JP5787486B2 - Communication equipment and power line communication system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device capable of power line communication and a power line communication system.

  Patent Literature 1 discloses a power conversion device to which a mobile terminal is connected.

  And a power converter detects and displays the communication quality of the power line communication input into a power converter.

  In addition, a power line communication (PLC: Power Line Communication) system is also called a power line carrier communication system, and uses a power line as a signal transmission medium, and a signal including communication data between a plurality of communication devices connected to the power line. A communication system for transmitting and receiving.

JP 2008-236563 A

  However, even if the communication quality of power line communication is displayed on the mobile terminal, the user does not always recognize it.

  For example, a user who uses a personal computer device does not see a display screen of a mobile phone located away from the personal computer device.

  The mobile phone has a wireless communication function. The mobile phone automatically receives an e-mail or automatically receives a voice call.

  In this way, even if the mobile phone automatically receives an e-mail or automatically receives a voice call, a user operating a personal computer device or the like at a position away from the mobile phone cannot Unable to deal with automatic responses.

  As described above, in communication devices such as mobile phones, it is desired to ensure cooperation in information transmission with other communication devices. The power line includes a power line and a power transmission line.

First aspect the communication device of the present invention is connected to a power line, a signal including the communication data to communicate with other communication devices connected to the power line, and a modem unit which transmits and receives signals via the power line, the A power line communication detection unit that detects a communication state of power line communication by the modem unit, and a communication control unit that determines communication quality of power line communication based on the communication state of power line communication detected by the power line communication detection unit, The communication control unit transmits the determined communication quality information of the power line communication to the other communication device via the modem unit in order to switch the frequency of the carrier wave to a low frequency in the other communication device.
Suitably, the said communication control part stops charge, when communicating with the said other communication apparatus via a power line.
Preferably, the communication control unit restarts the stopped charging after transmitting data to the other communication device via the power line.

  Preferably, the communication device is a wireless communication terminal having a wireless communication unit that transmits and receives a wireless signal including communication data, and the communication control unit transmits communication data used for processing in the other communication device. The wireless communication unit receives the communication data in a state where the communication control unit can transmit the communication data to the other communication device. In this case, the wireless communication unit may include a data communication unit that outputs communication data received by the wireless communication unit or data notifying reception of the communication data to the communication control unit as communication data to be transmitted to the other communication device. .

  Preferably, the communication device includes a wireless communication detection unit that detects a communication state of wireless communication by the wireless communication unit, and the data communication unit is in a communication state of wireless communication detected by the wireless communication detection unit. Based on this, the communication quality of the wireless communication is determined, and the communication data according to the determination result is output to the communication control unit in order to execute processing according to the communication state of the wireless communication unit in the other communication device May be transmitted.

  Preferably, the communication device reads the predetermined data from the storage unit when there is a storage unit that stores data used by the communication device and a transmission request of the predetermined data from the other communication device. A data communication unit that outputs the read predetermined data to the communication control unit, wherein the communication control unit processes the predetermined data input from the data communication unit by the other communication device. In order to do this, it may be transmitted to the other communication device via the modem unit.

  Preferably, the storage unit further stores restriction data for restricting communication data communicable by the communication control unit, and the data communication unit receives a request for transmission of predetermined data from the other communication device. In this case, the restriction data may be referred to, and data that is not restricted by the restriction data may be output and transmitted to the communication control unit.

A power line communication system according to a second aspect of the present invention is a power line communication system having a communication device, a charger for connecting the communication device to a power line, and another communication device connected to the power line, the communication device Alternatively, the charger includes a modem unit that transmits and receives a signal including communication data to communicate with the other communication device via the power line, and a power line communication detection unit that detects a communication state of power line communication by the modem unit, Based on the communication state of the power line communication detected by the power line communication detection unit, the communication quality of the power line communication is determined, and the determined communication quality information of the power line communication is transmitted to the other communication device via the modem unit. A communication control unit for transmitting, and the other communication device sets the frequency of the carrier wave to a low frequency based on the communication quality information of the power line communication received from the power line. Replace Ri.

  Preferably, the other communication device is a personal computer device having a display unit, and the display unit performs power line communication of the communication device based on communication quality information of the power line communication received from the modem unit. Communication quality may be displayed on the display unit.

  Preferably, the other communication device is a communication device that can be connected to a display unit and a power line, and can be mounted on or mounted on a vehicle such as a vehicle. The display unit is received from the modem unit. Based on the communication quality information of power line communication, the communication quality of power line communication in the communication device may be displayed on the display unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the cooperation of information transmission with communication apparatuses, such as a mobile telephone, and another communication apparatus is securable.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a power line communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mobile phone and the charger of FIG. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the mobile phone and the charger of FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of functions realized by the mobile phone and the charger shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the personal computer apparatus of FIG. FIG. 6 is a hardware configuration diagram of the personal computer apparatus of FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of functions realized by the personal computer apparatus of FIG. FIG. 8 is an example of a communication quality display screen displayed on the personal computer apparatus of FIG. FIG. 9 is a sequence chart of a cooperative operation example in the power line communication system of FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence chart of an example of a cooperative operation when the quality of power line communication with a mobile phone is deteriorated. FIG. 11 is a sequence chart of an example of a cooperative operation when the quality of wireless communication of the mobile phone is deteriorated. FIG. 12 is a sequence chart of a cooperative operation example in which data of a mobile phone is browsed by a personal computer device.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Configuration of power line communication system]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a power line communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The power line communication system 1 is a communication system that uses, for example, a power line 3 that is installed in a building such as a house or a building and supplies power to communication devices used in the building as a communication line.

  The power line communication system 1 may be installed across a plurality of buildings.

  The power line communication system 1 in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of power lines 3, a personal computer device (PC) 4, a mobile phone charger (CLDL) 5, and a mobile phone (M_PHONE) 6. The mobile phone 6 is a type of wireless communication terminal.

  The plurality of power lines 3 are connected to a commercial AC power source 2.

  The power line 3 is a wiring that supplies power to, for example, each room and hallway of a building, and usually has two metal wirings for supplying single-phase power.

  Each power line 3 is connected to one or more power outlets (outlets) 7.

  The personal computer device 4 and the mobile phone 6 are communication devices that operate by electricity. The personal computer device 4 operates with its plug connected to a power outlet 7. The charger 5 has a plug connected to a power outlet 7. The mobile phone 6 can be operated by being connected to a charger 5 connected to a power outlet 7.

  The vehicle 100 is a vehicle or the like, and includes an electric vehicle, an electric light vehicle, and the like. Vehicles are charged by the plugs used for the charging terminals and the like arranged on them being connected to the power outlet 7. In addition to the power outlet mounted on the vehicle or the like, the mobile phone 6 can also operate by being connected to the charger 5 connected to the power outlet 7.

  As described above, the power line 3 is provided in a building or the like in order to supply power to the communication device. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, home appliances such as a refrigerator 8 that does not perform power line communication using the power line communication system 1 are connected to the power line 3 of the power line communication system 1.

  In the refrigerator 8, the compressor operates intermittently and repeatedly in order to keep the inside of the refrigerator at a predetermined temperature. When the compressor operates, the voltage waveform of power on the power line 3 is distorted or noise is output on the power line 3.

  The communication environment of the power line communication system 1 may change dynamically and instantaneously due to such voltage waveform distortion or noise.

  In addition, the communication environment of the power line communication system 1 may be an environment in which only some of the power lines 3 of the power line 3 constituting the power line communication system 1 cannot communicate.

For example, in FIG. 1, although the power line 3 to which the personal computer device 4 is connected is a good communication environment, the power line 3 to which the mobile phone 6 is connected may be a communication environment in which a communication error occurs. .
[Configuration of mobile phone 6 and charger 5]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the mobile phone 6 and the charger 5 of FIG. The charger 5 includes a charging stand 11 and a power cable 12.

  In the charger 5, the plug at the end of the power cable 12 is connected to the power outlet 7. In addition, the mobile phone 6 is placed on the charging stand 11. Thereby, the charger 5 and the mobile phone 6 are connected to the power line 3.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the mobile phone 6 and the charger 5 of FIG.

The mobile phone 6 includes a radio communication unit (RF) 21, a radio communication detection unit (RF_DTCT) 22, an operation unit (M_KEY) 23, a display unit (M_DISP) 24, a CPU (Central Processing).
Unit) 25 and a storage unit (MEM) 26.

  The mobile phone 6 also includes a mobile modem unit (M_MODEM) 27, a power line communication detection unit (PLC_DTCT) 28, and a voice processing unit (VO) 29.

  These internal circuits are connected by a system bus 30.

  The mobile phone 6 includes a power receiving unit (CHRG) 33 and a battery (BAT) 34.

  The charger 5 has an AC-DC converter (CVT) 13.

  The AC-DC converter 13 is connected to the power line 3.

  The AC-DC converter 13 converts AC power input from the power line 3 into DC power.

  The power receiving unit 33 of the mobile phone 6 is connected to the AC-DC converter 13 by placing the mobile phone 6 on the charging stand 11.

  The power receiving unit 33 supplies the DC power supplied from the AC-DC converter 13 to the battery 34 when the battery 34 is not fully charged. At this time, the power reception unit 33 adjusts the charging current of the battery 34 by a switching operation.

  By charging with an appropriate charging current, the battery 34 can be used for a long period of time.

  Further, the internal circuit of the mobile phone 6 such as the CPU 25 described above is connected to the battery 34 and operates by the stored power of the battery 34.

  Further, when the power receiving unit 33 charges the battery 34, a part of the charging power is supplied to the internal circuit. In this case, the internal circuit of the mobile phone 6 can operate with the charging power of the power receiving unit 33 even if the charging power of the battery 34 is insufficient.

  The wireless communication unit 21 includes an antenna 21a, establishes a communication channel with a base station for a mobile phone 6 (not shown), and transmits / receives communication data to / from the base station.

  The wireless communication unit 21 wirelessly transmits communication data included in the input signal input from the CPU 25 to the base station. Further, the wireless communication unit 21 outputs a signal including communication data received from the base station to the CPU 25.

  The wireless communication detection unit 22 is connected to the wireless communication unit 21.

  The wireless communication detection unit 22 detects the state of wireless communication by the wireless communication unit 21 based on the communication signal received by the wireless communication unit 21.

The wireless communication detection unit 22 is, for example, an RSSI (Received) signal received by the wireless communication unit 21.
Signal Strength Indicator) value is detected, and the error occurrence rate of communication data included in the received signal is detected.

  The wireless communication detection unit 22 outputs a signal including a value indicating the detected communication state of the wireless communication to the CPU 25.

  The operation unit 23 has a plurality of operation keys. The operation keys include, for example, a function key, a power key, a call key, a numeric key, a character key, and a call key. The operation keys are disposed on the surface of the mobile phone 6 as shown in FIG.

  Then, the operation unit 23 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation key operated by the user to the CPU 25.

The display unit 24 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display Device), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) device, and the like which are not shown. As shown in FIG. 2, the display unit 24 is disposed on the surface of the mobile phone 6.

  The display unit 24 displays display data included in the signal input from the CPU 25.

  The audio processing unit 29 is connected to a speaker (M_SP) 31 and a microphone (M_MIC) 32.

  The audio processing unit 29 samples the audio input to the microphone 32 and outputs a signal including audio data to the CPU 25.

  The audio processing unit 29 drives the speaker 31 with audio data included in the input signal from the CPU 25. As a result, sound corresponding to the sound data is output from the speaker 31.

  The mobile modem unit 27 is connected to the power line 3 in the charger 5 by placing the mobile phone 6 on the charging stand 11. The portable modem unit 27 transmits / receives communication data to / from another communication device (the personal computer device 4 in FIG. 1) by a predetermined power line communication method.

There are HD-PLC, Home-Plug, UPA (Universal Powerline Association), and the like in the power line communication (PLC) system. HD-PLC is standardized as IEEE P1901.

  In these power line communication systems, communication data can be bidirectionally communicated between a plurality of PLC communication devices by using the power line 3 as a physical layer of a communication network.

For example, in the HD-PLC system, communication data is subjected to Wavelet OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex) modulation. The modulated communication data is superimposed on the signal using a 450 kHz band carrier wave or a 2 MHz band carrier wave. This signal is output to the power line 3.

  In HD-PLC, PAM (Pulse Amplitude Modulation) is used to modulate each subcarrier.

  When comparing the kHz band carrier with the MHz band carrier, the kHz band is more susceptible to electrical noise than the MHz band, but is advantageous in long-distance power line communication.

  The power line communication detection unit 28 is connected to the portable modem unit 27.

  The power line communication detection unit 28 detects the communication state of the power line communication by the mobile modem unit 27 based on the communication signal received by the mobile modem unit 27.

The power line communication detection unit 28 is, for example, a signal RSSI value, a communication data error occurrence rate, a communication data transfer rate, a signal-to-noise ratio (CINR), and a signal waveform with respect to a power voltage waveform. The signal power ratio indicating the ratio is detected.

  The power line communication detection unit 28 outputs a signal including a value indicating the detected communication state of the power line communication to the CPU 25.

  The storage unit 26 stores programs that can be read and executed by the CPU 25, data used by the CPU 25, and the like.

  Data used by the CPU 25 of the mobile phone 6 includes e-mail data 46, address data 47, and history data 48 as shown in FIG.

  The e-mail data 46 is communication data transmitted / received between the mobile phone 6 and the base station.

  The address data 47 is data having a communication destination telephone number and an e-mail address.

  The history data 48 is data such as an email transmission / reception history and a call history in the mobile phone 6.

  In addition, the storage unit 26 stores restriction data 49 as data used by the CPU 25 during power line communication.

  The restriction data 49 includes information on data that can be communicated by power line communication and information on data that cannot be communicated. Note that the restriction data 49 may include only one of these pieces of information.

  The restriction data 49 is generated based on, for example, operation of the operation unit 23 of the mobile phone 6 and stored in the storage unit 26.

  The program stored in the storage unit 26 may be a program installed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  Further, the program stored in the storage unit 26 may be a program installed via a download medium such as the Internet.

  The CPU 25 is a computer of the mobile phone 6 that reads and executes a program stored in the storage unit 26, and functions as a control unit of the mobile phone 6.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing functions implemented in the mobile phone 6 being charged when the CPU 25 of the mobile phone 6 executes a program.

  4 constitutes a functional block diagram of the power line communication system 1 together with FIG. 7 described later.

  When the CPU 25 executes the program, as shown in FIG. 4, a mobile communication control unit (M_CTRL) 41 and a mobile data communication unit (M_COM) 42 are realized in the mobile phone 6.

  The portable communication control unit 41 controls transmission / reception of communication data by the portable modem unit 27.

  For example, the portable communication control unit 41 outputs communication data transmitted by power line communication to the portable modem unit 27. Further, the mobile communication control unit 41 acquires the communication data received by the mobile modem unit 27 from the mobile modem unit 27.

  In addition, the mobile communication control unit 41 determines the communication quality of power line communication by the mobile modem unit 27 and controls the operation of the mobile modem unit 27.

  For example, the portable communication control unit 41 acquires a value indicating the communication state of the power line communication from the power line communication detection unit 28, and controls the frequency of the carrier wave of the communication data modulated by the portable modem unit 27 according to this value.

  In addition to this, for example, the mobile communication control unit 41 controls the intensity level of the signal output from the mobile modem unit 27 according to the value indicating the communication state.

  Thereby, the portable modem unit 27 superimposes communication data on the signal using a carrier wave having a frequency controlled by the portable communication control unit 41, and the strength level controlled by the portable communication control unit 41 as a signal including the communication data. Is output to the power line 3.

  The portable data communication unit 42 inputs and outputs data transmitted and received using power line communication.

  For example, data is input to the portable data communication unit 42 from the operation unit 23, the wireless communication unit 21, the wireless communication detection unit 22, and the portable communication control unit 41. The portable data communication unit 42 executes processing according to the data input source and the content of the input data.

  For example, when data is input from the wireless communication unit 21 or the wireless communication detection unit 22, the mobile data communication unit 42 outputs the input data to the mobile communication control unit 41.

  In addition to this, for example, when data is input from the mobile communication control unit 41, the mobile data communication unit 42 executes processing according to the content of the input data.

  For example, when the input data from the portable communication control unit 41 is data for wireless transmission, the portable data communication unit 42 outputs the input data to the wireless communication unit 21.

  When the input data from the mobile communication control unit 41 is a transmission request for data used in the mobile phone 6, the mobile data communication unit 42 reads the data related to the transmission request from the storage unit 26, and reads the read data into the mobile phone. Output to the communication control unit 41.

In addition, the portable data communication unit 42 determines whether or not transmission of data related to the transmission request is possible as will be described later. If transmission is impossible, the portable data communication unit 42 outputs predetermined communication data to notify the fact to the portable communication control unit 41. .
[Configuration of personal computer device]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the personal computer device 4 of FIG. The personal computer device 4 includes a device main body 51 and a power cable 52.

  In the personal computer device 4, the plug at the end of the power cable 52 is connected to the power outlet 7. As a result, the personal computer device 4 is connected to the power line 3.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the personal computer device 4 of FIG.

  The personal computer device 4 includes a CPU 61, a storage unit (MEM) 62, an operation unit (PC_KEY) 63, a display unit (PC_DISP) 64, a PC modem unit (PC_MODEM) 65, and a voice processing unit (VO) 66.

  These internal circuits are connected by a system bus 67.

  The sound processing unit 66 is connected to a speaker (PC_SP) 68 and a microphone (PC_MIC) 69.

  The CPU 61, the storage unit 62, the operation unit 63, the display unit 64, the PC modem unit 65, and the voice processing unit 66 of the personal computer device 4 are the CPU 25, the storage unit 26, the operation unit 23, the display unit 24, and the portable modem of the mobile phone 6. Since it has the same function as the unit 27 and the voice processing unit 29, the description thereof is omitted.

  The personal computer device 4 also has a power supply unit (PS) 70 connected to the power line 3.

  The power supply unit 70 supplies power to the internal circuit of the personal computer device 4.

  Thereby, the internal circuit of the personal computer device 4 operates.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing functions implemented in the personal computer device 4 by the CPU 61 of the personal computer device 4 reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 62.

  When the CPU 61 executes the program, a PC communication control unit (PC_CTRL) 71 and a PC data communication unit (PC_COM) 72 are realized in the personal computer device 4.

  The PC communication control unit 71 controls transmission / reception of communication data by the portable modem unit 27.

  Further, the mobile communication control unit 41 controls the operation of the mobile modem unit 27 based on the communication quality of power line communication with the mobile phone 6 received from the mobile communication control unit 41. The portable communication control unit 41 controls the frequency of the carrier wave of communication data and the signal strength level.

  The portable modem unit 27 superimposes communication data on a signal using a carrier wave having a frequency controlled by the PC communication control unit 71, and outputs a signal having an intensity level controlled by the portable communication control unit 41 to the power line 3.

  The PC data communication unit 72 inputs and outputs data transmitted and received using power line communication.

  For example, data is input to the PC data communication unit 72 from the operation unit 63 and the PC communication control unit 71.

  Then, the PC data communication unit 72 executes processing according to the data input source and the content of the input data.

  For example, when data is input from the operation unit 63, the PC data communication unit 72 outputs the input data to the PC communication control unit 71.

  In addition to this, for example, when data is input from the PC communication control unit 71, the PC data communication unit 72 executes processing according to the content of the input data.

  For example, when the data input from the PC communication control unit 71 is data relating to the quality of power line communication, the PC data communication unit 72 instructs the PC communication control unit 71 to set a communication mode according to the communication quality.

  The PC communication control unit 71 sets the frequency of the carrier wave, the strength level of the signal, and the like in the PC modem unit 65 according to the communication mode.

  Further, the PC data communication unit 72 causes the display unit 64 to display the communication quality.

  When the input data from the PC communication control unit 71 is data of the quality of wireless communication of the mobile phone 6, the PC data communication unit 72 executes control according to the quality of wireless communication of the mobile phone 6.

  For example, when the wireless communication quality is poor, the PC data communication unit 72 stops the function of generating wireless communication data by the PC data communication unit 72.

  When the input data from the PC communication control unit 71 is communication data for wireless communication received by the mobile phone 6, the PC data communication unit 72 executes communication data output processing.

  For example, when the communication data is display data such as e-mail, the PC data communication unit 72 displays the content of the communication data on the display unit 64.

  If the communication data is audio data, the PC data communication unit 72 outputs the audio data to the audio processing unit 66. As a result, sound is output from the speaker 68.

  FIG. 8 is an example of a communication quality display screen displayed on the display unit 64 of the personal computer device 4.

  A display image 81 indicating the communication quality of power line communication and a display image 82 indicating the communication quality of wireless communication of the cellular phone 6 are displayed on the display screen of FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a screen when the communication quality of power line communication is good and the communication quality of wireless communication of the mobile phone 6 is also good.

  For example, when the communication quality of power line communication becomes so bad that the frequency of the carrier wave needs to be controlled to be low, the PC data communication unit 72 displays the number of vertical bars next to the plug in the display image 81 indicating the communication quality of power line communication. Switch to a reduced image.

Next, the operation of the power line communication system 1 will be described.
[Operation to perform wireless communication with mobile phone using personal computer device]
FIG. 9 is a sequence chart showing an example of processing for performing wireless communication by the mobile phone 6 using the personal computer device 4.

  When the personal computer device 4 is connected to the power line 3, the PC modem unit 65 is connected to the power line 3. Further, when the mobile phone 6 is placed on the charger 5, the mobile modem unit 27 is connected to the power line 3.

  In this state, the mobile communication control unit 41 and the PC communication control unit 71 execute a connection process (step ST1).

  In the connection process, for example, the PC communication control unit 71 causes the PC modem unit 65 to periodically transmit a calling signal. In addition, when the portable modem unit 27 receives this call signal, the portable communication control unit 41 causes the portable modem unit 27 to transmit a response signal.

  Thereby, the mobile communication control unit 41 and the PC communication control unit 71 recognize each other as communicable partners.

  When the connection process is completed, the mobile communication control unit 41 activates the mobile data communication unit 42 (step ST2).

  Also, the PC communication control unit 71 activates the PC data communication unit 72 (step ST3).

  When the personal computer device 4 and the mobile phone 6 can communicate with each other by power line communication, the wireless communication unit 21 of the mobile phone 6 receives the communication data and outputs the received communication data to the mobile data communication unit 42 (step). ST11).

  The portable data communication unit 42 starts processing for power line communication of input data.

  Specifically, the portable data communication unit 42 processes the input data into a data format suitable for power line communication, and temporarily stores it in the storage unit 26 (step ST12).

  Note that the storage process of data in the storage unit 26 may be directly executed by the wireless communication unit 21.

  After processing and saving the input data from the wireless communication unit 21, the portable data communication unit 42 determines whether or not the power line communication is being connected (step ST13).

  The portable data communication unit 42 may determine that the power line communication is being connected when a connection completion notification is received from the portable communication control unit 41.

  If the power line communication is not connected, the portable data communication unit 42 displays on the display unit 24 that the communication data has been wirelessly received (step ST14).

  On the other hand, when the power line communication is being connected, the portable data communication unit 42 instructs the power reception unit 33 to stop charging (step ST15).

  The power receiving unit 33 stops the switching operation for charging. Thereby, the high frequency noise accompanying the switching operation of the power receiving unit 33 is not output to the power supply line.

  Note that the portable data communication unit 42 may instruct the power reception unit 33 to stop charging only when the battery 34 is fully charged or fully charged.

  Further, the portable data communication unit 42 may instruct the charger 5 to stop.

  After instructing the power receiving unit 33 to stop charging, the portable data communication unit 42 reads the communication data processed and saved from the storage unit 26 and outputs the communication data to the portable communication control unit 41 (step ST16).

  The portable communication control unit 41 outputs communication data to the portable modem unit 27.

  The portable modem unit 27 modulates communication data, superimposes it on the signal, and outputs it to the power line 3.

  The portable data communication unit 42 outputs communication data to the portable communication control unit 41, and then instructs the power receiving unit 33 to resume charging (step ST17).

  The power receiving unit 33 resumes the switching operation for charging.

  As described above, the portable data communication unit 42 stops the switching operation of the power receiving unit 33 during the period in which the communication data is transmitted.

  When the above operation is executed on the mobile phone 6 side, the PC modem unit 65 receives a signal including communication data from the power line 3 (step ST21).

  Further, the PC modem unit 65 outputs communication data included in the received signal to the PC communication control unit 71.

  The PC communication control unit 71 executes data processing according to the contents of the communication data input from the PC modem unit 65 (step ST22).

  Thereafter, the PC communication control unit 71 displays the content of the communication data on the display unit 64, for example (step ST23).

  Through the series of processes described above, the contents of communication data received by the mobile phone 6 during charging can be displayed on the display unit 64 of the personal computer device 4. For example, the contents of the e-mail received by the mobile phone 6 can be displayed on the display unit 64 of the personal computer device 4.

  In addition, the voice of the incoming call to the mobile phone 6 can be output from the speaker of the personal computer device 4.

  Further, the operation unit 63 of the personal computer device 4 outputs input data to the PC data communication unit 72 in response to a user operation (step ST31).

  The PC data communication unit 72 determines whether or not the power line communication is being connected (step ST32).

  Then, when the power line communication is not being connected, the portable data communication unit 42 displays on the display unit 64 that the input data cannot be transmitted to the portable telephone 6 (step ST33).

  On the other hand, when the power line communication is being connected, the portable data communication unit 42 outputs the input data input from the operation unit 63 to the PC communication control unit 71 (step ST34).

  The PC communication control unit 71 transmits input data to the mobile communication control unit 41 via the PC modem unit 65, the power line 3, and the mobile modem unit 27.

  The portable communication control unit 41 outputs the communication data received by power line communication to the portable data communication unit 42 (step ST41).

  When the data is received from the personal computer device 4, the portable data communication unit 42 processes the input data to have a data format suitable for wireless communication, and temporarily stores it in the storage unit 26 (step ST42).

  Thereafter, the portable data communication unit 42 outputs the saved communication data to the wireless communication unit 21.

  Wireless communication unit 21 wirelessly transmits communication data (step ST43).

  Through the series of processes described above, data input to the personal computer device 4 can be wirelessly transmitted from the mobile phone 6 while the mobile phone 6 is being charged.

  For example, an electronic mail input to the operation unit 63 of the personal computer device 4 can be transmitted from the mobile phone 6.

  In addition, voice data of a call input to the microphone 69 of the personal computer device 4 can be transmitted from the mobile phone 6.

  Thereby, even if the mobile phone 4 is located away from the personal computer device 4, the user can respond to an incoming call of the mobile phone 4.

Further, the cellular phone 6 and the personal computer device 4 operate in cooperation by power line communication.
[Switching operation to avoid interference when power line communication quality deteriorates]
FIG. 10 is a sequence chart illustrating an example of switching processing when the quality of power line communication is deteriorated.

  When the mobile communication control unit 41 and the PC communication control unit 71 are connected, the PC data communication unit 72 periodically outputs communication data or request data (step ST51).

  This communication data or request data is received by the portable data communication unit 42 via the PC communication control unit 71, the PC modem unit 65, the power line 3, the portable modem unit 27, and the portable communication control unit 41.

  When the PC modem unit 65 receives the communication data, the power line communication detection unit 28 detects the state of the power line communication by the portable modem unit 27 based on the communication signal received by the portable modem unit 27 (step ST52).

  Moreover, the power line communication detection part 28 outputs the signal containing the information of the state of the detected power line communication to the portable communication control part 41 (step ST53).

  When a signal including information on the state of power line communication is input, portable communication control unit 41 determines the communication quality of power line communication based on the detection information (step ST54).

  For example, when the signal power ratio is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the mobile communication control unit 41 determines that the communication quality is poor.

  In addition, the mobile communication control unit 41 determines that the communication quality is poor when the error occurrence rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

  Moreover, the portable communication control part 41 outputs the information of the state of power line communication, and the information of a determination result to the portable modem part 27 as communication data (step ST55).

  These pieces of information are transmitted to the personal computer device 4 and received by the PC data communication unit 72 (step ST56).

  Moreover, the portable data communication part 42 judges whether the communication quality of the power line communication in the mobile telephone 6 deteriorated based on the determination result (step ST57).

  If it is determined that the communication quality of the power line communication in the mobile phone 6 has deteriorated, the mobile data communication unit 42 instructs the mobile communication control unit 41 to switch the communication mode of the power line communication to a low quality mode (step ST58). ).

  The portable communication control unit 41 switches the frequency of the carrier wave by the portable modem unit 27 to a low frequency (step ST59).

  In addition, the mobile communication control unit 41 increases the strength level of the signal output from the mobile modem unit 27.

  Accordingly, when transmitting the communication data, the portable modem unit 27 superimposes the communication data on the signal using a low-frequency carrier wave, and outputs a signal having a high intensity level.

  By switching the frequency in this way, improvement in communication quality can be expected.

  Also, by increasing the signal strength level, even if the noise floor in power line communication increases, the signal is less likely to be buried in the increased noise level.

  For example, the mobile communication control unit 41 may search for the noise level and increase the signal level by an amount corresponding to the increase in the noise level. Thereby, communication quality can be maintained.

  As shown in step ST51, the PC data communication unit 72 periodically outputs communication data or request data.

  After periodically outputting the communication data or the request data, the PC data communication unit 72 determines whether or not the communication data has been received (step ST60).

  Further, when the PC data communication unit 72 has not received the communication data, the PC data communication unit 72 further determines whether or not a timeout has occurred (step ST61).

  If time-out occurs, the PC data communication unit 72 displays on the display unit 64 that communication by power line communication with the personal computer device 4 is not possible (step ST62).

  In contrast, when the power line communication state information and the determination result information described above are received as communication data before the timeout, the PC data communication unit 72 determines in step ST61 that the communication data has been received.

  Further, the PC data communication unit 72 determines whether or not the communication quality of the power line communication in the mobile phone 6 has deteriorated based on the received power line communication state information and determination result information (step ST63).

  When determining that the communication quality of the power line communication in the mobile phone 6 has deteriorated, the PC data communication unit 72 instructs the PC communication control unit 71 to switch the communication mode of the power line communication to a low quality mode (step ST64). ).

  The PC communication control unit 71 switches the frequency of the carrier wave by the PC modem unit 65 to a low frequency.

  Further, the PC communication control unit 71 increases the strength level of the signal output from the PC modem unit 65 (step ST65).

  Thereby, when transmitting communication data, the PC modem unit 65 superimposes communication data on a signal using a low-frequency carrier wave, and outputs a signal with a high intensity level.

  After giving an instruction to switch the communication mode of the power line communication to the low quality mode, the PC data communication unit 72 displays on the display unit 64 that the power line communication has been switched to the low quality mode (step ST66).

  When the quality of the power line communication is deteriorated by the above series of processing, the portable modem unit 27 and the PC modem unit 65 are switched to the communication mode corresponding to the deteriorated communication quality.

  Therefore, the mobile modem unit 27 and the PC modem unit 65 can appropriately transmit and receive communication data compared to the case where communication data is transmitted and received in a communication mode used when communication quality is good while avoiding interference. .

For example, even when the power line 3 includes high-frequency noise, communication data can be appropriately transmitted and received using communication data superimposed on a signal using a low-frequency carrier wave.
[Operation when the quality of wireless communication of the mobile phone 6 deteriorates]
FIG. 11 is a sequence chart showing an example of processing when the quality of wireless communication of the mobile phone 6 is deteriorated.

  When the wireless communication unit 21 of the mobile phone 6 receives communication data (step ST71), the wireless communication detection unit 22 detects the state of wireless communication by the wireless communication unit 21 based on the received communication data (step ST71). ST72).

  The wireless communication detection unit 22 outputs the detected data to the portable data communication unit 42.

  When the wireless communication state detection data is input, portable data communication unit 42 determines the communication quality of wireless communication (step ST73).

  For example, when the RSSI value of the received signal is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the portable data communication unit 42 determines that the communication quality is bad.

  Further, the portable data communication unit 42 determines that the communication quality is poor when the error occurrence rate is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

  Moreover, the portable data communication part 42 outputs the information of a determination result to the portable communication control part 41 as communication data (step ST74).

  Information on the determination result is transmitted to the personal computer device 4 and received by the PC data communication unit 72 (step ST75).

  When receiving the information on the determination result of the communication quality of the wireless communication, the PC data communication unit 72 stops the wireless communication data generation function by the PC data communication unit 72 (step ST76).

  As a result, the personal computer device 4 cannot generate communication data to be wirelessly transmitted from the mobile phone 6.

  Further, the PC data communication unit 72 displays on the display unit 64 that the wireless communication data generation function has been stopped (step ST77).

Thereby, the user can know that data communication using the mobile phone 6 cannot be performed.
[Operation of browsing internal data of mobile phone with personal computer device]
FIG. 12 is a sequence chart showing an example of processing for browsing the internal data of the mobile phone 6 by the personal computer device 4.

  After the connection processing by the portable communication control unit 41 and the PC communication control unit 71 is completed, when the operation unit 63 of the personal computer device 4 is operated (step ST81), the PC data communication unit 72 displays data corresponding to the operation. Disclosed is a process for acquiring the mobile phone 6 from the mobile phone 6.

Specifically, the PC data communication unit 72 generates communication data of a request for requesting transmission of predetermined internal data of the mobile phone 6, and outputs the communication data to the PC communication control unit 71 (step ST82).
The communication data of this request is received by the portable data communication unit 42 via the PC communication control unit 71, the PC modem unit 65, the power line 3, the portable modem unit 27, and the portable communication control unit 41 (step ST83).

  When a request for requesting transmission of predetermined internal data of the mobile phone 6 is input, the mobile data communication unit 42 starts a process of reading data related to the request.

  Specifically, the portable data communication unit 42 first reads the restriction data 49 from the storage unit 26 (step ST84).

  Further, the portable data communication unit 42 determines whether or not the data related to the request can be transmitted based on the restriction data 49 (step ST85).

  When the data related to the request is set to be non-transmittable, the portable data communication unit 42 generates predetermined transmission disable notification data instead of reading and outputting the data related to the request from the storage unit 26, and It outputs to the communication control part 41 (step ST86).

  The transmission impossibility notification data is received by the PC data communication unit 72 via the mobile communication control unit 41, the mobile modem unit 27, the power line 3, the PC modem unit 65, and the PC communication control unit 71 (step ST87).

  When the transmission disable notification data is received, the PC data communication unit 72 displays on the display unit 64 that the data requested by the user by operating the operation unit 63 could not be acquired from the mobile phone 6 (step ST88).

  On the other hand, when the data related to the request is set so as not to be transmitted, the mobile data communication unit 42 reads the data related to the request from the storage unit 26 (step ST91) and outputs the data to the mobile communication control unit 41 ( Step ST92).

  The target data related to the request read from the storage unit 26 is received by the PC data communication unit 72 (step ST93).

  When the target data related to the request is received, the PC data communication unit 72 displays the received data of the mobile phone 6 on the display unit 64 (step ST94).

  When an operation for processing the displayed data of the mobile phone 6 is input to the operation unit (step ST101), the PC data communication unit 72 uses the input data to process the data of the mobile phone 6 ( Step ST102).

  The PC data communication unit 72 outputs the processed data to the PC communication control unit 71 (step ST103).

  The processed data of the processed mobile phone 6 is received by the mobile data communication unit 42 via the PC communication control unit 71, the PC modem unit 65, the power line 3, the mobile modem unit 27, and the mobile communication control unit 41 (step). ST104).

  The portable data communication unit 42 stores the received processed data in the storage unit 26 (step ST105).

As a result, the data used in the mobile phone 6 stored in the storage unit 26 of the mobile phone 6 is updated to data processed and edited by the personal computer device 4.
[Operation to browse internal data of mobile phone on vehicle (vehicle, etc.)]
FIG. 12 is a sequence chart showing an example of processing for browsing the internal data of the mobile phone 6 by the personal computer device 4.

  The vehicle is also provided with a display device corresponding to the display unit of the personal computer device, and effectively conforms to the browsing process on the personal computer device.

  That is, a communication device that can be mounted on or mounted on a vehicle (vehicle or the like) includes a display unit, and the communication device receives information on the communication quality of power line communication transmitted via the modem unit, and includes the received information in the received information. Based on this, the communication quality of the power line communication in the communication device can be displayed on the display unit.

  Through the series of processes described above, the content of data used by the mobile phone 6 can be displayed on the display unit 64 of the personal computer device 4 while the mobile phone 6 is being charged.

  For example, the contents of e-mails transmitted / received by the mobile phone 6, the contents of the address data 47, and the contents of the history data 48 such as calls of the mobile phone 6 can be displayed on the display unit 64 of the personal computer device 4.

  The data stored in the storage unit 26 of the mobile phone 6 can be updated by operating the operation unit 63 of the personal computer device 4 while the mobile phone 6 is being charged.

  The above embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications or changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the portable data communication unit 42 transmits the communication data itself received by the wireless communication unit 21 to the personal computer device 4 by power line communication.

  In addition to this, for example, the portable data communication unit 42 may transmit to the personal computer device 4 communication data notifying that the wireless communication unit 21 has received the communication data.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the mobile modem unit 27 and the power line communication detection unit 28 are provided in the mobile phone 6, and the mobile communication control unit 41 and the mobile data communication unit 42 are realized in the mobile phone 6. .

  In addition, for example, the portable modem unit 27 and the power line communication detection unit 28 may be provided in the charger 5, and the portable communication control unit 41 and the portable data communication unit 42 may be realized in the charger 5.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, when the communication quality of the power line communication on the mobile phone 6 side deteriorates, the communication mode of the mobile modem unit 27 and the PC modem unit 65 is changed to a low frequency carrier wave and a high signal strength level. Switching to.

  In addition, when the communication quality of the power line communication on the mobile phone 6 side is improved, the communication mode of the mobile modem unit 27 and the PC modem unit 65 may be switched to a high frequency carrier wave and a low signal strength level.

  Further, the power line communication detection unit 28 is also provided in the personal computer device 4 to detect the communication quality of the power line communication on the personal computer device 4 side, and according to the detected communication quality, the mobile modem unit 27 and the PC modem unit 65 The communication mode may be switched.

  The PC data communication unit 72 may display the communication quality of power line communication on the personal computer device 4 side on the display unit 64.

  As a result, for example, when communication quality deteriorates such that the mobile phone 6 cannot be seen from the personal computer device 4, it is possible to notify the user to that effect.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, data stored in the storage unit 26 of the mobile phone 6 is transmitted to the personal computer device 4 by power line communication, and the personal computer device 4 notifies the data.

  In addition, for example, status data of the mobile phone 6, for example, the remaining amount of the battery 34 may be transmitted to the personal computer device 4 by power line communication and notified by the personal computer device 4.

  In the above embodiment, power line communication is performed between the mobile phone 6 and the personal computer device 4. The power line communication may be performed by a communication device other than this.

  Instead of the mobile phone 6, a wireless communication terminal other than the mobile phone 6 such as a PHS (Personal Handy Phone) may be used as a communication device.

Instead of a wireless communication terminal, a PDA (Personal Data Assistant) having a wireless communication function, a portable game device having a wireless communication function, a personal computer device having a wireless communication function, or the like may be used as the communication device.

Instead of the personal computer device 4, a wireless communication terminal having a display function, a PDA (Personal Data Assistant), a portable game device, an AV device having a display function, or the like may be used.

  The Japan Automobile Research Institute has established the Japan Electric Vehicle Standard (JEVS) as a group standard for electric vehicles.

  An interface used in the CHAdeMO protocol included in the electric vehicle standard is provided with a signal line used for communication between a power supply line and a quick charger / vehicle or the like. The name of the interface is JEVS G104.

  When performing power line communication, communication with a communication device (such as an in-vehicle communication module) mounted or mounted on a vehicle or the like is possible by applying power line communication to a line that supplies power.

The communication protocol specification of SAE J1939 of Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is a protocol developed for truck and bus network control / communication, but it is not limited to trucks and buses. And is used in marine electronic equipment. Even in the interface used for these, when performing power line communication, communication with communication devices (such as in-vehicle communication modules) installed or mounted in vehicles is possible by applying power line communication to the power supply line. It becomes.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Power line communication system, 2 ... AC power supply (alternating current power supply), 3 ... Power line, 4 ... Personal computer apparatus (other communication equipment), 5 ... Charger, 6 ... Mobile telephone (communication equipment, wireless communication terminal), 7 Power outlet (outlet), 21 Wireless communication unit, 22 Wireless communication detection unit, 26 Storage unit, 27 Mobile modem unit (modem unit), 28 Power line communication detection unit, 33 Charging unit, 34 Battery 41 ... Mobile communication control unit (communication control unit), 42 ... Mobile data communication unit (data communication unit), 49 ... Restricted data, 64 ... Display unit 100 ... Vehicle (other communication devices)

Claims (4)

Is connected to a power line, a signal including the communication data to communicate with other communication devices connected to the power line, and a modem unit which transmits and receives signals via the power line,
A power line communication detection unit for detecting a communication state of power line communication by the modem unit;
A communication control unit that determines communication quality of power line communication based on a communication state of power line communication detected by the power line communication detection unit;
The communication control unit
A communication device that transmits information on the communication quality of the determined power line communication to the other communication device via the modem unit in order to switch the frequency of a carrier wave to a low frequency in the other communication device. The communication control unit stops charging when communication connection is established with the other communication device via a power line.
The communication apparatus according to claim 1. The communication control unit resumes the stopped charging after transmitting data to the other communication device via the power line.
The communication device according to claim 2. A power line communication system having a communication device, a charger for connecting the communication device to a power line, and another communication device connected to the power line,
The communication device or the charger is
A modem unit that transmits and receives a signal including communication data to communicate with the other communication device via the power line;
A power line communication detection unit for detecting a communication state of power line communication by the modem unit;
Based on the communication state of the power line communication detected by the power line communication detection unit, the communication quality of the power line communication is determined, and the determined communication quality information of the power line communication is transmitted to the other communication device via the modem unit. A communication control unit for transmission;
Have
The other communication device is:
Based on the communication quality information of the power line communication received from the power line, the carrier frequency is switched to a low frequency.
Power line communication system.

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