JP6819873B2 - Water supply equipment - Google Patents

Description

Aspects of the present invention generally relate to water supply devices.

For example, a faucet device, which is a kind of water supply device, may be provided with a sensor for detecting an object such as a user's hand and an electromagnetic valve for controlling water discharge based on an output from the sensor. Furthermore, in recent years, it has also been performed to control the discharge of soapy water and the ejection of drying air based on the output from the sensor.

In such a faucet device, for example, a control method called a master / slave method is adopted. In the master / slave method, each of a plurality of sensors becomes a slave, and a control unit that issues a command to the plurality of sensors and controls a device such as a solenoid valve based on the result of detection processing from the plurality of sensors is the master. It becomes. Then, the master controls a desired device while communicating with each other between the master and the plurality of slaves.

The I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit: Ice Squared Sea) method is often adopted for communication in the master / slave method (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the I2C system, a plurality of slaves are connected to one clock supply line and one data transmission line. In addition, a write signal and a read signal for each of the plurality of slaves are sequentially transmitted. Therefore, when the number of slaves increases, communication via the clock supply line and the data transmission line becomes congested. That is, as the number of slaves increases, the time interval between the write signal and the read signal becomes shorter. In this case, if the detection status of some slaves fluctuates and the detection processing time becomes long, the result of the detection processing of some slaves cannot be transmitted within the scheduled detection cycle period, and in the next detection cycle period. There is a risk that the result of the detection process will have to be transmitted. In this case, if the transmission of the result of the detection process is delayed, the response of the device will be delayed. In recent years, the number of slaves has tended to increase due to multi-functionality, etc., and communication via one clock supply line and one data transmission line may become more congested and communication delay may become more remarkable. There is.

In this case, if the detection cycle is lengthened, the detection process and the transmission of the result of the detection process can be completed within the period of the predetermined detection cycle, but the response of the device is delayed. In addition, if communication lines are provided for each of multiple slaves, communication congestion will be eliminated, but the number of communication ports will increase, requiring a large-scale master, and the resistance to disturbance noise will decrease, causing malfunctions. There is a risk of
Therefore, it has been desired to develop a technique capable of alleviating communication congestion between a master and a plurality of slaves.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-88657

Aspects of the present invention have been made based on the recognition of such a problem, and provide a water supply device capable of alleviating communication congestion between a master and a plurality of slaves.

The first invention is a write signal including a plurality of slaves that perform an object detection process, a slave address, an instruction to execute the detection process, the slave address, and an instruction to transmit the result of the detection process. It is a water supply device including a read signal including and a master that transmits the read signal to the plurality of slaves. The write signal is a general write signal including all the slave addresses of the plurality of slaves. At least one of the plurality of slaves that has received the general write signal starts the detection process at a timing different from that of the other slaves.
According to this water supply device, it is possible to start the detection process of a plurality of slaves with one general light signal. Therefore, it is possible to alleviate the congestion of communication between the master and the plurality of slaves. Further, the total transmission time of the write signal can be significantly shortened as compared with the case where the write signal is individually transmitted to the plurality of slaves. Therefore, even if the time interval between the general write signal and the read signal is lengthened, it is possible to suppress the lengthening of the detection cycle. If the time interval between the general write signal and the read signal is lengthened, even if the detection state in the slave fluctuates and the detection processing time becomes long, the detection processing result is transmitted within the scheduled detection cycle. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to suppress delay in the response of devices such as solenoid valves, pumps, fans, and heaters.
Multiple slaves that have received the general write signal can also start detection at the same time. However, for example, when the same type of sensors operate at the same time, the sensors may interfere with each other and accurate detection may not be possible.
According to this water supply device, the timing of starting the detection process can be shifted, so that interference between the sensors can be suppressed.
The second invention is the first invention, in which the master is different from the detection process when at least one of the results of the detection process from the plurality of slaves is different from the result of the previous detection process. It is a water supply device that transmits a write signal including the slave address of the slave that has transmitted the result of the above and a read signal.
Multiple slaves that have received the general write signal can also start detection at the same time. However, for example, when the same type of sensors operate at the same time, the sensors may interfere with each other and erroneous detection may occur.
According to this water supply device, the master can reconfirm the result of the received detection process after transmitting the general light signal. That is, since it is possible to confirm whether the received detection processing result is appropriate or due to erroneous detection, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to erroneous detection.
According to a third aspect of the invention, in the first invention, the read signal is a general read signal including all the slave addresses of the plurality of slaves, and each of the plurality of slaves has a previous detection processing result. If the result is different from the result of the detection process, when the general read signal is received, a water supply device that transmits predetermined data determined for each of the plurality of slaves instead of the result of the detection process. is there.
According to this water supply device, the master can identify the slave whose detection processing result has changed after transmitting the general read signal.
A fourth aspect of the present invention is a light signal including a plurality of slaves that perform object detection processing, a slave address, an instruction to execute the detection processing, the slave address, and an instruction to transmit the result of the detection processing. A water supply device including a read signal including the above and a master for transmitting the read signal to the plurality of slaves, wherein the write signal is a general write signal including all the slave addresses of the plurality of slaves. If at least one of the results of the detection process from the plurality of slaves is different from the result of the previous detection process, the master sends a different result of the detection process to the slave address of the slave. It is a water supply device that transmits a write signal and a read signal including.
According to this water supply device, it is possible to start the detection process of a plurality of slaves with one general light signal. Therefore, it is possible to alleviate the congestion of communication between the master and the plurality of slaves. Further, the total transmission time of the write signal can be significantly shortened as compared with the case where the write signal is individually transmitted to the plurality of slaves. Therefore, even if the time interval between the general write signal and the read signal is lengthened, it is possible to suppress the lengthening of the detection cycle. If the time interval between the general write signal and the read signal is lengthened, even if the detection state in the slave fluctuates and the detection processing time becomes long, the detection processing result is transmitted within the scheduled detection cycle. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to suppress delay in the response of devices such as solenoid valves, pumps, fans, and heaters.
Further, according to this water supply device, the master can reconfirm the result of the received detection process after transmitting the general light signal. That is, since it is possible to confirm whether the received detection processing result is appropriate or due to erroneous detection, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to erroneous detection.

A fifth invention is, in any one of the first , second , and fourth inventions, the lead signal is a water supply device which is a general read signal including all the slave addresses of the plurality of slaves.
According to this water supply device, it is possible to transmit the result of the detection process to a plurality of slaves with one general read signal. Therefore, the congestion of communication between the master and the plurality of slaves can be further alleviated.
A sixth aspect of the present invention is a light signal including a plurality of slaves that perform object detection processing, a slave address, an instruction to execute the detection processing, the slave address, and an instruction to transmit the result of the detection processing. A water supply device including a read signal including the above and a master for transmitting the read signal to the plurality of slaves, wherein the write signal is a general write signal including all the slave addresses of the plurality of slaves. The read signal is a general read signal including all the slave addresses of the plurality of slaves, and each of the plurality of slaves has a case where the result of the detection process is different from the result of the previous detection process. When the general read signal is received, it is a water supply device that transmits predetermined data determined for each of the plurality of slaves instead of the result of the detection process.
According to this water supply device, it is possible to start the detection process of a plurality of slaves with one general light signal. Therefore, it is possible to alleviate the congestion of communication between the master and the plurality of slaves. Further, the total transmission time of the write signal can be significantly shortened as compared with the case where the write signal is individually transmitted to the plurality of slaves. Therefore, even if the time interval between the general write signal and the read signal is lengthened, it is possible to suppress the lengthening of the detection cycle. If the time interval between the general write signal and the read signal is lengthened, even if the detection state in the slave fluctuates and the detection processing time becomes long, the detection processing result is transmitted within the scheduled detection cycle. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to suppress delay in the response of devices such as solenoid valves, pumps, fans, and heaters.
Further, according to this water supply device, it is possible to transmit the result of the detection process to a plurality of slaves with one general read signal. Therefore, the congestion of communication between the master and the plurality of slaves can be further alleviated.
Further, according to this water supply device, the master can identify the slave whose detection processing result has changed after transmitting the general read signal.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the plurality of slaves that have received the general light signal are water-related devices that execute the same detection process as the previous time.
According to this water supply device, when the slave receives the general light signal, it only needs to perform the same detection process as the previous time, so that the general light signal can be simplified, that is, an extra command signal can be eliminated. Therefore, the communication amount can be reduced, and the communication load can be reduced.

The eighth invention is a write signal including a plurality of slaves that perform object detection processing, a slave address, an instruction to execute the detection processing, the slave address, and an instruction to transmit the result of the detection processing. It is a water supply device including a read signal including and a master that transmits the read signal to the plurality of slaves. The read signal is a general read signal including all the slave addresses of the plurality of slaves. When the result of the detection process is different from the result of the previous detection process, each of the plurality of slaves receives the general read signal, and instead of the result of the detection process, the plurality of slaves that sends predetermined data determined for each.
According to this water supply device, it is possible to transmit the result of the detection process to a plurality of slaves with one general read signal. Therefore, it is possible to alleviate the congestion of communication between the master and the plurality of slaves. Further, the total transmission time of the read signal can be significantly shortened as compared with the case where the read signal is individually transmitted to the plurality of slaves. Therefore, even if the time interval between the write signal and the general read signal is lengthened, it is possible to suppress the lengthening of the detection cycle. If the time interval between the write signal and the general read signal is lengthened, even if the detection state in the slave fluctuates and the detection processing time becomes long, the detection processing result is transmitted within the scheduled detection cycle. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to suppress delay in the response of devices such as solenoid valves, pumps, fans, and heaters.
Further, according to this water supply device, the master can identify the slave whose detection processing result has changed after transmitting the general read signal.

In the ninth invention, in any one of the third, sixth, and eighth inventions, the master that has received the predetermined data reads a write signal including the slave address of the slave that has transmitted the predetermined data. It is a water supply device that transmits signals.
According to this water supply device, the master can identify the slave whose detection processing result has changed after transmitting the general read signal, and can also obtain the detection processing result at that time.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the master transmits a signal including the slave address of the slave whose setting needs to be changed and data regarding the content of the setting change. It is a rotating device.
According to this water supply device, the master can easily change the slave settings as needed. In this case, if the settings of the plurality of slaves are changed, the communication between the master and the plurality of slaves becomes congested. However, if the setting is changed in the initial state such as at the time of construction, there is no problem even if the transmission of the result of the detection process is delayed. That is, in the initial state such as at the time of construction, the installer only operates the water supply device to check it, so that the water supply device is not continuously operated. Therefore, even if the result of the detection process of some slaves cannot be transmitted within the period of the scheduled detection cycle and a delay occurs, there is no problem.

According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a water supply device capable of alleviating communication congestion between a master and a plurality of slaves.

It is a block diagram for exemplifying the faucet device 1. It is a block diagram of a faucet device 1. It is a timing chart of the faucet device which concerns on a comparative example. It is a timing chart of the faucet device 1 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart for exemplifying the processing in a master. It is a flowchart for exemplifying the processing in a slave. It is a timing chart for exemplifying the case of transmitting a general read signal RC. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the case where a master sequentially transmits a general write signal WC and a general read signal RC. It is a flowchart for exemplifying the processing in a slave.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, similar components are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
The water supply device according to the present embodiment may be provided in, for example, a bathroom, a washroom, a kitchen, a toilet, or the like. Examples of the water supply device include a faucet device, a bathtub, a shower device, a toilet bowl, a sanitary cleaning device, a urinal, and a hand dryer. In addition, the water supply equipment has functions such as water discharge, washing, hot water and hot air supply, hot water and hot air temperature control and flow rate control, soapy water discharge, purified water and fresh water discharge, ionized water and sterilized water. It can have functions such as water generation and discharge, opening and closing of a toilet lid and a toilet seat. In addition, the water supply equipment can be used in, for example, homes, businesses, public facilities, and the like. However, the water supply device according to the present embodiment is not limited to the devices, functions, uses, etc. illustrated.
In the following, as an example, a case where the water supply device according to the present embodiment is a faucet device and a water discharge part, a soapy water discharge part, and a drying part are provided in the faucet device will be described as an example.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram for exemplifying the faucet device 1.
The faucet device 1 can be provided on the wash basin 100, for example.
As shown in FIG. 1, the faucet device 1 which is a water supply device is provided with a water discharge unit 2, a soap water discharge unit 3, a drying unit 4, and a control device 5.

The water discharge unit 2 includes a faucet 20, a water supply channel 21, an electromagnetic valve 22, a constant flow valve 23, a water stop valve 24, and an input device 25.
The faucet 20 can be provided on the upper surface of the wash basin 100, for example. The water supply channel 21, the solenoid valve 22, the constant flow rate valve 23, and the water stop valve 24 can be provided, for example, inside the wash basin 100. A water passage 20a is provided inside the faucet 20. One end of the water passage 20a opens at the tip of the faucet 20 to serve as a spout 20b. The other end of the water passage 20a is connected to the solenoid valve 22 via the water supply passage 21. The solenoid valve 22 starts and stops water discharge from the water discharge port 20b. Further, a constant flow rate valve 23 and a water stop valve 24 can be provided in the water supply channel on the water source side of the solenoid valve 22. The constant flow valve 23 supplies a constant flow rate of water to the water supply channel 21. If the constant flow valve 23 is provided, a constant flow rate of water can be supplied to the water supply channel 21 even when the pressure of the water from the water source fluctuates. The water stop valve 24 is provided on the water source side of the constant flow rate valve 23, and switches between the inflow of water into the water supply channel 21 and the stop of the inflow of water. The water stop valve 24 can be a manually operated valve.
The input device 25 can be provided inside the faucet 20, for example. The input device 25 can be provided, for example, in the vicinity of the spout 20b. The input device 25 detects an object such as the user's hand 101.

The soap water discharge unit 3 includes a discharge plug 30, a supply path 31, a pump 32, a soap water tank 33, and an input device 34.
The discharge plug 30 can be provided on the wall surface of the bowl portion 100a of the wash basin 100, for example. The discharge plug 30 can be provided, for example, in the vicinity of the opening of the bowl portion 100a. The supply path 31, the pump 32, and the soapy water tank 33 can be provided, for example, inside the wash basin 100. A nozzle 30a is provided inside the discharge plug 30. One end of the nozzle 30a is open to the end face of the discharge plug 30. The other end of the nozzle 30a is connected to the pump 32 via a supply path 31. The pump 32 supplies and stops the supply of soapy water to the nozzle 30a stored inside the soapy water tank 33. The soap water tank 33 stores soap water in a space provided inside.
The input device 34 can be provided inside, for example, the discharge plug 30. The input device 34 can be provided, for example, in the vicinity of the opening of the nozzle 30a. The input device 34 detects an object such as the user's hand 101.

The drying unit 4 includes a main body unit 40, a ventilation pipe 41, a fan / heater unit 42, and an input device 43.
The main body 40 can be embedded in the wall surface of the bowl 100a of the washbasin 100, for example. The main body 40 can be provided near the opening of the bowl 100a, for example. The ventilation pipe 41 and the fan heater unit 42 can be provided inside the wash basin 100, for example. An air duct 40a is provided inside the main body 40. One end of the air duct 40a is open to the end surface of the main body 40. The other end of the air duct 40a is connected to the fan / heater unit 42 via a ventilation pipe 41. The fan / heater unit 42 supplies hot air at a desired temperature to the air duct 40a and stops the supply. The fan / heater unit 42 has a fan 42a and a heater 42b. The fan 42a sucks the outside air and supplies it to the air duct 40a. The heater 42b heats the air supplied from the fan 42a.
The input device 43 can be provided inside the main body 40, for example. The input device 43 can be provided, for example, in the vicinity of the opening of the air duct 40a. The input device 43 detects an object such as the user's hand 101.

The input devices 25, 34, and 43 may include sensors such as a photoelectric sensor, an electrostatic sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a proximity sensor, for example. However, the sensor is not limited to the one illustrated, and any sensor may be used as long as it can detect an object such as the user's hand 101. Further, the input devices 25, 34, and 43 are provided with a control unit such as a microcomputer, perform detection processing based on a write signal or general write signal described later, save the result of the detection processing, and read read signal or general described later. The result of the detection process stored based on the read signal is transmitted to the control device 5.

The control device 5 controls the operation of the solenoid valve 22 based on the result of the detection process from the input device 25. The control device 5 controls the operation of the pump 32 based on the result of the detection process from the input device 34. The control device 5 controls the operations of the fan 42a and the heater 42b based on the result of the detection process from the input device 43. In the present embodiment, the solenoid valve 22, the pump 32, the fan 42a, and the heater 42b are devices controlled by the control device 5 based on the results of the detection processes from the input devices 25, 34, and 43.

Next, the control by the control device 5 will be further described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the faucet device 1.
In FIG. 2, the power supply line and the ground line are omitted in order to avoid complication.
As shown in FIG. 2, the control method of the faucet device 1 can be a master / slave method.
The control device 5 becomes a master 15 that controls the control of the system. In this case, the master 15 includes write signals W1 to W3 including a slave address and an instruction to execute the detection process, and read signals R1 to R3 including the slave address and an instruction to transmit the result of the detection process. Is transmitted to slaves 12 to 14. In addition, the master 15 can also transmit the general write signal WC and the general read signal RC, which will be described later, to the slaves 12 to 14.
The input devices 25, 34, and 43 are slaves 12, 13, and 14 controlled by the master 15. In this case, the slaves 12, 13 and 14 perform the detection process of an object such as the user's hand 101. In the master / slave system, one master and at least one slave can be connected in a party line shape by two lines, a clock supply line SCL and a data transmission line SDA. For example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 2, one master 15 and three slaves 12, 13, and 14 are connected by one clock supply line SCL and one data transmission line SDA. be able to. If the master / slave method is adopted, the number of wires can be significantly reduced as compared with the case where the control device 5 and the input devices 25, 34, and 43 are individually wired. Therefore, the wiring man-hours can be reduced, and the resistance to disturbance noise can be improved. Further, it is possible to use a small master 15 having a small number of communication ports.

In the case of the master / slave method, the master controls a desired device while communicating with each other between the master and a plurality of slaves. For example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 2, the master 15 communicates with each other while the master 15 and the slaves 12, 13 and 14 communicate with each other, and the master 15 is a solenoid valve 22, a pump 32, a fan 42a, and a heater 42b. Control the operation.

The communication in the master / slave system may be clock-synchronous communication or clock-synchronous communication. However, if clock asynchronous communication is used, erroneous data may be acquired when the slave oscillators vary widely. Therefore, the communication between the master 15 and the slaves 12, 13, and 14 is preferably clock-synchronized communication.

An example of clock-synchronous communication is the I2C system. Therefore, in the following, as an example, a case where communication between the master 15 and the slaves 12, 13 and 14 is performed by the I2C method will be illustrated.

Here, the slaves 12, 13 and 14 are connected to one clock supply line SCL and one data transmission line SDA. Further, the write signals W1 to W3 and the read signals R1 to R3 for each of the slaves 12, 13 and 14 are sequentially transmitted. Therefore, when the number of slaves increases, communication via the clock supply line SCL and the data transmission line SDA becomes congested. That is, as the number of slaves increases, the time interval between the write signal and the read signal becomes shorter.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart of the faucet device according to the comparative example.
As shown in FIG. 3, in the faucet device according to the comparative example, the write signal W1 and the read signal R1 are transmitted to the slave 12, the write signal W2 and the read signal R2 are transmitted to the slave 13, and the slave. A write signal W3 and a read signal R3 are transmitted to 14.
The write signal W1 includes a slave address for identifying the slave 12 and a command for causing the slave 12 to execute the detection process. The write signal W2 includes a slave address for identifying the slave 13 and a command for causing the slave 13 to execute the detection process. The write signal W3 includes a slave address for identifying the slave 14 and a command for causing the slave 14 to execute the detection process. For example, when the slaves 12, 13 and 14 are provided with a photoelectric sensor, the detection process can be execution of light projection and temporary storage of the result of the detection process.
The read signal R1 includes a slave address for identifying the slave 12 and a command for requesting transmission of the result of the detection process stored in the slave 12. The read signal R2 includes a slave address for identifying the slave 13 and a command for requesting transmission of the result of the detection process stored in the slave 13. The read signal R3 includes a slave address for identifying the slave 14 and a command for requesting transmission of the result of the detection process stored in the slave 14.

When the slave 12 receives the write signal W1, the detection process is started, and when the read signal R1 is received after the detection process is completed, the slave 12 transmits the stored detection process result to the master 15. When the slave 13 receives the write signal W2, the detection process is started, and when the read signal R2 is received after the detection process is completed, the slave 13 transmits the stored detection process result to the master 15. When the slave 14 receives the write signal W3, the detection process is started, and when the read signal R3 is received after the detection process is completed, the slave 14 transmits the stored detection process result to the master 15.

In this case, for example, if the detection state of the slave 13 fluctuates and the detection processing time becomes long, the detection processing result cannot be transmitted within the scheduled detection cycle period, and the detection processing result is displayed in the next detection cycle period. You may have to send. If the transmission of the result of the detection process is delayed, the response of the pump 32 will be delayed. In recent years, the number of slaves has tended to increase due to multi-functionality, etc., and communication via one clock supply line SCL and one data transmission line SDA becomes more congested and communication delay becomes more remarkable. There is a risk of becoming.

In this case, if the detection cycle is lengthened, the detection process and the transmission of the result of the detection process can be completed within the period of the predetermined detection cycle, but the response of the device is delayed. In addition, if communication lines are provided for each of multiple slaves, communication congestion will be eliminated, but the number of communication ports will increase, requiring a large-scale master, and the resistance to disturbance noise will decrease, causing malfunctions. There is a risk of

Therefore, in the faucet device 1 according to the present embodiment, the master 15 sequentially transmits the general write signal WC and the read signals R1 to R3.
The general write signal WC includes all slave addresses of the plurality of slaves and an instruction to execute the detection process.
FIG. 4 is a timing chart of the faucet device 1 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the faucet device 1 according to the present embodiment, first, the master 15 transmits a general light signal WC to the slaves 12 to 14.
Each of the slaves 12 to 14 starts the detection process when the general light signal WC is received. In this case, when each of the slaves 12 to 14 receives the general light signal WC, each of the slaves 12 to 14 performs the same detection process as the previous time.
Next, the master 15 transmits a read signal R1 to the slave 12. When the slave 12 receives the read signal R1 after the detection process is completed, the slave 12 transmits the stored detection process result to the master 15.
Next, the master 15 transmits a read signal R2 to the slave 13. When the slave 13 receives the read signal R2 after the detection process is completed, the slave 13 transmits the stored detection process result to the master 15.
Next, the master 15 transmits a read signal R3 to the slave 14. When the slave 14 receives the read signal R3 after the detection process is completed, the slave 14 transmits the stored detection process result to the master 15.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to start the detection processing of a plurality of slaves with one general light signal WC. Therefore, the total transmission time of the write signal can be significantly shortened as compared with the case where the write signal is individually transmitted to the plurality of slaves as in the comparative example described above. Therefore, even if the time interval between the general write signal WC and the read signal R1 is lengthened, it is possible to suppress the lengthening of the detection cycle. In this case, the time interval between the general write signal WC and the read signal R2 and the time interval between the general write signal WC and the read signal R3 can be further lengthened.

If the time interval between the general write signal WC and the read signal R1 is lengthened, even if the detection state of the slaves 12 to 14 fluctuates and the detection processing time becomes long, the transmission of the detection processing result is scheduled for the detection cycle. It can be done within the period of. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a delay in the response of devices such as the solenoid valve 22, the pump 32, the fan 42a, and the heater 42b.

As described above, according to the faucet device 1 according to the present embodiment, since the detection processing of a plurality of slaves can be started by one general light signal WC, the master and the plurality of slaves can be started. It is possible to alleviate the congestion of communication between them. Therefore, it is possible to improve the responsiveness of the device and improve the resistance to disturbance noise. Further, since the number of slaves can be increased, it becomes easy to make the faucet device 1 multifunctional.
Further, since the plurality of slaves that have received the general light signal WC need only perform the same detection process as the previous time, the general light signal WC can be simplified, that is, an extra command signal can be eliminated. Therefore, the communication amount can be reduced, and the communication load can be reduced.

Here, the detection processes of the slaves 12 to 14 can be started at the same time.
However, when the input devices 25, 34, 43 provided in the slaves 12 to 14 are of the same type and the input devices 25, 34, 43 are provided in close proximity to each other, the start time of the detection process is set. At the same time, false positives may occur. For example, when the input devices 25, 34, 43 are photoelectric sensors and the input devices 25, 34, 43 are provided close to each other, the light emitted from the photoelectric sensors provided nearby is detected (interference). ).

In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, erroneous detection can be suppressed by setting the start times of the detection processes in the slaves 12 to 14 to be different. Although the case where the detection processes of the slaves 12 to 14 are all started at different times is illustrated in FIG. 4, the detection processes can be started at the same time for the slaves in which the occurrence of false detection is small. For example, when the slave 12 is provided with a photoelectric sensor and the slave 13 is provided with an ultrasonic sensor, the detection processes of the slave 12 and the slave 13 can be started at the same time. Further, for example, when the distance between the slave 12 and the slave 14 is long and interference does not occur, the detection processes of the slave 12 and the slave 14 can be started at the same time.
That is, at least one of the plurality of slaves that have received the general write signal WC may start the detection process at a timing different from that of the other slaves.

Further, the delay time of the start time of the detection process can be transmitted as data from the master 15 or stored in advance in the slaves 12 to 14, but the delay time can also be calculated in the slaves 12 to 14. In this case, the product of the slave address value and the preset constant can be used as the delay time. For example, the constant can be 100 μsec, the delay time can be 100 μsec when the slave address value is 1, and the delay time can be 200 μsec when the slave address value is 2. In this way, it is not necessary to transmit the delay time data from the master 15 or to store the delay time in advance in the slaves 12 to 14. Therefore, the burden on the master 15 and the slaves 12 to 14 can be reduced.

Further, the result of the detection process from the slaves 12 to 14 may be different from the result of the previous detection process. In this case, it may be due to the movement of the object, false detection, or disturbance noise. Therefore, when the master 15 detects that the result of the detection process from the slaves 12 to 14 is different from the result of the previous detection process, the master 15 determines the slave in which the result of the different detection process is detected. Confirmation processing for transmitting the write signal and the read signal can be performed. For example, if the result of the detection process from the slave 12 and the slave 13 is the same as the result of the previous detection process, and the result of the detection process from the slave 14 is different from the result of the previous detection process, the master 15 may use the master 15. A write signal W3 and a read signal R3 are transmitted to the slave 14.
That is, if at least one of the detection processing results from the plurality of slaves is different from the previous detection processing result, the master reads the write signal including the slave address of the slave that transmitted the different detection processing result. Send a signal.
In this way, the master can reconfirm the result of the received detection process after transmitting the general write signal. That is, since it is possible to confirm whether the received detection processing result is appropriate or due to erroneous detection, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to erroneous detection.
Further, since the false detection can be eliminated, it is not necessary to have the slaves 12 to 14 perform the calculation of the delay time described above. Therefore, the load on the slaves 12 to 14 can be further reduced, so that the slaves 12 to 14 can be miniaturized and the cost can be reduced.

Further, in the initial state such as at the time of construction, the master 15 can change the settings for the slaves 12 to 14 as needed.
That is, the master 15 transmits a signal including the slave address of the slave whose setting needs to be changed and the data regarding the content of the setting change.
In this case, when it is necessary to change the settings for a plurality of slaves, signals are sequentially transmitted to the plurality of slaves. The data related to the content of the setting change is, for example, the projection output of the photoelectric sensor, the display mode when an object is detected, and the like.
In this case, communication congestion between the master 15 and the slaves 12 to 14 may occur. However, in the initial state such as during construction, the installer only operates and confirms the water supply equipment, so that the water supply equipment is not continuously operated. Therefore, even if the result of the detection process of some slaves cannot be transmitted within the period of the scheduled detection cycle and a delay occurs, there is no problem.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for exemplifying the processing in the master.
As shown in FIG. 5, first, the master determines whether or not it is necessary to change the settings for the plurality of slaves in an initial state such as during construction (step S100).
Next, the master changes the settings for the slave whose settings need to be changed (step S110).
Next, the master performs communication processing by the above-mentioned general light signal WC (step S120).
Next, the master waits for a certain time to elapse (step S130). For example, the master waits for a certain amount of time to complete the detection process in the photoelectric sensor.
Next, the master reads the result of the detection process at each slave address (step S140). That is, the master sequentially transmits read signals to each of the plurality of slaves.
Next, the master executes processing according to the results of detection processing from the plurality of slaves (step S150). That is, the master controls a device such as a solenoid valve based on the result of the detection process.
After that, the above procedure is repeated as necessary.
Since the contents of each step can be the same as those described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for exemplifying the processing in the slave.
As shown in FIG. 6, the slave first performs communication processing (step S200). That is, the slave determines whether or not it matches its own slave address, and if the slave addresses match, determines whether the received signal is either a write signal or a read signal.
If the received signal is a write signal, then the slave determines whether it is a general write signal WC (step S210).
If the received signal is the general write signal WC, then the slave performs the same processing as in the previous communication (step S220). For example, the slave emits light as before to detect an object such as a user's hand.
On the other hand, when the received signal is not the general light signal WC, the slave performs processing according to the data because it is a signal related to the setting change described above (step S230).
If the received signal is a read signal, the slave then transmits the stored detection processing result to the master (step S240).
After that, the above procedure is repeated as necessary.
Since the contents of each step can be the same as those described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the above, the case where the master 15 sequentially transmits the general write signal WC and the read signals R1 to R3 has been illustrated, but the master 15 may sequentially transmit the write signals WC1 to 3 and the general read signal RC. it can.
The general read signal RC includes all slave addresses of the plurality of slaves and a command requesting transmission of the result of the detection process.
FIG. 7 is a timing chart for exemplifying the case where the general read signal RC is transmitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, first, the master 15 transmits the write signal WC1 regarding the slave 12, the write signal WC2 regarding the slave 13, and the write signal WC3 regarding the slave 14.
When the slave 12 receives the write signal WC1, the slave 12 starts the detection process. When the slave 13 receives the write signal WC2, the slave 13 starts the detection process. When the slave 14 receives the write signal WC3, the slave 14 starts the detection process.
Since the detection processes in the slaves 12 to 14 are time-shifted, erroneous detection due to the above-mentioned interference can be suppressed.

Next, the master 15 transmits the general read signal RC to the slaves 12 to 14.
When each of the slaves 12 to 14 receives the general read signal RC after the detection process is completed, each of the slaves 12 to 14 transmits the stored detection process result to the master 15. In this case, since the slaves 12 to 14 transmit the result of the detection process to the master 15 almost at the same time, it becomes difficult to identify which slave the result of the received detection process belongs to. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the result of the detection process is different from the result of the previous detection process, each of the plurality of slaves replaces the result of the detection process when the general read signal RC is received. , Transmits predetermined data defined for each of a plurality of slaves.
Further, the master that has received the predetermined data transmits a write signal and a read signal including the slave address of the slave that transmitted the predetermined data.

For example, each of the slaves 12 to 14 transmits FFh instead of the result of the detection process when the result of the detection process to be transmitted is the same as the result of the previous detection process. That is, all bits transmit data of "1".
When the result of the detection process to be transmitted is different from the result of the previous detection process, each of the slaves 12 to 14 has a predetermined bit defined for each of the slaves 12 to 14 "0" instead of the result of the detection process. ”Data is sent. In this case, the predetermined bits may be distributed to each slave address. For example, if the slave address is "0", the predetermined bit can be "0". If the slave address is "1", the predetermined bit can be "1".

Next, if the received data is FFh (1111 1111b), the master 15 can determine that there is no change in the detection processing results of all the slaves. In this case, the master 15 performs the same control as the previous time on the device such as the solenoid valve 22. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the master 15 repeats the above-described procedure as necessary.

On the other hand, if the received data is FEh (1111 1110b), the master 15 can determine that there is a change in the detection processing result of the slave (for example, slave 12) whose slave address is “0”. If the received data is FDh (1111 1101b), the master 15 can determine that there is a change in the result of the detection process of the slave whose slave address is "1" (for example, the slave 13). If the received data is FCh (1111 1100b), the master 15 determines that there is a change in the detection processing result of the slaves (for example, slave 12 and slave 13) whose slave addresses are "0" and "1". be able to.
Subsequently, the master 15 performs a confirmation process on the slave determined to have a change in the result of the detection process. For example, when the master 15 determines that the result of the detection process of the slave 12 has changed, the master 15 transmits the write signal WC1 and the read signal R1 regarding the slave 12.
In this way, the master can identify the slave whose detection processing result has changed after transmitting the general read signal, and can also obtain the detection processing result at that time.

In a water-related device such as the faucet device 1, the time during which the operation is not performed is much longer than the time during which the operation is performed. That is, the period in which the result of the detection process does not change is much longer than the period in which the result of the detection process changes. If the processing by the general read signal RC is performed, the congestion of communication between the master and the plurality of slaves can be significantly alleviated during the period when the result of the detection processing does not change. On the other hand, during the period when the result of the detection process changes, the confirmation process is performed, but since the period when the result of the detection process changes is short, the influence is small.

In the above, the case where the master 15 sequentially transmits the write signals WC1 to WC3 and the general read signal RC has been illustrated, but the master 15 sequentially transmits the general write signal WC and the general read signal RC, and the detection process is performed. It is also possible to perform confirmation processing on the slave that is determined to have a change in the result of.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for exemplifying a case where the master sequentially transmits the general write signal WC and the general read signal RC.
As shown in FIG. 8, first, the master determines whether or not it is necessary to change the settings for a plurality of slaves in an initial state such as during construction (step S300).
Next, the master changes the settings for the slave whose settings need to be changed (step S310).
Next, the master performs communication processing by the above-mentioned general light signal WC (step S320).
Next, the master waits for a certain time to elapse (step S330). For example, the master waits for a certain amount of time to complete the detection process in the photoelectric sensor.
Next, the master transmits the above-mentioned general read signal RC (step S340). Next, the master determines whether or not the received data is FFh (step S350).
If the received data is not FFh, a slave whose detection processing result has changed is identified based on the received data, and the above-mentioned confirmation processing is performed on the slave (step S360).
If the received data is FFh, the master executes processing according to the results of detection processing from the plurality of slaves (step S370). That is, the master controls a device such as a solenoid valve based on the result of the detection process.
After that, the above procedure is repeated as necessary.
Since the contents of each step can be the same as those described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for exemplifying the processing in the slave.
As shown in FIG. 9, the slave first performs communication processing (step S400). That is, the slave determines whether or not it matches its own slave address, and if the slave addresses match, determines whether the received signal is either a write signal or a read signal.
If the received signal is a write signal, then the slave determines whether it is a general write signal WC (step S410).
If the received signal is the general write signal WC, then the slave performs the same processing as in the previous communication (step S420). For example, the slave emits light as before to detect an object such as a user's hand.
On the other hand, when the received signal is not the general light signal WC, the slave performs processing according to the data because it is a signal related to the setting change described above (step S430).
If the received signal is a read signal, then the slave determines whether or not it is a general read signal RC (step S440).
If the received signal is the general read signal RC, the slave determines whether or not the same detection processing result as the previous time can be transmitted (step S450). That is, the slave determines whether or not there is a change in the result of the detection process.
If the same detection processing result as the previous time can be transmitted, the slave transmits FFh instead of the detection processing result (step S460).
If the same detection processing result as the previous time cannot be transmitted, the slave transmits FEh or the like in place of the detection processing result (step S470).
On the other hand, when the received signal is not the general read signal RC, it is the signal related to the confirmation process described above, so the slave next transmits the result of the detection process to the master (step S480).
After that, the above procedure is repeated as necessary.
Since the contents of each step can be the same as those described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The embodiment has been illustrated above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions.
With respect to the above-described embodiment, those skilled in the art appropriately adding, deleting or changing the design of components, or adding, omitting or changing the conditions of processes also have the features of the present invention. As long as it is included in the scope of the present invention.
In addition, the elements included in each of the above-described embodiments can be combined as much as possible, and the combination thereof is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the features of the present invention are included.

1 faucet device, 2 spouting part, 3 soapy water discharge part, 4 drying part, 5 control device, 12 slave, 13 slave, 14 slave, 15 master, 20 faucet, 22 electromagnetic valve, 25 input device, 30 discharge plug , 32 pump, 34 input device, 40 main unit, 42 fan / heater unit, 43 input device, SCL clock supply line, SDA data transmission line, R1 to R3 lead signal, RC general read signal, W1 to W3 write signal, WC General light signal

Claims (10)

With multiple slaves that perform object detection processing,
A master that transmits a write signal including a slave address and an instruction to execute the detection process, and a read signal including the slave address and an instruction to transmit the result of the detection process to the plurality of slaves. ,
It is a water supply device equipped with
Said write signal, Ri general write signal der containing all of the slave address of the plurality of slaves,
Wherein said plurality of at least one slave, the other the slave and plumbing equipment you start the detection processing at a timing different from that received the general write signal. When at least one of the results of the detection process from the plurality of slaves is different from the result of the previous detection process, the master uses the slave address of the slave that has transmitted different results of the detection process. The water supply device according to claim 1, wherein a write signal including a write signal and a read signal are transmitted. The read signal is a general read signal including all the slave addresses of the plurality of slaves.
When the result of the detection process is different from the result of the previous detection process, each of the plurality of slaves receives the general read signal, and instead of the result of the detection process, the plurality of slaves water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein transmitting the predetermined data determined for each. With multiple slaves that perform object detection processing,
A master that transmits a write signal including a slave address and an instruction to execute the detection process, and a read signal including the slave address and an instruction to transmit the result of the detection process to the plurality of slaves. ,
It is a water supply device equipped with
The write signal is a general write signal including all the slave addresses of the plurality of slaves.
When at least one of the results of the detection process from the plurality of slaves is different from the result of the previous detection process, the master uses the slave address of the slave that has transmitted different results of the detection process. A water supply device that transmits a write signal and a read signal, including. The water supply device according to any one of claims 1 , 2 and 4, wherein the read signal is a general read signal including all the slave addresses of the plurality of slaves. With multiple slaves that perform object detection processing,
A master that transmits a write signal including a slave address and an instruction to execute the detection process, and a read signal including the slave address and an instruction to transmit the result of the detection process to the plurality of slaves. ,
It is a water supply device equipped with
The write signal is a general write signal including all the slave addresses of the plurality of slaves.
The read signal is a general read signal including all the slave addresses of the plurality of slaves.
When the result of the detection process is different from the result of the previous detection process, each of the plurality of slaves receives the general read signal, and instead of the result of the detection process, the plurality of slaves water supply device that sends predetermined data determined for each. The water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of slaves that have received the general light signal execute the same detection process as the previous time. With multiple slaves that perform object detection processing,
A master that transmits a write signal including a slave address and an instruction to execute the detection process, and a read signal including the slave address and an instruction to transmit the result of the detection process to the plurality of slaves. ,
It is a water supply device equipped with
The read signal, Ri general read signal der containing all of the slave address of the plurality of slaves,
When the result of the detection process is different from the result of the previous detection process, each of the plurality of slaves receives the general read signal, and instead of the result of the detection process, the plurality of slaves water supply device that sends predetermined data determined for each. The master according to any one of claims 3, 6 and 8 for transmitting a write signal including the slave address of the slave that has transmitted the predetermined data and a read signal to the master that has received the predetermined data. Water supply equipment. The water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the master transmits a signal including the slave address of the slave whose setting needs to be changed and data related to the content of the setting change.

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