JP7062141B2 - Sensor system, sensor equipment, and power supply control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sensor system, a sensor device, and a power supply control method.

Conventionally, a sensor system that collects information necessary for controlling equipment such as an air conditioner and lighting by using a sensor device has been known. This sensor system appropriately controls equipment installed in buildings, tenants, etc. by collecting environmental information such as temperature, humidity, presence / absence of people, illuminance, CO2, and dust from sensor equipment. Can be done.

In recent years, there have been an increasing number of cases in which a sensor device having a built-in battery or an energy harvesting type sensor device equipped with a solar cell is used in a sensor system. Sensor devices with a built-in battery have merits such as functional expandability of equipment and wiring saving. Further, the energy harvesting type sensor device has a merit that, for example, light energy can be effectively utilized.

On the other hand, as a demerit, in the sensor device with a built-in battery, for example, it is necessary to replace the battery every few months, and such maintenance work becomes a heavy burden. In addition, energy harvesting type sensor devices cannot generate electricity with solar cells at night, which reduces availability. In order to eliminate these disadvantages, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention in which two types of power sources, a solar cell and a dry cell, are mounted, and the power source is switched to the dry cell when the solar cell cannot generate electricity. There is.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-96701

However, even if the invention of Patent Document 1 is used, it is not possible to generate electricity with a solar cell in an environment where light energy is not irradiated for a long time, so that it is equivalent to a sensor device having a built-in battery. .. For example, even if a sensor device to which the invention of Patent Document 1 is applied is introduced into an office, if the office is closed for a long period of time, the office lighting will not be turned on and the solar cell will not be able to generate electricity. It consumes only power. Therefore, as with the sensor device with a built-in battery, the problem that there are many opportunities to replace the dry battery has not been solved.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sensor system, a sensor device, and a power supply control method capable of appropriately reducing the replacement opportunity of a primary battery. And.

In order to achieve the above object, the sensor system according to the present invention is
A sensor system including a management device, equipment including a wireless power supply means for wirelessly supplying power, and a sensor device including a primary battery and a secondary battery for storing the power supplied from the wireless power supply means. And,
The management device is
An acquisition means for acquiring position information indicating a relative position between the equipment and the sensor equipment, and
When the amount of electricity stored in the secondary battery in the sensor device falls below the reference value, the equipment having the highest power supply efficiency to the sensor device specified by using the position information is instructed to start power supply. With command means,
Sensor system.

In the sensor system according to the present invention, in the management device, the acquisition means acquires position information indicating the relative position between the equipment and the sensor equipment. In addition, when the amount of electricity stored in the secondary battery in the sensor device drops below the reference value, the command means starts power supply to the equipment with the highest power supply efficiency to the sensor device specified using the position information. Command. For this reason, for example, in a sensor device, when the storage capacity of the secondary battery decreases, even if switching control such as switching the power supply to the primary battery is performed, power is immediately supplied from the equipment to the sensor device, so that the primary battery is supplied. The battery is consumed and the operating time is shortened. Therefore, the battery life of the primary battery can be extended, and the opportunity to replace the primary battery can be appropriately reduced.

Schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the sensor system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management device Schematic diagram showing an example of sensor device management information Block diagram showing an example of equipment configuration Block diagram showing an example of the configuration of sensor equipment A flowchart for explaining a power supply switching process according to an embodiment of the present invention. A flowchart for explaining the sensor information transmission process according to the embodiment of the present invention. A flowchart for explaining the sensor information collection process according to the embodiment of the present invention. A flowchart for explaining a power supply control process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the figure are designated by the same reference numerals. In the following, a sensor system that collects information necessary for controlling equipment using sensor equipment will be described as an example, but various information will be collected using sensor equipment regardless of the control of equipment. The present invention can be similarly applied to a sensor system that only performs. That is, the embodiments described below are for illustration purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can adopt embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, but these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the sensor system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. This sensor system 1 is a system introduced in, for example, an office building, a commercial building, or the like, and controls the equipment 20 by using the information collected by the sensor equipment 30.

As shown in the figure, the sensor system 1 includes a management device 10, a plurality of equipment devices 20, and a sensor device 30. Although only one sensor device 30 is shown in FIG. 1, it is an example, and the sensor system 1 may include a plurality of sensor devices 30. In that case, for example, each sensor device 30 is assigned a unique device address and can be identified.

The management device 10 and the equipment 20 are connected to each other so as to be communicable via the dedicated network 90. Further, the equipment device 20 and the sensor device 30 are installed on the same floor in the building where the sensor system 1 is installed, and are connected to each other so as to be communicable by wireless communication, for example.

Further, as will be described later, the equipment 20 satisfying the requirements can wirelessly supply power to the sensor device 30. Then, the sensor device 30 receives power from such equipment 20 and stores the supplied power in a secondary battery so that it can operate. The sensor device 30 also includes a primary battery, and can operate using either the secondary battery or the primary battery as a power source. Specifically, the sensor device 30 normally operates using a secondary battery as a power source, and when the storage amount of the secondary battery decreases, the power source is switched to the primary battery so that the sensor device 30 can continuously operate.

The management device 10 is, for example, a server, a personal computer, or the like, and controls the entire sensor system 1. The management device 10 collects sensor information measured by the sensor device 30, state information of the equipment 20, and the like, and controls the equipment 20 by utilizing the collected information. Further, when the storage amount of the secondary battery in the sensor device 30 decreases, the management device 10 instructs the equipment device 20 satisfying the requirements to supply power to the sensor device 30.

The equipment 20 is, for example, an air conditioner, lighting, etc., and is controlled by the management device 10. Further, the equipment device 20 communicates with the sensor device 30 by wireless communication and receives the sensor information sent from the sensor device 30. Then, the equipment 20 transmits the received sensor information, the state information of the equipment 20, and the like to the management device 10 through the dedicated network 90. Further, the equipment 20 instructed to supply power from the management device 10 wirelessly supplies power to the sensor device 30.

The sensor device 30 is, for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a CO2 sensor, a motion sensor, or the like, and transmits sensor information converted from an electric signal indicating a measured physical quantity to the facility device 20 by wireless communication. Further, the sensor device 30 includes a primary battery and a secondary battery, and normally operates using the secondary battery as a power source, but when the storage capacity of the secondary battery decreases, the power source is switched to the primary battery.

Hereinafter, detailed configurations of the management device 10, the equipment 20, and the sensor device 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

First, the details of the management device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management device 10. As shown in the figure, the management device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and an equipment communication unit 13.

The control unit 11 is, for example, an arithmetic unit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and controls the entire management device 10. The control unit 11 functionally includes an acquisition unit 111, a detection unit 112, a specific unit 113, and a command unit 114. These functions are realized, for example, by the CPU using the RAM as a work memory and appropriately executing various programs stored in the ROM or the storage unit 12.

The acquisition means 111 acquires necessary information from the equipment 20 at regular intervals through the equipment communication unit 13. For example, the acquisition means 111 acquires the sensor information measured by the sensor device 30 from the equipment 20 at 1-minute intervals. As will be described later, the sensor information is provided with a switching state indicating whether the power source in the sensor device 30 is a secondary battery or a primary battery. In addition to this, the acquisition means 111 acquires the position information indicating the relative position between the equipment 20 and the sensor equipment 30, the state information of the equipment 20, and the like from the equipment 20.

The detection means 112 detects a decrease in the power of the secondary battery in the sensor device 30. For example, the detection means 112 detects that the amount of electricity stored in the secondary battery has decreased when the power supply in the sensor device 30 changes from the secondary battery to the primary battery due to the switching state added to the sensor information. As will be described later, when the storage amount information of the secondary battery is added to the sensor information instead of the switching state, the detection means 112 reduces the storage amount of the secondary battery from this storage amount information. You may detect that.

The specifying means 113 identifies the equipment 20 having high power supply efficiency to the sensor device 30 by using the position information acquired by the acquiring means 111. For example, the specifying means 113 obtains the distance, direction, and the like between the equipment 20 and the sensor device 30 from the position information, and identifies the equipment 20 having the highest power supply efficiency to the sensor device 30. The equipment 20 may be specified sequentially. For example, after the sensor system 1 is introduced, the layout in the floor is updated to change the installation position of the sensor device 30, or a partition is installed between the equipment 20 and the sensor device 30. It can happen that it is done. Therefore, the specifying means 113 uses the latest position information to specify the equipment 20 having high power supply efficiency to the sensor device 30 when the detection means 112 detects the power decrease of the secondary battery. May be good.

The command means 114 commands various control commands to the equipment 20 through the equipment communication unit 13. For example, the command means 114 transmits a control command for instructing the start of power supply to the equipment 20 specified by the specific means 113. In addition to this, when the command means 114 needs to control the equipment 20 due to the sensor information, the state information, etc. acquired by the acquisition means 111, the command means 114 transmits a control command including the control contents. do.

The storage unit 12 is, for example, a hard disk, a solid state drive, or the like, and stores sensor information of the sensor device 30 acquired via the equipment device 20. As an example, when the sensor system 1 includes a plurality of sensor devices 30, the storage unit 12 manages the sensor information of each sensor device 30 by the management information 121 as shown in FIG. In this management information 121, the time 121b, the temperature 121c, the switching state 121d, and the power supply command destination 121e are managed according to the unique device address 121a assigned to the sensor device 30. The time 121b indicates the time when the sensor information is sent. Further, the temperature 121c is an example when the sensor device 30 is a temperature sensor. Further, the switching state 121d indicates whether the power source in the sensor device 30 is a secondary battery or a primary battery, as described above. Then, the power supply command destination 121e shows information of the equipment device 20 that commands the power supply to the sensor device 30 when the storage amount of the secondary battery in the sensor device 30 decreases.

Returning to FIG. 2, the equipment communication unit 13 is a communication interface for communicating with the equipment equipment 20 via the above-mentioned dedicated network 90. For example, the equipment communication unit 13 receives the sensor information of the sensor equipment 30 sent from the equipment equipment 20, the state information of the equipment equipment 20, and the like. Further, the equipment communication unit 13 transmits various control commands to the equipment equipment 20.

Next, the details of the equipment 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the equipment 20. As shown in the figure, the equipment 20 includes a power supply unit 21, an equipment communication unit 22, a measurement unit 23, a drive unit 24, a control unit 25, a wireless power supply unit 26 which is an example of wireless power supply means, and wireless. It is provided with a communication unit 27.

The power supply unit 21 generates, for example, a DC power supply necessary for operating the equipment 20 from a commercial AC power supply.

The equipment communication unit 22 is a communication interface for communicating with the management device 10 and other equipment 20 via the dedicated network 90. For example, the equipment communication unit 22 receives a control command sent from the management device 10. Further, the equipment communication unit 22 transmits the sensor information of the sensor device 30, the state information of the equipment 20, and the like to the management device 10. In addition to this, the equipment communication unit 22 transmits the position information calculated by the wireless communication unit 27, which will be described later, to the management device 10.

The measuring unit 23 is a built-in sensor provided in the equipment 20 and, for example, measures a value indicating an operating state of the equipment 20.

The drive unit 24 is, for example, an actuator, a motor, or the like, and is controlled by the control unit 25 to operate the main function of the equipment 20.

The control unit 25 is, for example, an arithmetic unit including a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and controls the entire equipment 20. The control unit 25 controls the drive unit 24, the wireless power supply unit 26, and the like in response to the control command sent from the management device 10. Further, the control unit 25 controls the wireless communication unit 27 to acquire sensor information sent from the sensor device 30. Further, the control unit 25 generates state information of the equipment 20 from the value measured by the measurement unit 23, the control result of the drive unit 24, and the like. Then, the control unit 25 transmits such sensor information, status information, and the like to the management device 10 through the equipment communication unit 22.

The wireless power feeding unit 26 is a circuit that wirelessly outputs electric power for supplying power to the sensor device 30. The wireless power feeding unit 26 is ON / OFF controlled by the control from the control unit 25, and outputs or stops a radio wave having a predetermined frequency. The wireless power feeding unit 26 may be omitted, and the following wireless communication unit 27 may be used as the wireless power feeding means.

The wireless communication unit 27 is a communication interface for performing wireless communication compliant with wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), WiFi, and Zigbee. The wireless communication unit 27 receives the sensor information sent from the sensor device 30. Further, the wireless communication unit 27 measures the relative position information between the equipment device 20 and the sensor device 30. For example, the wireless communication unit 27 includes a plurality of antennas in which the arrangement interval, arrangement position, arrangement direction, and the like are defined, and the radio wave intensity measured by each antenna during communication with the sensor device 30 is used. Position information such as the relative distance and direction of the sensor device 30 with respect to the facility device 20 is calculated.

Next, the details of the sensor device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sensor device 30. As shown in the figure, the sensor device 30 includes a power generation unit 31, a power storage unit 32 which is an example of a secondary battery, a backup power supply unit 33 which is an example of a primary battery, and a power supply switching unit 34 which is an example of switching means. , A storage amount detecting unit 35, an illuminance detecting unit 36, a control unit 37 which is an example of switching control means, a sensor unit 38 which is an example of a sensor means, and a wireless communication unit 39 which is an example of a transmitting means. ..

The power generation unit 31 receives radio waves having a predetermined frequency and generates power. That is, the power generation unit 31 converts the radio wave output from the wireless power supply unit 26 of the equipment 20 into electrical energy. As will be described later, when the sensor device 30 is for lighting, the solar cell panel may be used for the power generation unit 31.

The power storage unit 32 is, for example, a lithium ion battery, and stores the electric power generated by the power generation unit 31.

The backup power supply unit 33 is, for example, a button-type lithium battery, and is attached to the sensor device 30. The backup power supply unit 33 is removable, and can be replaced with a new backup power supply unit 33 when the power of the backup power supply unit 33 is consumed and the battery life is reached.

The power supply switching unit 34 is, for example, a switch circuit, and switches the power supply of the sensor device 30 to either the power storage unit 32 or the backup power supply unit 33 according to the switching signal supplied from the control unit 37.

The electricity storage amount detecting unit 35 is, for example, a voltage measuring circuit, which measures the output voltage from the electricity storage unit 32 and detects the electricity storage amount of the electricity storage unit 32.

The illuminance detection unit 36 is, for example, an illuminance sensor, and detects the illuminance of the light received by the sensor device 30.

The control unit 37 is, for example, an arithmetic unit including a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and controls the entire sensor device 30. The control unit 37 outputs a switching signal to the power supply switching unit 34 according to the comparison result between the electricity storage amount of the electricity storage unit 32 detected by the electricity storage amount detection unit 35 and the reference value, and powers the sensor device 30 to the electricity storage unit. Switch to 32 or the standby power supply unit 33. Specifically, when the amount of electricity stored in the electricity storage unit 32 is equal to or greater than the first reference value indicating power shortage, the control unit 37 controls the power supply switching unit 34 to switch the power supply to the electricity storage unit 32. Then, when the amount of electricity stored in the electricity storage unit 32 is consumed and falls below the first reference value, the power supply switching unit 34 is controlled to switch the power supply to the backup power supply unit 33.

Further, the control unit 37 converts an electric signal indicating a value measured by the sensor unit 38 at regular intervals such as, for example, at 1-minute intervals, and generates sensor information. The control unit 37 adds the identification information of the sensor device 30, the switching state, and the like to the generated sensor information. This identification information is, for example, a device address. Further, the switching state indicates, for example, a "primary battery" when the power supply switching unit 34 switches the power supply to the standby power supply unit 33, and when the power supply switching unit 34 switches the power supply to the power storage unit 32. Indicates "secondary battery". When the amount of electricity stored in the electricity storage unit 32 becomes equal to or greater than the second reference value indicating full charge due to the power supply from the equipment 20, the switching state indicates "fully charged secondary battery". Then, the control unit 37 transmits the sensor information to which such a switching state is added to the equipment device 20 through the wireless communication unit 39.

The sensor unit 38 is a sensor module corresponding to the type of the sensor device 30, and outputs an electric signal indicating a value to be measured. For example, if the sensor device 30 is a temperature sensor, the sensor unit 38 outputs an electric signal indicating a temperature value.

The wireless communication unit 39 is a communication interface for performing wireless communication compliant with wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), WiFi, and Zigbee. The wireless communication unit 39 is controlled by the control unit 37 and transmits the sensor information to which the switching state is added to the equipment device 20.

Hereinafter, the operation of the sensor system 1 having such a configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

First, the power supply switching process executed by the sensor device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the power supply switching process according to the embodiment of the present invention. This power supply switching process is started, for example, after the backup power supply unit 33, which is a primary battery, is attached to the sensor device 30 and the sensor device 30 is started.

First, the control unit 37 switches the power supply to the backup power supply unit 33 (step S101). That is, the control unit 37 controls the power supply switching unit 34 to switch the power supply of the sensor device 30 to the backup power supply unit 33 which is a primary battery.

The control unit 37 detects the amount of electricity stored in the electricity storage unit 32 (step S102). That is, the control unit 37 acquires the electricity storage amount of the electricity storage unit 32 through the electricity storage amount detection unit 35.

The control unit 37 determines whether or not the amount of stored electricity is less than the first reference value (step S103). That is, the control unit 37 determines whether or not the amount of electricity stored in the electricity storage unit 32 is lower than the first reference value indicating the power shortage.

When the control unit 37 determines that the amount of electricity stored is less than the first reference value (step S103; Yes), the control unit 37 switches the power supply to the backup power supply unit 33 and updates the switching state to the "primary battery" (step S104). That is, since the storage amount of the storage unit 32 is insufficient, the control unit 37 controls the power supply switching unit 34 to switch the power supply of the sensor device 30 to the standby power supply unit 33 which is a primary battery. If the power supply has already been switched to the backup power supply unit 33, the switching is maintained as it is. Further, the control unit 37 updates the switching state in the RAM to the "primary battery". Then, the control unit 37 returns the process to step S102 described above.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the stored amount is not less than the first reference value, that is, the stored amount is equal to or more than the first reference value (step S103; No), the control unit 37 determines that the stored amount is less than the second reference value. It is determined whether or not there is (step S105). That is, the control unit 37 determines whether or not the amount of stored electricity, which is equal to or higher than the first reference value, is lower than the second reference value indicating full charge.

When the control unit 37 determines that the amount of electricity stored is less than the second reference value (step S105; Yes), the control unit 37 switches the power supply to the backup power supply unit 33 and updates the switching state to the "secondary battery" (step S106). That is, since the storage amount of the power storage unit 32 is not insufficient, the control unit 37 controls the power supply switching unit 34 to switch the power supply of the sensor device 30 to the power storage unit 32 which is a secondary battery. If the power supply has already been switched to the power storage unit 32, the switching is maintained as it is. Further, the control unit 37 updates the switching state in the RAM to the “secondary battery”. Then, the control unit 37 returns the process to step S102 described above.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the stored amount is not less than the second reference value, that is, the stored amount is equal to or more than the second reference value (step S105; No), the control unit 37 switches the power supply to the backup power supply unit 33. The switching state is updated to "fully charged secondary battery" (step S107). That is, since the storage amount of the power storage unit 32 is sufficient, the control unit 37 controls the power supply switching unit 34 to switch the power supply of the sensor device 30 to the power storage unit 32 which is a secondary battery. If the power supply has already been switched to the power storage unit 32, the switching is maintained as it is. Further, the control unit 37 updates the switching state in the RAM to a “fully charged secondary battery”. Then, the control unit 37 returns the process to step S102 described above.

By such a power supply switching process, the power supply can be appropriately switched. That is, when the amount of electricity stored in the electricity storage unit 32 drops below the reference value, the control unit 37 switches the power supply to the standby power supply unit 33, which is a primary battery. Then, power is supplied from the equipment 20 to the sensor device 30 by the power supply control process described later, and when the storage amount of the power storage unit 32 rises above the reference value, the control unit 37 powers the power supply as a secondary battery. Switch to unit 32.

Next, the sensor information transmission process executed by the sensor device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the sensor information transmission process according to the embodiment of the present invention. This sensor information transmission process is executed in the sensor device 30 in parallel with the power supply switching process described above.

First, the control unit 37 determines whether or not the transmission timing of the sensor information has arrived (step S201). For example, the control unit 37 determines whether or not the transmission timing at 1-minute intervals has arrived.

When the control unit 37 determines that the transmission timing has not arrived (step S201; No), the control unit 37 stands by as it is.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the transmission timing has arrived (step S201; Yes), the control unit 37 reads the signal value measured by the sensor unit 38 (step S202). That is, the control unit 37 reads the value of the electric signal output from the sensor unit 38.

The control unit 37 converts the signal value to generate sensor information (step S203). For example, when the sensor device 30 is a temperature sensor, the control unit 37 converts a signal value to generate sensor information indicating the temperature.

The control unit 37 adds the identification information of the sensor device 30, the switching state, and the like to the sensor information (step S204). For example, the control unit 37 adds the device address to the sensor information as the identification information. Further, the control unit 37 adds, for example, one of a "primary battery", a "secondary battery", and a "fully charged secondary battery" to the sensor information according to the switching state of the power supply switching unit 34. ..

The control unit 37 transmits the sensor information to the equipment 20 (step S205). That is, the control unit 37 transmits the sensor information to the equipment 20 through the wireless communication unit 39. Then, the control unit 37 returns the process to step S201 described above.

By such sensor information transmission processing, the switching state of the power supply in the sensor device 30 is transmitted to the equipment device 20 at regular intervals together with the sensor information measured by the sensor device 30. Then, when the equipment 20 receives the sensor information transmitted from the sensor device 30 in this way, the equipment 20 transmits the sensor information to the management device 10 via the dedicated network 90.

Next, the sensor information collection process executed by the management device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the sensor information collection process according to the embodiment of the present invention. This sensor information collection process is repeatedly executed, for example, by the management device 10.

First, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the sensor information has been sent from the equipment 20 (step S301). When the control unit 11 determines that the sensor information has not been sent (step S301: No), the control unit 11 stands by as it is.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the sensor information has been sent (step S301: Yes), the control unit 11 receives the sensor information and adds it to the storage unit 12 (step S302). That is, the acquisition means 111 acquires the sensor information measured by the sensor device 30 via the equipment 20. Then, the acquired sensor information is managed by, for example, the management information 121 of FIG. 3 in the storage unit 12.

The control unit 11 determines whether or not the switching information has changed (step S303). That is, the control unit 11 compares the record added this time in the management information 121 with the previous record, and determines whether or not the content of the switching information 121d has changed.

When the control unit 11 determines that the switching information has changed (step S303; Yes), the control unit 11 executes the power supply control process (step S304). The details of this power supply control process will be described later.

Then, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S301 described above.

Next, the details of the power supply control process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the power supply control process which is the subroutine of step S304 in the sensor information collection process.

First, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the switching information has changed to the "primary battery" (step S401). For example, when the switching information 121d of the record added this time in the management information 121 is the "primary battery" and the switching information 121d of the previous record is the "secondary battery", the control unit 11 has the switching information. It is determined that the "secondary battery" has changed to the "primary battery". That is, the power decrease of the power storage unit 32 in the sensor device 30 is detected from such a change in the switching information. Therefore, this step S401 is an example of the detection step.

When the control unit 11 determines that the switching information has changed to the "primary battery" (step S401; Yes), the control unit 11 collects the position information (step S402). That is, the acquisition means 111 acquires the position information indicating the relative position between the equipment 20 and the sensor equipment 30 from the equipment 20. Note that this step S402 is an example of the acquisition step.

The control unit 11 identifies the equipment 20 having high power supply efficiency (step S403). That is, the specifying means 113 identifies the equipment device 20 having high power supply efficiency to the sensor device 30 by using the position information acquired in step S402. For example, the specifying means 113 obtains the distance, direction, and the like between the equipment 20 and the sensor device 30 from the position information, and identifies the equipment 20 having the highest power supply efficiency to the sensor device 30. Note that this step S403 is an example of a specific step.

The control unit 11 commands the specified equipment 20 to start power supply, and updates the storage unit 12 (step S404). That is, the command means 114 transmits a control command for commanding the start of power supply to the equipment 20 specified in step S403. Further, the control unit 11 adds information for identifying the equipment 20 that has ordered the start of power supply to the power supply command destination 121e of the record added this time in the management information 121 of FIG. Note that this step S404 is an example of a command step. Then, the control unit 11 finishes the power supply control process and returns the process to the sensor information collection process of FIG.

Further, when it is determined in step S401 described above that the change is not to the "primary battery" (step S401; No), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the switching information has changed to the "fully charged secondary battery". (Step S405). For example, when the switching information 121d of the record added this time in the management information 121 is the "secondary battery of full charge" and the switching information 121d of the previous record is the "secondary battery", the control unit 11 , It is determined that the switching information has changed from "secondary battery" to "fully charged secondary battery".

When the control unit 11 determines that the switching information has changed to the "fully charged secondary battery" (step S405; Yes), the control unit 11 refers to the storage unit 12 and instructs the target equipment 20 to stop the power supply. (Step S406). That is, the control unit 11 refers to the old record in order from the new record in the management information 121, and searches for the equipment 20 described in the power supply command destination 121e. Then, the command means 114 transmits a control command for instructing the searched equipment 20 to stop the power supply. Then, the control unit 11 finishes the power supply control process and returns the process to the sensor information collection process of FIG.

Further, even when it is determined in step S405 described above that the switching information is not a change to the "fully charged secondary battery" (step S405; No), the control unit 11 finishes the power supply control process, and FIG. Return the process to the sensor information collection process.

By such a power supply control process, it is possible to appropriately instruct the target equipment 20 to start and stop the power supply to the sensor device 30.

Then, by executing the processes of FIGS. 6 to 9, the storage amount of the storage unit 32 in the sensor device 30 decreases, and when the power supply is switched to the backup power supply unit 33, the management device 10 immediately requires the requirements. The start of power supply to the equipment 20 satisfying the above conditions is instructed. As a result, the amount of electricity stored in the electricity storage unit 32 increases, and the power supply is switched to the electricity storage unit 32 in a relatively short time. Therefore, the battery life of the backup power supply unit 33, which is a primary battery, can be extended, and the replacement opportunity of the backup power supply unit 33 can be appropriately reduced.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, a case where power is supplied to the sensor device 30 by outputting radio waves from the wireless power feeding unit 26 of the equipment 20 has been described, but the power feeding method is not one that uses such radio waves. However, it is possible to change the suitability. For example, when lighting is used for the equipment 20, the wireless power feeding unit 26 is omitted, and the equipment 20 which is the lighting is turned on to irradiate light energy to supply power to the sensor equipment 30. May be good. In that case, a solar cell panel is used for the power generation unit 31 of the sensor device 30 to convert light energy into electric energy so that power can be generated.

Further, as described above, when the lighting is used for the equipment 20, not only the control from the management device 10 but also the user manually turns the lighting the equipment 20 on or off. It will be. Therefore, if it is detected that the storage amount of the storage unit 32 in the sensor device 30 is insufficient and a power supply start command, that is, a lighting command is immediately sent to the equipment device 20, it may be inconvenient for the user. For example, in a conference room on the floor, in a situation where the equipment 20 that is lighting is intentionally turned off in order to project a projector, in order to supply power to the sensor equipment 30 installed in the conference room. It is not appropriate to send a lighting command to the equipment 20 in the conference room. In addition to this, in a situation where the equipment 20 which is a lighting is turned on and the conference room is normally used, even if the power supply to the sensor equipment 30 installed in the conference room is completed, the equipment in the conference room is used. It is not appropriate to send a turn-off command to the device 20.

Therefore, when lighting is used for the equipment 20, for example, a motion sensor is used for the measurement unit 23 of the equipment 20 so that the management device 10 can determine the presence or absence of a user in the vicinity of the equipment 20. To. Then, when the control unit 11 sends a lighting command to the equipment 20 to supply power to the sensor device 30, when it determines that there is a user in the vicinity of the equipment 20, the control unit 11 sends the lighting command. Wait for. Then, after the user disappears around the equipment 20, the control unit 11 transmits a lighting command to the equipment 20. Similarly, when the control unit 11 sends a turn-off command to the equipment 20 due to the end of power supply to the sensor device 30, when the control unit 11 determines that there is a user in the vicinity of the equipment 20, the light is turned off. Wait for the command to be sent. Then, after the user disappears in the vicinity of the equipment 20, the control unit 11 transmits a turn-off command to the equipment 20.

By determining the presence or absence of the user in this way, even when lighting is used for the equipment 20, it is possible to appropriately issue a lighting command or a lighting command to the equipment 20.

In the above embodiment, the case where the sensor device 30 transmits the measured sensor information to the equipment device 20 at regular intervals such as 1 minute intervals has been described, but when the storage amount of the storage unit 32 decreases, it is normal. The sensor information may be transmitted to the equipment 20 at intervals longer than the transmission interval of.

Further, in the above embodiment, the program executed by the control unit 11 of the management device 10 is a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), an MO (Magneto-Optical Disk), or a USB memory. ， It is also possible to store and distribute in a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card. Then, by installing such a program on a specific or general-purpose computer, it is possible to make the computer function as the management device 10 in the above embodiment.

Further, the above program may be stored in a disk device of a server device on a communication network such as the Internet, superimposed on a carrier wave, and downloaded to a computer, for example. Further, the above-mentioned processing can also be achieved by starting and executing the program while transferring it via the communication network. Further, the above-mentioned processing can also be achieved by executing all or a part of the program on the server device and executing the program while the computer sends and receives information about the processing via the communication network.

When the above functions are shared by the OS (Operating System) or realized by cooperation between the OS and the application, only the parts other than the OS are stored in the above recording medium and distributed. You may download it to your computer.

The present invention is capable of various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope. Further, the above-described embodiment is for explaining the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the invention is indicated by the claims, not by embodiments. And various modifications made within the scope of the claims and within the equivalent meaning of the invention are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be suitably adopted for a sensor system, a sensor device, and a power supply control method capable of appropriately reducing the replacement opportunity of a primary battery.

1 Sensor system, 10 Management device, 11,25,37 Control unit, 111 Acquisition means, 112 Detection means, 113 Specific means, 114 Command means, 12 Storage unit, 13,22 Equipment communication unit, 20 Equipment equipment, 21 Power supply unit , 23 measurement unit, 24 drive unit, 26 wireless power supply unit, 27, 39 wireless communication unit, 30 sensor equipment, 31 power generation unit, 32 power storage unit, 33 standby power supply unit, 34 power supply switching unit, 35 storage amount detection unit, 36 Illuminance detection unit, 38 sensor unit, 90 dedicated network

Claims (7)

A sensor system including a management device, equipment including a wireless power supply means for wirelessly supplying power, and a sensor device including a primary battery and a secondary battery for storing the power supplied from the wireless power supply means. And,
The management device is
An acquisition means for acquiring position information indicating a relative position between the equipment and the sensor equipment, and
When the amount of electricity stored in the secondary battery in the sensor device falls below the reference value, the equipment having the highest power supply efficiency to the sensor device specified by using the position information is instructed to start power supply. With command means,
Sensor system. The sensor device is
A switching means for switching the power supply to either the primary battery or the secondary battery,
Further, a switching control means for controlling the switching means so as to switch the power source to the primary battery when the storage amount of the secondary battery becomes lower than the reference value is provided.
The sensor system according to claim 1. The sensor device is
Sensor means for measuring the value to be measured and
Further includes a transmission means for transmitting sensor information including a value measured by the sensor means and a switching state in the switching means to the equipment.
The sensor system according to claim 2. In the management device
The acquisition means further acquires the sensor information from the equipment.
The sensor system according to claim 3. The management device is
A detection means for detecting a power shortage of the secondary battery in the sensor device from the switching state included in the sensor information acquired by the acquisition means.
When the power shortage is detected, the position information is further provided with a specific means for identifying the equipment having the highest power supply efficiency to the sensor equipment.
The command means commands the equipment specified by the specific means to start power supply.
The sensor system according to claim 4. It is a sensor device installed in the vicinity of equipment equipped with wireless power supply means for wireless power supply.
With the primary battery,
A secondary battery that stores the power supplied from the equipment,
A switching means for switching the power supply to either the primary battery or the secondary battery,
When the amount of electricity stored in the secondary battery drops below the reference value, the switching control means for controlling the switching means so as to switch the power supply to the primary battery, and the switching control means.
Sensor means to measure the value and
By transmitting sensor information including the value measured by the sensor means and the switching state indicating that the power source has been switched to the primary battery in the switching means to the equipment, power supply from the equipment is requested. And the means of transmission
Sensor device equipped with. It is a power supply control method in a management device that controls an equipment device provided with a wireless power supply means for performing wireless power supply and a sensor device provided with a secondary battery for storing the power supplied from the wireless power supply means.
An acquisition step for acquiring position information indicating a relative position between the equipment and the sensor equipment, and
A detection step for detecting a power shortage of the secondary battery in the sensor device, and
When the power shortage is detected in the detection step, the specific step of identifying the equipment having the highest power supply efficiency to the sensor device using the position information, and the specific step.
A command step for instructing the start of power supply to the equipment specified in the specific step, and a command step.
Power supply control method.

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