by another plug device. In this case, the control unit 120 changes the route information so that the child plug is under the newly searched other plug device. In this way, a route with better communication quality can be selected.

FIG. 18 is a sequence illustrating an example of search by the parent plug according to the second embodiment. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 18 will be described in order of step number.
(Step ST111) The management device 100 transmits a search request message 301 to the plug device 200 that is the parent plug. The plug device 200 receives the search request message 301 from the management device 100.

(Step ST112) The plug device 200 detects the plug device 200a which is a child plug.
(Step ST113) The plug device 200 detects the plug device 200c which is a child plug.

  (Step ST114) The plug device 200 transmits a search response message 302 including the addresses of the searched plug devices 200a and 200c to the management device 100. The management device 100 receives the search response message 302 from the plug device 200.

  (Step ST115) The management device 100 transmits a search request message 301 to the plug device 200d that is the parent plug. The plug device 200d receives the search request message 301 from the management device 100.

(Step ST116) The plug device 200d detects the plug device 200e which is a child plug.
(Step ST117) The plug device 200d detects the plug device 200f that is a child plug.

  (Step ST118) The plug device 200d transmits a search response message 302 including the searched addresses of the plug devices 200e and 200f to the management device 100. The management device 100 receives the search response message 302 from the plug device 200.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 18, the control unit 120 searches for a child plug by transmitting / receiving a search request message 301 and a search response message 302 to / from a parent plug. Then, the control unit 120 updates the searched child plug information in the control data 111 based on the information included in the search response message 302.

In steps ST112, ST113, ST116, and ST117, the plug devices 200 and 200d try to search other surrounding plug devices for the number of times specified by the search request.
Next, the process of step S15 in FIG. 15 will be described.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of search by a child plug according to the second embodiment. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 19 will be described in order of step number.
(Step S31) The control unit 120 refers to the control data 111 and selects one child plug that requests the search.

(Step S32) The control unit 120 connects to the selected child plug via the parent plug by transmitting the connection request message 311 to the parent plug using the selected child plug as the request destination.
When the parent plug included in the communication path from the management apparatus 100 to the selected child plug receives the connection request message 311, the parent plug first updates the destination of the connection request message 311 to the connection path BD_ADDR1. Next, the parent plug shifts each address set in the connection path BD_ADDR to the left.

  For example, it is assumed that the parent plug receives the connection request message 311 in which the connection route BD_ADDR1 = "0x000000000001", the connection route BD_ADDR2 = "0x000000000002", and the connection route BD_ADDR3 = "0x000000000003" is set. At this time, the parent plug updates the destination of the connection request message 311 to “0x000000000001”. Next, the parent plug shifts so that the connection route BD_ADDR1 = "0x000000000002" and the connection route BD_ADDR2 = "0x000000000003" (hereinafter, this process may be referred to as "shift"). At this time, the parent plug may set information (for example, 0x000000000000) indicating an empty character in the connection path BD_ADDR3 (a field in the empty state). In this way, each plug that has received the connection request message 311 can efficiently recognize BD_ADDR1 set at the head of the message as the establishment destination of the wireless link with itself.

  Next, the parent plug establishes a radio link with the child plug corresponding to the address set in the updated connection path BD_ADDR1. Then, the parent plug transfers the updated connection request message 311 to the child plug that has established the wireless link. Thereafter, the same processing is repeated for the child plug to which the connection request message 311 is transferred.

(Step S33) The control unit 120 transmits the search request message 301 to the connected child plug.
(Step S34) The control unit 120 receives the search response message 302 from the connected child plug. At this time, the control unit 120 discards the plug device information included in the search response message 302 that has a plug name other than the plug name (“F-PLUG_A”) specified by the management device 100. . This is to eliminate other Bluetooth devices that are unrelated to the information processing system of the second embodiment.

  (Step S <b> 35) As in step S <b> 24, the control unit 120 registers the searched child plug route information in the control data 111 based on the information included in the search response message 302. The method is the same as step S24. Similarly to step S24, duplicate registration is not performed for child plugs that have already been registered under any of the plug devices (detected child plugs). That is, each child plug is set under one of the plug devices in the order of arrival.

  (Step S36) The control unit 120 transmits the disconnection request message 321 to the selected child plug. Each plug device transfers a disconnection request message 321 to the child plug, and sequentially disconnects the radio link from the child plug to the parent plug in a relay manner. Thereby, each wireless link established from the management apparatus 100 to the selected child plug is disconnected.

  (Step S37) As in step S14, the control unit 120 determines whether there is an undetected child plug in the plug device registered in step S11. If there is an undetected child plug, the process proceeds to step S38. If there is no undetected child plug, the process ends.

  (Step S <b> 38) The control unit 120 determines whether search is requested for all the child plugs. When the search is requested to all the child plugs, the process is terminated. If no search is requested for all the child plugs, the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S36, the plug device that has received the disconnection response message 322 may disconnect without canceling the pairing, or even cancel the pairing (delete the setting record of the link management table 212). Good. If pairing is not canceled, when establishing a wireless link again, authentication can be performed by simple processing using information in the link management table 212 to establish a wireless link.

  FIG. 20 is a sequence illustrating an example of search by a child plug according to the second embodiment. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 20 will be described along with step numbers. In FIG. 20, the plug device 200 relays wireless communication between the management device 100 and the plug device 200a. In this case, a sequence when the management apparatus 100 requests the plug apparatus 200a to search for a child plug will be described.

  (Step ST121) The management apparatus 100 transmits a connection request message 311 with the plug apparatus 200a as a connection destination to the plug apparatus 200. The plug device 200 receives the connection request message 311 from the management device 100.

(Step ST122) The plug device 200 establishes a wireless link by pairing with the plug device 200a.
(Step ST123) The plug device 200 transmits a connection response message 312 to the management device 100. The management device 100 receives the connection response message 312 from the plug device 200.

  (Step ST124) The management device 100 transmits a search request message 301 to the plug device 200 using the plug device 200a as a request destination. The plug device 200 receives from the management device 100 a search request message 301 with the plug device 200a as a request destination.

  (Step ST125) The plug device 200 transfers the search request message 301 to the plug device 200a using a wireless link that is not the receiving side. The plug device 200 a receives the search request message 301 from the plug device 200.

(Step ST126) The plug device 200a that is a search request destination searches for a plug device that can establish a wireless link with itself. As a result, the plug device 200b is detected.
(Step ST127) The plug device 200a transmits a search response message 302 including information on the detected plug device to the plug device 200. The plug device 200 receives the search response message 302 from the plug device 200a.

  (Step ST128) The plug device 200 transfers the search response message 302 to the management device 100 using a wireless link that is not the receiving side. The management device 100 receives the search response message 302 from the plug device 200. The management device 100 stores the path information in the control data 111 based on the detected plug device information included in the search response message 302.

  (Step ST129) The management device 100 transmits a disconnection request message 321 to the plug device 200 with the plug device 200a as the disconnection destination. A disconnection request message 321 with the plug device 200a as the disconnection destination is received from the management device 100.

(Step ST130) The plug device 200 disconnects the radio link established with the plug device 200a.
(Step ST131) The plug device 200 transmits a disconnection response message 322 to the management device 100. The management device 100 receives the disconnection response message 322 from the plug device 200.

  As shown in FIG. 19 to FIG. 20, the management device 100 searches for a child plug by relaying the child plug connected with the established wireless link, the search request message 301 and the search response message 302 in a relay manner. To do. Then, the management apparatus 100 updates the path information in the control data 111 based on the retrieved child plug information. Further, in step ST126, the plug device 200a tries to search for other plug devices around the number of times specified by the search request.

Next, the process of step S16 in FIG. 15 will be described.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an initial setting example according to the second embodiment. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 21 will be described in order of step number.

(Step S41) The control unit 120 refers to the control data 111 and selects one plug device from the searched plug devices.
(Step S42) The control unit 120 determines whether the selected plug device is a child plug. Whether the plug device is a child plug is determined based on whether the information (tag <parent>) indicating whether or not the plug device in the control data 111 is a parent plug is “false”. If the selected plug device is a child plug, the process proceeds to step S43. If the selected plug device is a parent plug, the process proceeds to step S44.

  (Step S43) The control unit 120 connects to the selected child plug via the parent plug. Specifically, the control unit 120 transmits a connection request message 311 with the selected child plug as a connection destination.

  (Step S44) After receiving the connection response message 312, the control unit 120 transmits an initial setting request message 331 with the selected child plug as an initial setting destination. The initial setting request message 331 includes information indicating the contents of the initial setting for the selected child plug.

(Step S45) The control unit 120 receives the initial setting response message 332 from the selected child plug.
(Step S46) As in step S42, the control unit 120 determines whether the selected plug device is a child plug. If the selected plug device is a child plug, the process proceeds to step S47. If the selected plug device is a parent plug, the process proceeds to step S48.

  (Step S47) The control unit 120 cuts the selected child plug as in step S36. Specifically, the control unit 120 transmits a disconnection request message 321 with the selected child plug as the disconnection destination.

  (Step S48) The control unit 120 determines whether all plug devices have been selected. If all plug devices have been selected, the process ends. If there is an unselected plug device, the process proceeds to step S41.

  In this way, the management device 100 performs initial setting for each plug device by transmitting and receiving the initial setting request message 331 and the initial setting response message 332 to and from each plug device. Next, the process of step S17 in FIG. 15 will be described.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data collection according to the second embodiment. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 22 will be described in order of step number. As described above, the processing of steps S51 to S59 shown below is periodically executed at a predetermined cycle after step S16 of FIG.

(Step S <b> 51) The control unit 120 refers to the control data 111 and selects one plug device as a request destination of data provision.
(Step S52) As in step S42, the control unit 120 determines whether the selected plug device is a child plug. If the selected plug device is a child plug, the process proceeds to step S53. If the selected plug device is a parent plug, the process proceeds to step S54.

  (Step S53) The control unit 120 connects to the selected child plug via the parent plug. Specifically, the control unit 120 transmits a connection request message 311 with the selected child plug as a connection destination.

  (Step S <b> 54) After receiving the connection response message 312, the control unit 120 transmits a data provision request message 341 with the selected child plug as a data provision destination. The data provision request message 341 includes information indicating the type of sensor data requested to be provided to the selected child plug.

  (Step S55) The control unit 120 receives the data provision response message 342 from the selected child plug. The data provision response message 342 includes sensor data measured by the requested plug device corresponding to the type of sensor data specified in the data provision request message 341.

(Step S <b> 56) The control unit 120 registers a record generated based on information such as sensor data included in the data provision response message 342 in the measurement value table 112.
(Step S57) As in step S42, the control unit 120 determines whether the selected plug device is a child plug. If the selected plug device is a child plug, the process proceeds to step S58. If the selected plug device is a parent plug, the process proceeds to step S59.

  (Step S58) The control unit 120 cuts the selected child plug in the same manner as in step S36. Specifically, the control unit 120 transmits a disconnection request message 321 with the selected child plug as the disconnection destination.

  (Step S59) The control unit 120 determines whether all plug devices have been selected. If all plug devices have been selected, the process ends. If there is an unselected plug device, the process proceeds to step S51.

  In step S58, the plug device that has received the disconnect response message 322 may disconnect without canceling the pairing, or even cancel the pairing (delete the setting record of the link management table 212). Good. If pairing is not canceled, when establishing a wireless link again, authentication can be performed by simple processing using information in the link management table 212 to establish a wireless link.

  FIG. 23 is a sequence illustrating a data collection example (part 1) according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 23, the plug device 200 relays wireless communication between the management device 100 and the plug device 200a. In this case, a sequence when the management apparatus 100 collects sensor data from the plug apparatuses 200 and 200a will be described.

  (Step ST141) The management apparatus 100 transmits a data provision request message 341 to the plug apparatus 200 with the plug apparatus 200 as a request destination. The plug device 200 receives from the management device 100 a data provision request message 341 whose request destination is itself.

  (Step ST142) The plug device 200 transmits a data provision response message 342 to the management device 100. The data provision response message 342 includes sensor data corresponding to the type of sensor data included in the data provision request message 341. The management device 100 receives the data provision response message 342 from the plug device 200. Then, the management apparatus 100 registers a record generated based on information such as sensor data included in the data provision response message 342 in the measurement value table 112.

  (Step ST143) The management device 100 transmits a connection request message 311 with the plug device 200a as a connection destination to the plug device 200. The plug device 200 receives the connection request message 311 from the management device 100.

(Step ST144) The plug device 200 establishes a wireless link by pairing with the plug device 200a.
(Step ST145) The plug device 200 transmits a connection response message 312 to the management device 100. The management device 100 receives the connection response message 312 from the plug device 200.

  (Step ST146) The management apparatus 100 transmits a data provision request message 341 to the plug apparatus 200 using the plug apparatus 200a as a request destination. The plug device 200 receives from the management device 100 a data provision request message 341 with the plug device 200a as a request destination.

  (Step ST147) Plug device 200 transfers data provision request message 341 using a wireless link that is not the receiving side. The plug device 200 a receives the data provision request message 341 from the plug device 200.

  (Step ST148) The plug device 200a transmits a data provision response message 342 including sensor data corresponding to information indicating the type of sensor data included in the data provision request message 341 to the plug device 200. The plug device 200 receives the data provision response message 342 from the plug device 200a.

  (Step ST149) Plug device 200 transfers data provision request message 341 using a wireless link that is not the receiving side. The management device 100 receives the data provision response message 342 from the plug device 200. Then, the management apparatus 100 registers a record generated based on information such as sensor data included in the data provision response message 342 in the measurement value table 112.

  (Step ST150) The management device 100 transmits a disconnection request message 321 to the plug device 200 with the plug device 200a as the disconnection destination. A disconnection request message 321 with the plug device 200a as the disconnection destination is received from the management device 100.

(Step ST151) The plug device 200 disconnects the radio link established with the plug device 200a.
(Step ST152) The plug device 200 transmits a disconnection response message 322 to the management device 100. The management device 100 receives the disconnection response message 322 from the plug device 200.

  FIG. 24 is a sequence illustrating a data collection example (part 2) according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 24, the plug devices 200 and 200a relay wireless communication between the management device 100 and the plug device 200b. In this case, a sequence when the management apparatus 100 collects sensor data from the plug apparatus 200b will be described. In the following, the process illustrated in FIG. 24 will be described in order of step number.

  (Step ST161) The management device 100 transmits a connection request message 311 with the plug device 200b as a connection destination to the plug device 200. The plug device 200 receives the connection request message 311 from the management device 100.

(Step ST162) The plug device 200 establishes a wireless link by pairing with the plug device 200a.
(Step ST163) Using the established wireless link, the plug device 200 transfers a connection request message 311 (shifted) with the plug device 200b as a connection destination. The plug device 200 a receives the connection request message 311 from the plug device 200.

(Step ST164) The plug device 200a establishes a wireless link by pairing with the plug device 200b.
(Step ST165) The plug device 200a transmits a connection response message 312 to the plug device 200. The plug device 200 receives the connection response message 312 from the plug device 200a.

  (Step ST166) The plug device 200 transfers the connection response message 312 using a wireless link that is not the receiving side. The management device 100 receives the connection response message 312 from the plug device 200.

  (Step ST167) The management apparatus 100 transmits a data provision request message 341 to the plug apparatus 200 using the plug apparatus 200b as a request destination. The plug device 200 receives from the management device 100 a data provision request message 341 with the plug device 200b as a request destination.

  (Step ST168) Plug device 200 transfers data provision request message 341 using a wireless link that is not the receiving side. The plug device 200 a receives the data provision request message 341 from the plug device 200.

  (Step ST169) The plug device 200a transfers the data provision request message 341 using a wireless link that is not the receiving side. The plug device 200b receives the data provision request message 341 from the plug device 200a.

  (Step ST170) The plug device 200b transmits a data provision response message 342 including sensor data corresponding to information indicating the type of sensor data included in the data provision request message 341 to the plug device 200a. The plug device 200a receives the data provision response message 342 from the plug device 200b.

  (Step ST171) The plug device 200a transfers the data provision response message 342 using a wireless link that is not the receiving side. The plug device 200 receives the data provision response message 342 from the plug device 200a.

  (Step ST172) The plug device 200 transfers the data provision response message 342 to the management device 100 using a wireless link that is not the receiving side. The management device 100 receives the data provision response message 342 from the plug device 200. Then, the management apparatus 100 stores a record generated based on information such as sensor data included in the data provision response message 342 in the measurement value table 112.

  (Step ST173) The management device 100 transmits a disconnection request message 321 to the plug device 200 with the plug device 200b as the disconnection destination. The plug device 200 receives from the management device 100 a disconnect request message 321 with the plug device 200b as the disconnection destination.

  (Step ST174) The plug device 200 transfers the disconnection request message 321 using a wireless link that is not the receiving side. The plug device 200 a receives the disconnection request message 321 from the plug device 200.

(Step ST175) The plug device 200a disconnects the radio link established with the plug device 200b.
(Step ST176) The plug device 200a transmits a disconnection response message 322 to the plug device 200. The plug device 200 receives the disconnection response message 322 from the plug device 200a.

(Step ST177) Plug device 200 disconnects the radio link on the receiving side.
(Step ST178) The plug device 200 transfers the disconnection response message 322 to the management device 100 using a wireless link that is not the receiving side. The management device 100 receives the disconnection response message 322 from the plug device 200.

  As shown in FIGS. 22 to 24, the management device 100 transmits / receives a data provision request message 341 and a data provision response message 342 to / from each plug device in a relay manner, so that a predetermined type of sensor data is received from each plug device. collect. Then, the management device 100 manages the collected sensor data by registering records in the measurement value table 112 based on the collected sensor data.

  Further, as in steps ST173 to ST178, a single disconnect request message 321 can disconnect a wireless link between a plurality of plug devices to which the message has been transferred, so that a disconnect request message is individually transmitted to each plug device. The communication cost can be reduced compared with the case of doing so.

  In addition, the management apparatus 100 can similarly perform initial setting for each plug apparatus. 23 to 24, the data provision request message 341 may be replaced with the initial setting request message 331, and the data provision response message 342 may be replaced with the initial setting response message 332.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a connection example according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 25, an example in which the management apparatus 100 is connected to the plug apparatus 200b will be described.
(Step ST1) The management apparatus 100 has a wireless link established with the plug apparatus 200. In this state, first, the management apparatus 100 transmits a connection request message 311 with the connection destination as the plug apparatus 200b to the plug apparatus 200.

  (Step ST2) The plug device 200 receives the connection request message 311. Next, the plug device 200 identifies the plug device 200a that is a transit destination based on the communication path included in the connection request message 311. The plug device 200 establishes a wireless link with the identified plug device 200a. Then, the plug device 200 transfers the connection request message 311 (shifted one) using the established wireless link.

  (Step ST3) The plug device 200a receives the connection request message 311. Next, the plug device 200a identifies the plug device 200b that is the route destination based on the communication path included in the connection request message 311. The plug device 200a establishes a wireless link with the identified plug device 200b.

Thus, the establishment of the wireless link is performed in a chained order in the communication path from the management device 100 to the connection destination child plug (for example, the plug device 200b).
FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a cutting example according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 26, an example in which the management device 100 disconnects the plug device 200b will be described.

  (Step ST11) The management device 100 is connected to the plug device 200b. That is, the management apparatus 100 can transmit and receive data to and from the plug apparatus 200b via the plug apparatuses 200 and 200a. The management device 100 transmits a disconnection request message 321 with the disconnection destination as the plug device 200b. The plug device 200a receives the cutting request message 321 with the cutting device as the plug device 200b. Then, the plug device 200a disconnects the wireless link with the plug device 200b. Then, the plug device 200a transmits the disconnection response message 322 using the wireless link.

  (Step ST12) The plug device 200 receives the disconnection response message 322. Next, the plug device 200 disconnects the wireless link with the plug device 200a. Then, the plug device 200 transfers the disconnection response message 322 using a wireless link that is not the receiving side.

  (Step ST13) The management apparatus 100 receives the disconnection response message 322 from the plug apparatus 200, thereby confirming that each wireless link up to the plug apparatus 200b has been disconnected. Since the plug device 200 is a parent plug, the wireless link between the management device 100 and the plug device 200 remains established.

As described above, disconnection of the wireless link is performed in a chained order in the communication path from the disconnection target child plug (for example, the plug device 200b) to the management device 100.
The management device 100 collects sensor data from a connected plug device and then connects to a plug device that can be wirelessly linked to the predetermined plug device without disconnecting the predetermined plug device and collects sensor data. May be. For example, in FIGS. 25 to 26, the management device 100 collects sensor data from the connected plug device 200a as in step ST2. Thereafter, as in step ST3, a wireless link is established between the plug device 200a and the plug device 200b. Then, in a state where the management apparatus 100 is connected to the plug apparatus 200b, the management apparatus 100 collects sensor data of the plug apparatus 200b.

  Thus, the number of times of disconnecting the wireless link and establishing the wireless link can be reduced as compared with the case of disconnecting each time sensor data is collected and connecting to a new collection destination. Therefore, data can be collected efficiently.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a display example of measurement data according to the second embodiment. The management application 130 provides the measurement result display screen 400 using the data stored in the stored measurement value table 112. The user can input to the measurement result display screen 400 using the mouse cursor P1 by operating the input device 106. The measurement result display screen 400 includes a power consumption information display 410, a peripheral information display 420, a charge transition display 430, and an advice display 440.

  The power consumption information display 410 displays power consumption, usage fee, and month-to-month ratio. The power consumption is the total power consumption of all plug devices from the first day of the month to which the current time belongs until the current time. The usage amount is a usage fee of power calculated based on power consumption. The month-on-month is the difference between the current usage fee and the usage fee from the first day of last month to the same time of the same day of last month. The display of the peripheral information display 420 is updated periodically (for example, every hour).

  The peripheral information display 420 displays the current temperature, humidity, and illuminance. The temperature is a current temperature around a predetermined plug device (for example, the plug device 200b to which the air conditioner 10 is connected). Humidity is the current humidity around a given plug device. The illuminance is a character string (for example, “bright”, “slightly bright”, “slightly dark”, and “dark”) corresponding to the current illuminance around a predetermined plug device. For example, when the illuminance is 300 lux or more, it is “bright”, and when the illuminance is in the range of 150 to 299 lux, it is “slightly bright”. Note that a character string indicating the current illuminance may be set as the illuminance. The display of the peripheral information display 420 is updated periodically (for example, every hour).

  In the charge transition display 430, a graph (for example, a line graph) showing a transition of power consumption of the electrical equipment connected to each plug device, an accumulation button 431, and a time unit button 432 are displayed. The graph to be displayed can select either a transition of a cumulative value of power consumption or a transition of power consumption for each hour. For example, when the accumulation button 431 is pressed with the mouse cursor P1, the charge transition display 430 displays a graph indicating the transition of the cumulative value of power consumption. Similarly, when the time unit button 432 is pressed, the charge transition display 430 displays a graph indicating the transition of power consumption in time units (for example, every hour).

  The advice display 440 displays advice related to power saving. The advice to be displayed is updated periodically (for example, once a day). As the advice, a randomly selected advice from a plurality of advices stored in the management apparatus 100 may be displayed.

  According to the communication system of the second embodiment, when the management apparatus 100 communicates with the child plug, the connection request message 311 including the path information is transmitted to the parent plug included in the communication path leading to the child plug. A wireless link is established on the communication path from the management apparatus 100 to the child plug. Using the established wireless link, the management device 100 transmits a telegram requesting a search for the plug device or requesting the provision of sensor data to the connected child plug. Thereby, a communication path can be established efficiently and a control message can be transmitted and received.

  For example, compared to a method in which a control message is transmitted by broadcasting and a route search is performed, a control message is not strongly transmitted to a plug device unrelated to the communication path from the management device 100 to the connected plug device. It's okay. Therefore, unnecessary processing of the plug device is suppressed, and the power consumption of the entire system can be suppressed.

  In addition, the control unit 120 generates path information for each plug device in advance and stores it in the storage unit 110. Specifically, the control unit 120 transmits each search request message 301 to cause each plug device to sequentially search for peripheral plug devices, generates route information based on the search result, and stores the information in the control data 111. Store. However, the control unit 120 may allow the user to input route information and store the input route information in the storage unit 110. However, when the path information is generated by the control unit 120, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user, rather than allowing the user to input the path information of each plug device in the control data 111.

  In addition, the control unit 120 registers in advance a searchable plug device, and requests provision of sensor data only from the registered plug device. Thereby, the control unit 120 can easily determine whether or not a child plug has been searched, and can easily identify a child plug that collects sensor data. Therefore, the control of the child plug search by the control unit 120 is made more efficient.

  In addition, the control unit 120 collects sensor data using a data provision request message 341 and a data provision response message 342 from a predetermined plug device (for example, the plug device 200b), and then uses a disconnect request message 321 to perform a predetermined plug. The wireless link established in the communication path to the device is disconnected. As a result, it is possible to save power by suppressing communication such as polling between plug devices included in the communication path.

  In addition, the management device 100 can communicate with the plug devices 200 a, 200 b, and 200 c that cannot directly establish a wireless link with the management device 100 via the plug device 200. For this reason, the arrangement range of the plug device that transmits and receives data to and from the management device 100 can be expanded. In particular, the communication range can be efficiently expanded even when Bluetooth is used.

Further, in the second embodiment, the case where wireless communication is performed using Bluetooth is exemplified, but the information processing of the second embodiment can be applied to Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and the like.
In order to perform routing, each plug device may collect information indicating a route between the plug devices. For example, each plug device may select a route with the lowest cost from each route. However, the information indicating this route has a relatively large amount of data. This is because there can be many combinations of paths between plug devices. For this reason, when information indicating the path is collected, the memory of the plug device can be compressed. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, each plug device communicates using a route provided by the management device 100. Therefore, it is not necessary to collect routes by each plug device. For this reason, the memory area for path control can be saved in each plug device.

  The information processing according to the first embodiment can be realized by causing the information processing apparatus 1 and the communication apparatuses 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 to execute programs. The information processing according to the second embodiment can be realized by causing the management apparatus 100 and the plug apparatuses 200, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e, and 200f to execute a program. The program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (for example, the optical disk 11, the memory device 12, and the memory card 14).

  When distributing the program, for example, a portable recording medium in which the program is recorded is provided. It is also possible to store the program in a storage device of another computer and distribute the program via a network. The computer stores, for example, a program recorded on a portable recording medium or a program received from another computer in a storage device, and reads and executes the program from the storage device. However, a program read from a portable recording medium may be directly executed, or a program received from another computer via a network may be directly executed.

In addition, at least a part of the information processing described above can be realized by an electronic circuit such as a DSP, ASIC, or PLD.
The above merely illustrates the principle of the present invention. In addition, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art and the present invention is not limited to the precise configuration and application shown and described above, and all corresponding modifications and equivalents may be And the equivalents thereof are considered to be within the scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing apparatus 1a Memory | storage part 1b Control part 2,3,4,5,6,7 Communication apparatus 8,8a Route information R1, R2, R3 Range

Claims (12)

A communication system for performing wireless communication,
Upon receiving route information including information indicating a permutation between any one of the communication devices and the communication device that relays from itself to the communication device, it is a partner that establishes a wireless link with itself based on the route information Identify another communication device, establish a wireless link with the other communication device, and if the other communication device is other than the communication device at the end of the permutation, use the wireless link to connect the other communication device to the other communication device. A plurality of communication devices that transmit route information and then transfer data using a wireless link different from the received wireless link when receiving data destined for other than itself;
A second communication device that is wirelessly communicable with at least the first communication device of the plurality of communication devices and is located at a position where a wireless link with the first communication device cannot be established; and the second communication device to the second communication device. Route information including information indicating a permutation with a communication device that relays to the first communication device is transmitted to the first communication device, and then data destined for the second communication device is transmitted to the first communication device. An information processing device that transmits to the communication device;
A communication system.   The information processing apparatus causes the first communication apparatus and the second communication apparatus to search for other communication apparatuses in the vicinity, and relays until reaching the other communication apparatus searched based on the searched result The communication system according to claim 1, which generates information indicating a permutation of.   The information processing device generates information indicating a permutation of a communication device to be relayed up to the other communication device when information indicating a permutation including the searched other communication device is not generated. The communication system according to claim 2 in the range. Each of the plurality of communication devices holds a predetermined identifier, and an identifier acquired from the other communication device in association with information indicating the other communication device searched for in a response to the search result for the information processing device. Including
The information processing apparatus, when the search result by the first and second communication devices includes an identifier corresponding to the information processing device with respect to information indicating the other communication device, Generating information indicating a permutation of communication devices to be relayed up to the communication device of
The communication system according to claims 2 and 3.   The information processing apparatus, after transmitting data destined for a second communication apparatus, disconnects a wireless link from the first communication apparatus to the second communication apparatus. The communication system according to any one of Items 4 to 4. The information processing apparatus transmits a disconnection request addressed to the second communication apparatus,
The first and second communication devices and the communication device that relays from the first communication device to the second communication device transfer the disconnection request to the second communication device, Disconnecting the wireless link between the communication devices in order from the second communication device to the first communication device;
The communication system according to claim 5.   The information processing device includes information indicating a permutation with a communication device that relays data from the first communication device to the second communication device every time data to be transmitted to the second communication device is generated. The communication system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein route information is transmitted to the first communication device.   Each of the plurality of communication devices is connected to an electrical device, measures the power consumed by the electrical device, and provides information on the measured power in response to a request from the information processing device. The communication system according to any one of Items 7 to 7.   The communication system according to claim 8, wherein the information processing apparatus transmits setting information used for power measurement to the second communication apparatus. A communication method executed by a system including a plurality of communication devices that perform wireless communication and an information processing device that can communicate with at least a first communication device of the plurality of communication devices,
Information indicating a permutation between a second communication device arranged at a position where a wireless link cannot be established with the information processing device and a communication device relaying from the first communication device to the second communication device. Transmitting from the information processing device to the first communication device;
Based on the information, establish a wireless link between adjacent communication devices in the permutation using each communication device that relays from the first communication device to the second communication device,
Data destined for the second communication device is transmitted from the information processing device to the first communication device and transferred to the second communication device using an established wireless link;
Communication method. A program for controlling a system including a plurality of communication devices that perform wireless communication, the computer being capable of communicating with at least a first communication device of the plurality of communication devices,
Information indicating a permutation between a second communication device arranged at a position where a wireless link cannot be established with the computer and a communication device relaying from the first communication device to the second communication device 1 to the communication device
When a wireless link between adjacent communication devices in the permutation is established based on the information by each communication device that relays from the first communication device to the second communication device, the second communication Transmitting data destined for the device to the first communication device;
A program that executes processing. A communication device for performing wireless communication,
When receiving route information that includes information indicating another communication device with which the wireless link is established with itself and can identify whether the other communication device is a communication device at the end of the route, Based on the control unit for establishing a wireless link with the other communication device,
If the other communication device is other than the terminal communication device, the wireless link is transmitted when the route information is transmitted to the other communication device using the wireless link, and then data other than itself is received. A communication unit for transferring data using a wireless link different from
A communication device.

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