KR100506694B1 - Method for detecting and regulating identifier overlap on network, electronic appliance connected to the subnet - Google Patents

Abstract

After the creation of a subnet in a communication network constructed using a power line, a method of detecting and acting on duplicate use of a subnet identifier is provided.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method comprising: a first step of a transmitting node generating and broadcasting a data packet including the first identifier and a second identifier on a communication network; A second step of comparing the first identifier and the second identifier included in the data packet received at the receiving node with the first identifier and the second identifier for identifying its own subnet; And a third step in which, if the first identifier is the same and the second identifier is different in the identifier comparison step, the receiving node determines that another subnet uses the same first identifier as its own subnet. It provides a method for detecting duplicated identifiers, including.

Description

Methods for detecting and regulating the use of identifier duplication in open networks, and for electronic and electronic devices connected to the subnet of such networks {method for detecting and regulating identifier overlap on network, electronic appliance connected to the subnet}

The present invention relates to a method for detecting and acting on duplicate use of subnet identifiers after the creation of a subnet in a communication network constructed using an open communication medium.

Here, the open communication medium refers to a communication medium in which the communication medium is not only distributed within the control range but extends to the outside of the control range, such as a power line, so that nodes within the control range and nodes outside the control range can communicate. it means. This includes power line communication methods and radio frequency (RF) wireless communication methods.

In addition, the term subnet herein refers to a communication network that includes electrical and electronic application devices that receive and communicate within a specific control range, such as, for example, a home network of a home, using an open communication medium such as a power line. Each of the electrical and electronic applications connected to the node will be referred to as a node.

The present invention proposes an electric and electronic application device which is connected as a node of a subnet and is configured to implement a method for detecting and acting on duplicate identifiers.

In home networking to centrally control and interconnect all home electrical and electronic applications, Power Line Communication (PLC) has come into the spotlight because it does not require a separate communication medium.

In home networking using powerline communication, all electrical and electronic devices within the control range use data transceivers called carrier-current transceivers to send and receive data packets over the powerline and through gateways to external networks such as the Internet. Connecting is recognized as a viable solution.

By the way, the power line is not a closed network within the control range, but an open network branched from the power station to many homes, and the communication method on such a network is a broadcasting method without using a router. This is mainly used. As a result, data packets broadcast from one device within the control range reach not only the other device within the control range but also other devices outside the control range. In other words, a data packet broadcast from a device housed in one home network reaches a device housed in a home network of another neighboring home, and the receiving device deserves the instructions or information contained in that data packet. Accepting will cause great confusion.

* One of the proposed methods to solve the above problem is to install a blocking filter (blocking filter) to prevent the leakage of data through the power line in the indoor entry portion of the power line. However, this method also has a cost problem for installing a blocking filter, and in some cases, it is difficult to determine a proper installation position, and there is also a problem due to a filter malfunction or a malfunction of the filter, such as a telephone line. It doesn't work out.

Thus, according to current mainstream technology, a data packet broadcast by devices accommodated in a home network includes an identifier (ID) commonly referred to as a home code, and the receiving device identifies the broadcasting device by this identifier. A method of confirming and selecting the data has been proposed. In this way, all devices housed in the same home network must use the same identifier. That is, a process of setting an identifier is essential for a device accommodated in a home network to communicate with other devices within a control range.

The conventional identifier setting method uses a hardware operation means such as a dip switch. This way, the user must manipulate the dip switch to match the identifier used in their home network before powering on the device. Since most users are not good at such operations, it is a hassle for device sellers to visit the user's home to check and match the identifier. Also, unfortunately, if the identifier chosen during the construction of one home network is the same as the identifier of another home network within the reach of the data packet broadcast over the powerline, there is no way to find it immediately. not.

Typical examples of the prior art are US Patent Publication No. 05471190, "Method and apparatus for resource allocation in a communication network system," filed by Timothy D. Schoechle, Boulder, Colo. If you look at it:

If any home code is generated in the device and the home code is transmitted in a hale manner, the device using the already set home code transmits a Nack signal, and the hale device receives the Nack signal, Duplicates are avoided. In the case of an unused home code, the home code is assigned by recognizing that there is no response (Ack) as a no signal.

However, this method has the following problems.

First, since the unused home code is determined to be a no-signal state without a response, there is always a possibility of a misjudgment when a reception error occurs due to a communication signal or noise of another device.

Second, although the devices are connected due to the characteristics of the power line communication, if a case where communication in a certain region temporarily fails due to an environment due to load variation, a duplicate home code may be set.

Third, since the home code is mostly composed of household units, when electricity is cut off from the entire home for convenience of leakage or other maintenance, it is recognized that the device does not exist and duplicate home codes may be set.

The inventors of the present invention have proposed a communication network that can more easily detect and cope with the duplication of home codes that appear after the creation of a subnet, and further suggests that "a communication network using a power line, a subnet of the communication network and a method of creating such a subnet, and such a subnet It is filed simultaneously with the present invention under the names of "electrical and electronic application devices connected to" and "methods for joining nodes to subnets of communication networks using power lines, and electrical and electronic application devices connected to such subnets".

The former is the process of creating a subnet, and the latter is the process of joining a new node to the created subnet after the creation of the subnet. On the other hand, the present invention is a process of detecting and acting on the duplicated identifier in the communication network after the creation of the subnet.

The present invention intends to propose a method of detecting and changing whether a subnet is used in duplicate after the creation of a subnet using an open communication medium and an electric and electronic application gig used therein.

As used herein, the term " open communication range " means the reach of a data packet broadcast over an open communication medium such as a power line.

According to the present invention for solving the above technical problem, after the creation of a subnet (SubNet) in an open communication network, the transmitting node generates a data packet including a first identifier for identifying the subnet belongs by broadcasting using an open communication medium And if the first identifier included in the received data packet is the same as the first identifier for identifying the node to which it belongs, the receiving node validates the received data and invalidates it if it is different. With respect to a method for detecting that different subnets repeatedly use the same first identifier by using two kinds of identifiers for identifying the belonging subnet in a communication network configured to enable only valid communication between the belonging nodes, Generates a data packet comprising the first identifier and the second identifier. A first step of broadcasting on a telecommunication network; A second step of comparing the first identifier and the second identifier included in the data packet received at the receiving node with the first identifier and the second identifier for identifying its own subnet; And a third step in which, if the first identifier is the same and the second identifier is different in the identifier comparison step, the receiving node determines that another subnet uses the same first identifier as its own subnet. The subnet creation process may include: generating a temporary home code for identifying a subnet to which the first node belongs; Broadcasting an identifier Hail signal including the home code on a communication network; Each other node receiving the broadcasted signal compares the home code included in the received signal with all registered home codes stored therein, and if a same home code exists, a home code disallowed message (Nack) is provided. Broadcasting, if a same home code does not exist, broadcasting a home code permission message (Ack); When the first node receives a home code usage permission message, setting the requested home code as a subnet identifier and broadcasting it again to register other nodes; It provides a method for detecting duplicate identifiers, characterized in that it comprises a.

Identifier generating means for generating at least two or more identifiers for identifying the belonging subnet; Identifier setting means for setting only an identifier different from an identifier used by another subnet among the identifiers generated by the identifier generating means as an identifier for identifying its own subnet; Identifier storage means for storing an identifier set by the identifier setting means; A transceiver for broadcasting a data packet including at least one type of identifier among the two or more identifiers on a communication network; Comparison means for comparing each identifier included in the received data packet with a corresponding identifier for identifying its own subnet; And if the identifier of some of the two or more kinds of identifiers included in the received data packet is the same as the corresponding identifier for identifying its own subnet, and the remaining identifiers are different, a subnet other than its own subnet is the same identifier. Redundant use detection means for determining that the data is used in duplicate; It provides an electrical and electronic application device comprising a.

These and other features and advantages of this invention will become more apparent upon reading the description of the preferred embodiments described below with reference to the drawings.

On the other hand, the present invention is described in "Applicant's communication network using the power line, the subnet of the communication network and the creation method of such a subnet, and the electrical and electronic application device connected to such a subnet" (hereinafter referred to as A application) filed by the applicant. It is about how to join a new node to the subnet after creating the subnet. Therefore, a brief description of the method of creating a subnet is as follows.

1 is a functional block diagram for explaining the configuration of a communication device used in a node to perform communication according to the invention A application (subnet creation method).

As shown in Fig. 1, when the functional configuration of the communication apparatus used for each node is considered, the microprocessor 171 for controlling the execution of the communication control program, the start means 172 for starting the subnet creation sequence, and the home An identifier generating means 173 for generating a code and a home unique ID, a transceiver 174 for broadcasting an identifier hale signal including the home code or a home unique ID on a communication network, and a home code included in the identifier hale signal Comparing means 175 for comparing each to a corresponding home code of the subnet to which it belongs, an identifier setting means 176 for setting an identifier accepted by another node on the communication network as an identifier of the subnet to which it belongs, and Identifier storage means 177 for storing the identifier.

2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a receiver side device in an electronic and electronic application device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a transmitter side device.

A process of creating a subnet by a node will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 3.

Subnet creation is done when no subnets are established in the home, in which case the application at the node is connected for the first time or no application is connected to the power line of the home. Even if it does not have a transceiver to act as a node, or if other nodes are already connected but not capable of running the subnet creation process, or if a subnet is already established in the home, a separate subnet If it is required to build a.

The initiating means 172 for initiating the subnet creation sequence may be a program programmed to start automatically as soon as the node is powered up, or it may be an initiation switch configured to be started by the user turning on. More preferably, it is usually configured as a program to implement the plug and play function.

When the process of creating a subnet at the corresponding node (hereinafter referred to as 'first node') is started, the identifier generating means 173 of the first node generates an identifier (hereinafter referred to as a 'home code') for identifying the subnet. In operation S501, a temporary home code is generated. In operation S503, the home code is generated with digits or letters within a predetermined number of digits, and the method is already determined and stored in a plurality of home code candidate groups stored in the BIOS. Various methods may be used, such as selecting one of them or using a random number generating means.

Although not shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, a home unique ID (Address Code) for identifying devices is also used in addition to a home code for identifying a subnet, and this home unique ID is also determined by the identifier generating means 173. It is usually generated, and the handling thereof is similar to the home code or follows the conventionally well-known device identification method, and is not described in detail except as necessary herein. On the other hand, the home unique ID is generated by digits or characters within a predetermined number of digits, and the method is generated by adding the unique ID of the node to the previously generated home code, or, like the home code generation, a plurality of already stored and stored in the BIOS. Various methods may be used, such as selecting one of the home unique ID candidates or using a random number generating means. The unique ID of a node generally uses the product serial number of the corresponding application, but may be generated as a digit or character within a predetermined number of digits, similar to the home code or home unique ID described above.

When the generation of the temporary home code and the temporary home unique ID is completed, the transceiver 174 of the first node broadcasts a data packet including the identifier (Identifier Hale Signal) (S505). The temporary home code of the first node is recorded in the home code position of the data packet constituting the identifier hale signal. Preferably, the header of the data packet includes information indicating that the identifier is a hale signal.

The first node broadcasting the identifier hale signal waits for a predetermined time (step 204) and determines whether a disapproval signal is received (S507).

The broadcasted identifier hale signal includes all other nodes that are currently powered on among nodes of all subnets (hereinafter, referred to as 'other nodes' except for the first node) within an open communication range. It is reached, which is the home code use request message from the other node's point of view.

The other node receiving the home code use request message analyzes the header of the data packet and determines whether the data is a home code use request message (S401). To this end, each other node includes determination means configured to determine whether the data received through the communication network is a home code use request message.

 As a result of the determination, if it is the home code use request message, it is determined whether the temporary home code included in the signal matches the home code (S403).

As a result of the determination, if it is matched, the home code disallowed message (Nack) is broadcast through the transceiver of the node (S417). If not, the registered home code is registered in the identifier storage means 177. Search for and compare (S405, S407).

On the other hand, not only the home code used by the identifier storage means 177 but also the home code used by other nodes in the vicinity are registered. In the process of S403 to S407, other nodes eventually request home. Not only are you comparing your code with your home code, but you are also comparing the requested home code with all registered home codes.

As a result of the comparison, if the requested home code is the same as the registered home code, the flow advances to step S417. If the requested home code is not the same as the registered home code, a home code permission message (Ack) is broadcasted (S409). After that, in order to perform a more accurate operation, after broadcasting the home code permission message, it is determined whether a collision occurs (S411), if it does not occur, it terminates, and if it occurs, it is again verified whether it is an Ack signal. If it is positive, it ends, and if it is negative, it returns to said step S409.

The above-described verification process is also performed after step S417, which is illustrated in steps S419 and S421.

The above-described verification process, that is, the steps S411 and S423, the steps S419 and S421 are commonly referred to as collision detection blocks, and are mainly applied to the CSMA method, and may not be used in some cases.

Meanwhile, after the step S505, the first node determines whether a Nack signal or an Ack signal is received.

As a result of the determination, when the Nack signal is received, the process returns to the step S503 to regenerate the temporary home code. When the Ack signal is received, the identifier setting means 176 sets and determines the temporary home code as a normal home code. This is stored in the identifier storage means 177. (S507 to S513)

Thereafter, this fact is broadcasted on a communication network to broadcast to other nodes that the temporary home code has been set to a normal home code (Notice message) (S515), and other nodes transmit the home code to their own node. It is registered in the identifier storage means.

That is, when receiving the notice message, the other nodes terminate the home code comparison operation and register the home code in their identifier storage means.

By this process, the process of creating a subnet is terminated, which is described in detail in the A application filed as the same.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of nodes composed of various electrical and electronic application devices connected through a power line as a communication medium form a subnet based on each home, and each subnet includes a first identifier referred to as a home code. A communication network identified by a binary identifier consisting of a second identifier, referred to as a home unique ID, will be exemplified. On the other hand, in general, the home unique ID is dedicated to a function for identifying devices, the present invention provides a subnet function as well as a conventional device identification function in order to detect the use of duplicate identifiers in the subnet.

4 to 6 schematically show a configuration of a communication network to which the present invention is applied and a configuration of subnets forming part of such a communication network. In FIG. 4, reference numerals 100 to 109 refer to subnets established in respective homes on the power line PL, and an area referred to as OCR is any one accommodated in the subnet 100 of the home described by way of example in this embodiment. Refers to the range in which the data packet broadcast by the node arrives, that is, the open communication range. In FIG. 5, reference numerals 111 to 119 denote nodes that are accommodated in the first subnet 100, that is, electrical and electronic applications, and reference numerals 121 to 129 in FIG. 6 denote nodes that are accommodated in the second subnet 101, that is, Electrical and electronic applications.

These electrical and electronic application devices are supplied from an indoor power source including home appliances such as computers, refrigerators, heaters, kitchen appliances, etc., when the first subnet 100 and the second subnet 101 are built in a home as in the present embodiment. If it is built in another space, such as an office, it may be an electrical appliance used in that space.

7 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of a communication apparatus used in the nodes shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 to perform communication according to the present invention.

As shown in Fig. 7, each node generates an identifier for generating a microprocessor 131 for controlling the execution of a communication control program and an identifier for identifying a subnet to which it belongs (in this embodiment, a home code and a home unique ID). An identifier setting means 133 for setting only an identifier different from an identifier used by another subnet among the identifiers generated by the identifier generating means 132 as an identifier for identifying its own subnet; An identifier storing means 135 for storing an identifier set by the setting means 133, a transceiver 134 for broadcasting a data packet including at least one type of identifier among the identifiers on a communication network, and a received data packet. Comparison means (137) for respectively comparing the identifiers contained in with corresponding identifiers for identifying their subnets; Some of the two or more types of identifiers included in the updated data packet are identical to corresponding identifiers for identifying their own subnets, and the remaining identifiers are different from each other. The redundant use detection means 136 which judges that it is using is included.

According to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the transceiver 134 is configured to broadcast a fact-finding signal including an identifier that is being used when the duplicate use detection means 136 makes a duplicate use decision on the communication network.

The identifier generating means 132 is configured to generate a newly used identifier when the duplicate use detecting means 136 makes a duplicate use determination, and the transceiver 134 causes the identifier generating means 132 to newly generate an identifier. When generated, the identifier hale signal including the identifier is broadcasted on the communication network, and the identifier setting means 133 uses the newly generated identifier as a new identifier when all other nodes on the communication network accept the use. It is configured to change to a formal identifier so that it can be set.

Further, the comparing means 137 is configured to compare the identifier included in the received identifier hale signal with a corresponding identifier for identifying its own subnet, and the transceiver 134 is included in the received identifier hale signal. If the determined identifier is determined to be the same as the corresponding identifier of its own subnet, it is configured to broadcast a disapproval signal on the communication network, the identifier generating means 132 if the transceiver 134 receives the disapproval signal again It is configured to generate.

In addition, the transceiver 134 is configured to broadcast an identifier change command including the changed identifier and the unchanged identifier on the communication network when the identifier setting means 133 newly changes and sets the identifier.

In addition, the transceiver 134 broadcasts a start signal including an identifier on a communication network when the power of the electrical and electronic application device is turned on, and the comparing means 137 receives the identifier included in the received start signal. Compare each with a corresponding identifier to identify its own subnet.

In addition, when the transceiver 134 receives the identifier change command, the comparison means 137 compares the identifier included in the received identifier change command with a corresponding identifier for identifying its own subnet, and sets the identifier. The means 133 sets and sets a different identifier to an identifier included in the identifier change command if some or all of the identifiers compared by the comparing means 137 are identical.

In addition, when the transceiver 134 receives the identifier hale signal, the comparison means 137 compares the identifier included in the received identifier hale signal with an identifier of its own subnet, and the transceiver 134 receives If it is determined that the identifier included in the identifier hale signal is different from the identifier of its own subnet, it remains unresponsive, and the identifier setting means 133 within a predetermined time after the transceiver 134 broadcasts the identifier hale signal. If no disapproval signal is received, all other nodes on the network are considered to have accepted the use, and the identifier is set to an identifier of their own subnet.

The overall configuration of the electrical and electronic application device according to the present invention and the operation relationship of each component are more clearly read by the method of detecting identifier duplication and changing the identifier according to another aspect of the present invention described below. Will be.

8 to 13, the first node 111 belonging to the first subnet 100 is another node 112 belonging to the first subnet 100 according to the communication protocol in the communication network to which the present invention is applied. 119), a process of performing normal communication (hereinafter referred to as a "normal communication process"), a process of detecting duplicate use of a subnet identifier (hereinafter referred to as a "duplicate use detection process"), and an identifier The process of changing the identifier of the subnet used (hereinafter referred to as "identifier change process"), and nodes belonging to the same subnet as the node that changed the identifier but not participating in the identifier change process subsequently change the identifier. The process (hereinafter referred to as "subsequent change process") will be described.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a typical communication process, FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an identifier detection process, FIGS. 10 to 12 are flowcharts illustrating an identifier change process, and FIG. 13 is a subsequent change process. It is a flowchart shown.

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 13, when the first node 111 of the first subnet 100 wants to transmit normal data to other nodes 112 to 119 of the first subnet 100, the first subnet The first node 111 of 100 packetizes the data to be transmitted using the packetization means (not shown) together with the home code of the first subnet 100 (step 201), and transmits the data packet to the transceiver 134. Broadcast on the communication network using step (202). At this time, the home unique ID, which is the second identifier for identifying the first subnet 100, may be included in the data packet, but it is not included in this embodiment. When the data is to be transmitted only to a specific node belonging to the first subnet 100, the data packet includes the node identifier of the receiving node (the home unique ID may be responsible for the function of this node identifier). In order to transmit to all nodes belonging to the subnet 100, a wild card may be included in place of the node identifier of the receiving node, and an address including other area codes or group codes may be configured. have.

The data packet broadcast on the communication network reaches all nodes within the open communication range (step 203). However, each node receiving the data packet compares the home code included in the received data packet with the home code for identifying its own subnet using the comparing means 137 (step 204). Only when the codes are the same, the received data packet is recognized as valid data. In short, in a typical communication process, the data packet broadcast from the first node 111 of the first subnet 100 also arrives at nodes 121 to 129 belonging to the second subnet 101, but the second subnet ( Nodes 121 to 129 belonging to 101 must regard this data packet as invalid and maintain an unresponsive state through a home code comparison process (step 206), and nodes 112 to 126 of the first subnet 100 must be maintained. 119) only recognize as valid and process (step 205).

However, unlike the conventional process, when the home code of the second subnet 101 is the same as the home code of the first subnet 100, the nodes 121 to 129 belonging to the second subnet 101 are also the first subnet. The data packet broadcast at the first node 111 of (100) is mistaken for valid. If the information contained in such a data packet has a serious impact on the management and control of nodes 121 to 129 belonging to the second subnet 101, the result of this misunderstanding can be very serious. Therefore, when broadcasting such severely affecting information, a data packet containing a home unique ID as well as a home code must be formed. In addition, the problem caused by the use of duplicated home code can have very serious consequences, it is necessary to perform the duplicate usage detection process periodically. Even in this case, the node that wants to perform the duplicate usage detection process broadcasts a data packet including a home code and a home unique ID using the transceiver 134.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 13, in step 201 of the normal communication process, the first node 111 of the first subnet 100 generates a data packet including only a home code, but in step 201 of the duplicate usage detection process. In FIG. 1, the first node 111 of the first subnet 100 generates a data packet including a home unique ID as well as a home code, and broadcasts the data packet on a communication network using the transceiver 134 (step 202). The duplicated use detection process proceeds. Receiving a data packet including a home code and a home unique ID (step 203), the nodes compare the home code and home unique ID included in the data packet with a home code and a home unique ID for identifying their subnet. .

In this embodiment, assume that the home code of the second subnet 101 is the same as the home code of the first subnet 100. Such a case may occur when all nodes of the second subnet 101, in particular, nodes capable of responding to the Hale signal, are powered off during the creation of the first subnet 100.

Although the home code of the second subnet 101 is the same as the home code of the first subnet 100, the probability that even the home unique ID is the same is extremely low. The home unique ID can be created using the product serial number of the node that creates the subnet, or by adding the product serial number to the subnet's home code, or by generating a random number. It is unlikely that even unique IDs will be the same. On the other hand, such a home unique ID is generally available as an ID for identifying the device in addition to the function of detecting the use of duplicate identifiers.

In the process of comparing the home code and the home unique ID of the home code and the home unique ID included in the received data packet by the nodes 121 to 129 belonging to the second subnet 101 to the home unique ID, If it finds that the home unique IDs are different despite being the same, it is recognized that it detects the fact that a subnet within the open communication range uses the same home code as the home code to identify its own subnet. do.

If the home code of the data packet received in step 204 of FIG. 9 and the home code of the receiving node are different from each other, the received data packet is invalidated and kept in an unresponsive state as in a normal communication process (step 206). The home unique ID of the data packet and the home unique ID of the receiving node are compared with each other (step 301). If the compared home unique IDs are also the same, the receiving node recognizes and processes the received data packet as valid (step 205), but if the home unique IDs differ from each other despite the same home code, it broadcasts the data packet. It is determined that the subnet of the node, that is, the first subnet 100 and its own subnet, uses the home code redundantly with each other (step 302).

Nodes that detect the use of home code duplication generate and broadcast a detection announcement signal. However, according to this embodiment, a node receiving a fact-finding signal broadcast from another node does not broadcast the fact-finding signal even if it detects the use of home code duplication, and a node broadcasting the fact-finding signal. However, the identifier change process described below is performed, and other nodes do not perform the identifier change process. This is to prevent confusion caused by multiple nodes performing the identifier change process at the same time.

In other words, as described above, the nodes of the second subnet 101 that received the data packet including the home code and the home unique ID broadcast by the first node 111 of the first subnet 100 ( 121-129 detects home code duplication usage (step 302). Thereafter, it is determined whether the first node 121 of the second subnet 101 has received the detection fact announcement signal from the other nodes 122 to 129 (step 303), and if not, generates a detection fact announcement signal. Broadcasting (step 304), and performs an identifier change process.

However, if other nodes 122 to 129 of the second subnet 101 also detect the use of home code duplication (step 302), and judge whether or not the detection fact announcement signal is received from another node (step 303), Since the first node 121 of the second subnet 101 recognizes that the broadcasted fact-finding signal has been received, the fact-finding signal is not broadcast separately. That is, while invalidating the received data packet, and maintains an unresponsive state, it participates in the identifier change process shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, all nodes 121 to 129 of the second subnet 101 are configured to have the ability to perform the identifier change process, respectively, and among them, the first node 121 broadcasting the detection fact announcement signal. Only the configuration of the identifier change process is described as actually performing, but this is merely illustrative and does not limit the present invention. In another embodiment, the master node of the second subnet 101 is determined in advance, and other nodes except the master node are configured to be incapable of performing an identifier change process, thereby determining a detection fact announcement step and determining whether or not to receive it. May be omitted.

Hereinafter, the identifier change process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed in the nodes 121 to 129 of the second subnet 101 performing the identifier changing process, and FIG. 11 illustrates an identifier changing process in the second subnet 101. Is a flow chart showing the process that takes place in a node of another subnet that has received data broadcast during the process.

As shown in Fig. 10, the identifier generating means 132 of the first node 121 of the second subnet 101 broadcasting the detection fact announcement signal (step 304) generates a first identifier called a home code. The temporary storage code is stored in the identifier storage means 135 as a temporary home code (step 401). When generation and storage of the temporary home code is completed, an identifier hale signal including the temporary home code and an existing home unique ID is generated (step 402), and the identifier hale signal is broadcast using the transceiver 134 (step 403). The temporary home code generated and stored in the preceding step is recorded in the home code position of the data packet constituting the identifier hale signal, and the existing home unique ID is recorded in the home unique ID position. At this time, more preferably, the header of the data packet includes information indicating that the identifier hale signal.

The first node 121 of the second subnet 101 broadcasting the identifier hale signal waits for a period of time (step 204) and observes whether a disapproval signal is received (step 405).

The broadcasted identifier hale signal, as shown in FIG. 11, reaches all nodes of all subnets within the open communication range that are currently powered on (step 501). The node receiving the data analyzes the header of the data packet to determine if the data is an identifier hale signal (step 502). As a result of the determination, if it is not the identifier hale signal, processing is performed according to another data processing algorithm (step 503). If it is the identifier hale signal, it is determined whether the temporary home code included in the signal matches its own home code (step 504). If the result of the determination is affirmative, a disapproval signal is broadcast through the transceiver of the node (step 506), and if it is negative, it remains unresponsive (step 507). At this time, the disapproval signal includes a temporary home code and / or a home unique ID included in the identifier hale signal.

FIG. 12 shows in detail the processes performed in steps 404 and 405 of FIG. 10 in accordance with this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, after broadcasting the identifier hale signal, the first node 121 of the second subnet 101 waits while counting the number of clocks generated every unit time (step 441), and then waits for data on the communication network. Upon receipt (step 451), the header of the received data is analyzed to determine whether it is a disapproval signal for the identifier hale signal (step 452). If it is determined that the signal is not a disapproval signal, it is ignored and continues to wait (step 441). If it is determined that the signal is a disapproval signal, it is determined whether the received data is a disapproval signal for the identifier hale signal broadcasted by the user (step 441). 453).

When the first node 121 of the second subnet 101 receives data determined to be a disapproval signal for the identifier hale signal (step 452), the temporary home code included in the received data packet is stored in the identifier storage means ( A comparison is made with the temporary home code stored at 135 to determine whether it matches (step 453). If it is determined that the result of the determination matches, it is determined that the signal is a disapproval signal for the identifier hale signal broadcasted by itself, and the process returns to step 401 of FIG. 10 to generate a new home code in the identifier generating means 132, and the identifier storage means ( And stored as a temporary home code (step 401). The process after that is the same as described above. If the determination result does not match, the first node 121 of the second subnet 101 waits for the reception of a new disapproval signal.

The above process is repeated continuously, and a predetermined time has elapsed after the first node 121 of the second subnet 101 broadcasts the identifier hale signal without receiving a disapproval signal including its temporary home code. After that, that is, the process is completed only when it is determined that the number of clocks counted in step 442 exceeds a predetermined value.

If the first node 121 of the second subnet 101 does not receive a disapproval signal including its temporary home code until a predetermined time has elapsed since it broadcasts the identifier hale signal (step 442), the first node 121 of the second subnet 101 opens. It is assumed that nodes of all subnets within the communication range have approved the use of the temporary home code as their home code, and the temporary home code is set as its official home code and stored in the identifier storage means 135 ( Step 406).

As described above, the process of changing the identifier of the first node 121 of the second subnet 101 is completed, and the identifiers for the other nodes 122 to 129 of the second subnet 101 are performed by the following steps 407 to 411. The change process is in progress. After completing the identifier change process, the first node 121 of the second subnet 101 generates a home code change command including the changed home code and the existing home unique ID, and broadcasts it on the communication network using the transceiver 134. (Step 407). The broadcast home code change command will be received at all nodes within the open communication range, but the receiving node compares its home unique ID with the home unique ID included in the home code change command (step 408), and compares the compared home If the unique IDs are the same (step 409), the receiving node changes the existing home code to the home code included in the home code change command (step 410), and if it is not the same (step 409), it receives the received data packet. Invalidate.

As a result, when the home code change command includes the home unique ID of the second subnet 101, the compared home unique ID will not be the same in the node belonging to the subnet other than the second subnet 101. Therefore, it will invalidate the received data packet (step 411). However, since the compared home unique IDs will be the same in the other nodes 212 through 219 of the second subnet 101, the existing home code is changed to the new home code included in the home code change command (step 410). . As a result, all nodes in the second subnet 101 have the same new home code.

When the first node 121 of the second subnet 101 broadcasts a home code change command (step 407), the nodes of the second subnet 101 that are powered on will perform the home code change process. Nodes in the second subnet 101 that are not powered on will not be able to perform the home code change process and will maintain the existing home code, so that these nodes are configured in the second subnet 101 even if the power is turned on later. You will not be able to participate in communication as a node. Subsequent changes are required to address this issue.

13, the subsequent modification process will be described in detail. As a prerequisite for the subsequent change process, in this embodiment, when all the nodes set the home code and the home unique ID are powered off and on (step 601), the home code and the home unique ID on the communication network are entered. A start signal is included (step 602) and automatically broadcasted on the communication network (step 603). However, the present invention is not limited to broadcasting the start signal automatically, and may be configured to broadcast the initialization signal including the home code and the home unique ID only when the user operates the initialization switch and the like. have.

This startup signal or initialization signal broadcasted on the network (hereinafter simply referred to collectively as "start signal") is received at all nodes within the open communication range (step 604), and the node that received this start signal. Compares the home code and home unique ID included in the start-up signal with their home code and home unique ID (step 605), if the home code is the same (step 606) or if both the home code and home unique ID are different (step 607). ) Invalidate the received data packet and remain unresponsive (step 613), and include its existing home code and home unique ID only if the home unique IDs are the same (step 606) but the home codes are different (step 607). A home code change command is generated and broadcast on the communication network (step 608).

The broadcast home code change command will be received at all nodes within the open communication range, but the receiving node compares its home unique ID with the home unique ID included in the home code change command (step 609) and compares the home If the code is the same (step 610) or both the home code and the home unique ID are different (step 611), the received data packet is invalidated and remains unresponsive (step 614), and the home unique ID is the same (step 610). Only if the code is different (step 611), it changes its existing home code to the home code included in the home code change command (step 612).

Nodes of the second subnet 101 that have not participated in the above-described identifier change process may change the existing home code from other nodes of the second subnet 101 during the identifier change process described above. It is possible to change to the same home code as the changed home code and to perform normal communication as a configuration node of the second subnet 101.

In the above-described embodiment, the node includes the microprocessor 131, the identifier generating means 132, the identifier setting means 133, the identifier storing means 135, the transceiver 134, the comparing means 137, Although it has been described as including a redundancy detection means 136, the present invention is not limited to such an arrangement, and is generally required to perform communication in addition to means for performing an intrinsic function of an electric and electronic application. Elements, the microprocessor 131 may be provided as a separate microprocessor for controlling only the communication functions, but may also use a microprocessor of the node for controlling the functions of the electrical and electronic application. The same components are not incorporated in the application, and packetization means (not shown) or encoding number for the processing of the transmission data It may be of the other means of the like (not shown) or decoding means (not shown) in the form of the communication module containing both.

Although the above-described embodiment illustrates the case where the communication network according to the present invention is made with a power line as a medium, this is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present invention. The communication network according to the present invention uses duplicates of identifiers in subnets of established communication networks that transmit data not by routing but by using any one of all communication media including airwaves, as well as a telephone line or a wired broadcasting cable. This can be useful when detecting and acting on usage.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be changed, changed, or adjusted from the above-described embodiment without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims cover such modifications, variations or adjustments as falling within the protection scope of the present invention.

In the open communication network configured according to the present invention, timely detection of duplicate use of the subnet identifier can be appropriately taken, and thus, the communication network can be stably operated without fear of node management error due to the use of the duplicate subnet identifier.

1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication device used in a node to perform communication according to a subnet creation method;

2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a receiver side device in an electronic and electronic application device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a transmitter side device;

4 to 6 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention and the configuration of the subnet forming part of such a communication network,

7 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication apparatus used in the nodes shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 to perform communication according to the present invention.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a typical communication process on the communication network shown in FIG. 1;

9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of detecting a duplicated identifier by a node belonging to a subnet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

10 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which each node belonging to a subnet changes an identifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by a node of another subnet that receives broadcast data while performing an identifier change process in a second subnet.

12 is a flowchart illustrating the process performed in steps 404 and 405 of FIG. 10 in detail.

13 is a flowchart illustrating a subsequent change process after an identifier change according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (18)

After creating a SubNet in an open communication network, a transmitting node generates a data packet including a first identifier for identifying a subnet to be broadcasted using an open communication medium, and the receiving node includes a first packet included in the received data packet. In a communication network configured to enable valid communication only between nodes belonging to the same subnet, by validating the received data if the first identifier is the same as the first identifier for identifying the node to which it belongs, and invalidating it if different. With respect to a method of detecting that different subnets use the same first identifier redundantly, using two kinds of identifiers for identifying the belonging subnet, A first step in which the transmitting node generates and broadcasts a data packet including a first transmission identifier and a second identifier on a communication network; A second step of comparing the first identifier and the second identifier included in the data packet received at the receiving node with the first identifier and the second identifier for identifying its own subnet; And A third step in which, if the first identifier is the same and the second identifier is different in the identifier comparing step, the receiving node determines that another subnet is using the same first identifier as its own subnet; Including, The subnet creation process, Any one node (first node) generating a temporary home code for identifying the subnet to which it belongs; Broadcasting an identifier Hail signal including the home code on a communication network; Each other node receiving the broadcasted signal compares the home code included in the received signal with all registered home codes stored therein, and if a same home code exists, a home code disallowed message (Nack) is provided. Broadcasting and broadcasting a home code permission message (Ack) if the same home code does not exist; When the first node receives the home code usage permission message, setting the request home code as a subnet identifier and broadcasting the same again to register other nodes; Identifier duplication usage detection method comprising a. The method of claim 1, A fourth step of the receiving node broadcasting a signal on the communication network to announce the fact that the duplicate use detection is detected after the third step; The method of claim 2, further comprising an identifier. The method of claim 2, A fifth step of the receiving node changing the first identifier after the fourth step; And A sixth step of broadcasting, on a communication network, an identifier change command for changing the first identifier stored by other nodes in the subnet belonging to the same first identifier; The method of claim 2, further comprising an identifier. The method of claim 3, wherein The other nodes that receive the detection fact announcement signal broadcast by the receiving node change the first identifier according to the identifier change command broadcast by the receiving node without notifying the use of the detection of duplicate usage. Usage detection method. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, And the open communication medium is a power line. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, And the open communication medium is a radio frequency (RF) wireless communication method. After creating a SubNet in an open communication network, a transmitting node generates a data packet including a first identifier for identifying a subnet to be broadcasted using an open communication medium, and the receiving node includes a first packet included in the received data packet. 1 If the identifier is the same as the first identifier for identifying its own subnet, the received data is effectively processed, and if it is different, it is invalidated, so that in a communication network normally configured to enable only valid communication between nodes belonging to the same subnet, Regarding a method for changing the first identifier after detecting that the subnet uses the same first identifier repeatedly, using the second identifier for identifying the subnet to which the subnet belongs, A first step of newly generating and temporarily storing a first identifier for identifying a subnet to which the subnet belongs; A second step of generating an identifier hale signal including the temporary first identifier and an existing second identifier and broadcasting it over a communication network; A third step of determining whether a disapproval signal for the identifier hale signal is received while waiting for a predetermined time; A fourth step of returning to the first step if it is determined that the disapproval signal is received in the third step; And A fifth step of setting and storing the temporary first identifier as a formal first identifier if it is determined that the disapproval signal is not received until a predetermined time elapses in the third step; Including, The subnet creation process, Any one node (first node) generating a temporary home code for identifying the subnet to which it belongs; Broadcasting an identifier Hail signal including the home code on a communication network; Each other node receiving the broadcasted signal compares the home code included in the received signal with all registered home codes stored therein, and if a same home code exists, a home code disallowed message (Nack) is provided. Broadcasting and broadcasting a home code permission message (Ack) if the same home code does not exist; When the first node receives the home code usage permission message, setting the request home code as a subnet identifier and broadcasting the same again to register other nodes; Identifier changing method comprising a. The method of claim 7, wherein A sixth step of changing, after the fifth step, the first identifier stored by other nodes belonging to the subnet of the node which has completed the identifier change to the same first identifier; The method of changing an identifier, characterized in that it further comprises. The method of claim 8, The sixth step, A first sub-step, in which the node which has completed the identifier change, generates an identifier change command including the changed first identifier and the existing second identifier and broadcasts it on the communication network; A second substep of the receiving node comparing the second identifier included in the received identifier change command with its second identifier; And A third sub-step, in which the receiving node changes its existing first identifier to a first identifier included in an identifier change command if the second identifiers compared in the second sub-steps are identical to each other; Identifier changing method comprising a. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, And the open communication medium is a power line. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, And the open communication medium is RF (radio frequency) wireless communication. After creating a SubNet in an open communication network, a transmitting node generates a data packet including a first identifier for identifying a subnet to be broadcasted using an open communication medium, and the receiving node includes a first packet included in the received data packet. 1 If the identifier is the same as the first identifier for identifying its own subnet, the received data is effectively processed, and if it is different, it is invalidated, so that in a communication network normally configured to enable only valid communication between nodes belonging to the same subnet With respect to the method of changing the first identifier as the unaltered node is started up, using the second identifier for identifying the belonging subnet, after other nodes belonging to the subnet change the first identifier. A first step of the starting node generating and broadcasting a start-up signal including the first identifier and the second identifier on the communication network; A second step of the receiving node comparing the first identifier and the second identifier included in the received start signal with its first identifier and the second identifier; If the first identifiers compared in the second step are different and the second identifiers are the same, the receiving node generates and broadcasts an identifier change command including its first identifier and the second identifier on the communication network. Three steps; A fourth step of the starting node comparing the first identifier and the second identifier included in the received identifier change command with its first identifier and the second identifier; And A fifth step of the receiving node changing its existing first identifier to a first identifier included in an identifier change command if the first identifiers compared in the fourth step are different and the second identifiers are the same; Including, The subnet creation process, Any one node (first node) generating a temporary home code for identifying the subnet to which it belongs; Broadcasting an identifier Hail signal including the home code on a communication network; Each other node receiving the broadcasted signal compares the home code included in the received signal with all registered home codes stored therein, and if a same home code exists, a home code disallowed message (Nack) is provided. Broadcasting and broadcasting a home code permission message (Ack) if the same home code does not exist; When the first node receives the home code usage permission message, setting the request home code as a subnet identifier and broadcasting the same again to register other nodes; Identifier changing method comprising a. In the electrical and electronic application device applied to any one of claims 1, 7, and 12, Identifier generating means for generating at least two identifiers for identifying a belonging subnet; Identifier setting means for setting only an identifier different from an identifier used by another subnet among the identifiers generated by the identifier generating means as an identifier for identifying its own subnet; Identifier storage means for storing an identifier set by the identifier setting means; A transceiver for broadcasting a data packet including at least one type of identifier among the two or more identifiers on a communication network; Comparison means for comparing each identifier included in the received data packet with a corresponding identifier for identifying its own subnet; And If the identifier of some of the two or more kinds of identifiers included in the received data packet is the same as the corresponding identifier for identifying its own subnet, and the remaining identifiers are different, a subnet other than its own subnet may use the same identifier. Redundant use detection means for determining that the data is used in duplicate; Electrical and electronic application device comprising a. The method of claim 13, And the transceiver broadcasts a detection fact announcement signal on the communication network including an identifier that is being used in duplicate when the duplicate use detection means makes a duplicate use determination. The method of claim 13, The identifier generating means generates a newly used identifier when the duplicate use detecting means determines the duplicate use, When the identifier generating means newly generates an identifier, the transceiver broadcasts the identifier hale signal including the identifier again on the communication network. And the identifier setting means changes and sets the identifier determined to be duplicated to an identifier accepted by all other nodes on the communication network. The method of claim 15, The comparing means compares each of the identifiers included in the received identifier hale signal with a corresponding identifier for identifying its own subnet, The transceiver broadcasts a disapproval signal on the communication network when it is determined that the identifier included in the received identifier hale signal is the same as the corresponding identifier of its own subnet. And the identifier generating means regenerates the identifier when the transceiver receives the disapproval signal. The method of claim 15, And the transceiver broadcasts, on the communication network, an identifier change command including a changed identifier and an unchanged identifier among the two or more kinds of identifiers when the identifier setting means is changed to an identifier. The method of claim 13, The comparison means, when the transceiver receives the identifier change command, compares the identifier included in the received identifier change command with a corresponding identifier for identifying its own subnet, And the identifier setting means changes and sets a different identifier to an identifier included in the identifier change command only when some of the identifiers compared by the comparing means are the same and some are different.