KR20090032771A - Power control system and terminal for reducing power consumption based on home network, and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

A system, a terminal and a method for power control are provided to control power about a function with an information home appliance device and a home network service and integrally perform power source control about all information home appliance devices connected to the home network and control power control about internal functions of the information home appliance devices. A power control system comprises a storage unit(15), a power control resource management unit(11), a power control command setting unit(12) and a network matching unit. The power control resource management unit receives power control element information from a power control terminal and stores the power control element information in the storage unit. And the power control resource management unit extracts detailed power control element information with a power control target device. The power control command setting unit generates a power control process to set a power control command based on the power control resource information and the power control element information.

Description

Power control system and terminal for reducing power consumption based on home network and its method and method thereof

The present invention relates to a power control system for reducing power consumption based on a home network, a power control terminal device, and a method thereof. More specifically, when a home network service is requested in a home network environment, various information home appliances connected to the home network are provided. Home network-based power consumption to reduce power consumption of the entire home network by eliminating unnecessary power consumption when providing home network services by providing power only to information appliances and functions associated with the service. The present invention relates to a power control system, a power control terminal device, and a method thereof.

The present invention is derived from the research conducted as part of the IT new growth engine core technology development project of the Ministry of Information and Communication [Task management number: 2007-S-009-01, Task name: platform for reducing power consumption of Always-On home network system Technology development].

Recently, as the home network construction and the digital home service are rapidly spreading, various information home appliances are installed and operated in the home, and these home appliances have a complex function in which various functions are provided in one device according to the trend of convergence of digital devices. Have

Due to the characteristics of the home network service, various information appliances connected to the home network interwork with each other to provide a service, or various information appliances are always connected to the network and are operated 24 hours a day. Consumption is an important issue.

Therefore, in order to minimize the power consumption of such information appliances, various standby power saving methods that consume minimal power in the standby state when the device is not in use, and standby in the operating state when the user does not use the information appliance for a certain period of time. Research into how to change the state to reduce the power consumption. In addition, the TV is turned off by judging the usage state of the TV in the set-top box by using a physical signal such as a hot-plug detector signal directly connected between video devices such as a set-top box or a TV. In this case, a method of reducing power consumption by cutting off power to a part related to watching TV while operating other necessary functions is also being studied.

However, these savings can only be limited between specific devices with video interfaces that support Hot-Plug Detector Pins, such as High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Digital Video Interface (DVI), and the like. The range of application is very limited because it cannot be applied between most information appliances connected to a home network without an interface. In addition, although there is some effect of reducing the power consumption of the set-top box itself, the current situation is that the power consumption reduction effect is very small at the home network level. In addition, the information home appliance alone cuts power to its own unused functions, thereby reducing power consumption.However, in a home network connected with various information home appliances, Has the disadvantage of reducing power consumption.

Therefore, in order to minimize the power consumption of a plurality of information appliances connected to the home network and always operated according to various home network services, power control of all information appliances connected to the home network and power of the internal functions of the devices are performed. New approaches are needed to provide integrated control at the home network level.

The present invention has been proposed to solve the above problems and to meet the above requirements, and when a home network service is requested in a home network environment, various information home appliances connected to the home network interoperate with each other and are associated with the service. And a power control system and a power control terminal device for reducing power consumption based on a home network for reducing power consumption of an entire home network by supplying power only for a function to remove unnecessary power when providing a home network service. And a method thereof.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects and advantages of the present invention which are not mentioned above can be understood by the following description, and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. Also, it will be readily appreciated that the objects and advantages of the present invention may be realized by the means and combinations thereof indicated in the claims.

The system of the present invention for achieving the above object, in the power control system, the power control element information from the power control terminal device, and the storage for storing the power control element for power control for each detailed unit function of the power control system Way; Power control resource management means for receiving power control element information from the power control terminal device and storing it in the storage means and extracting power control target device and power control element information for each detailed function required for service provision; Power control command setting means for generating a power control procedure based on the power control element information extracted by the power control resource management means and the power control resource information stored in the storage means to set a power control command; And network matching means for providing an interface for communication with the power control terminal device.

In addition, the apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object, the power control terminal device, power control element storage means for storing a power control element for controlling the power for each sub-function of the power control terminal device; Network matching means for providing an interface for communicating with a power control system; Power control management means for transmitting power control element information for each detailed unit function received from a power control means to the power control system, and analyzing a power control message received from the power control system to generate a power control command; And configuring a power control element for each detailed unit function of the power control terminal device and transferring the power control element to the power control management means, and controlling the power of the power control element according to a power control command from the power control management means. Control means.

On the other hand, the method of the present invention for achieving the above object, the power control method in the power control system, power control element information storage step of receiving and storing power control element information from the power control terminal device; A power control information generation step of generating power control information for setting power control for a power control target device and power control element for each detailed function required for providing a service; And a power control command setting step of setting a power control command by generating a power control procedure based on the power control element information stored in the power control element information storage step and the power control information generated in the power control information generation step. .

The method may further include requesting and receiving the power control element information from the power control terminal device when power control element information is not received from the power control terminal device.

In addition, another method of the present invention for achieving the above object, in the power control method in the power control terminal device, the power to configure the power control element information for each detailed unit function of the power control terminal device to deliver to the power control system Transmitting control element information; A power control message analyzing step of analyzing a power control message received from the power control system to generate a power control command; And a power control step of controlling power for the corresponding power control element according to the power control command generated in the power control message analyzing step.

The present invention as described above, in the home network environment by controlling the power to the information home appliances and functions associated with the requested home network service by various information appliances connected to each other, all information connected to the home network integrated at the home network level There is an effect that can perform power control for home appliances and power control for internal functions of information home appliances.

In addition, the present invention as described above, in the home network environment, various information home appliances are interoperated with each other to supply power only to the information home appliances and functions associated with the requested home network services, the power consumed unnecessarily when providing home network services By reducing the power consumption, the power consumption of the entire home network can be reduced.

In addition, the present invention as described above, based on the power control resource information to generate an optimal power control procedure that can minimize the power consumption according to the home network service provided, and a power control application service development interface (API) for service developers Application Program Interface) to control power for each information appliance and function accordingly, thereby facilitating the development and management of power saving services.

The above objects, features, and advantages will become more apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, and accordingly, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may share the technical idea of the present invention. It will be easy to implement. In addition, in describing the present invention, when it is determined that the detailed description of the known technology related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a configuration diagram of a power control server (power control system) and a power control client (power control terminal device) for reducing power consumption based on a home network according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the power control server (power control system) 10 according to the present invention includes a power control resource manager 11, a power control setup procedure generator 12, and a power control setup message generator 13. ), A power control resource database 14, a power control element storage 15, and a network matcher 16.

Here, the power control resource manager 11 controls power by device received from all information home appliances (that is, the power control client 20) connected to the home network through the power control element information and the network matching unit 16. Element information is stored in the power control resource database 14 according to service type, user policy, context awareness information, usage pattern, etc. (ie, the power control resource database 14 is constructed). At this time, the power control resource management unit 11 requests power control element information of the unreceived information home appliances or power control element information of the necessary information home appliances to the corresponding power control client 20 through the network matching unit 16. Can be received.

In this case, the power control elements are preferably divided into elements for independently controlling power for each unit function of each information home appliance to provide a home network service.

In addition, the power control resource management unit 11 analyzes the requested home network service, extracts the types of information home appliances required for providing the corresponding home network services, and detailed functions required by the information home appliances, and extracts the extracted information home appliances. Information (power control information) of the power control elements corresponding to the device and the function is transmitted to the power control setting procedure generation unit 12.

Then, the power control setting procedure generation unit 12 transmits power control information transmitted from the power control resource management unit 11 and power control resource information stored in the power control resource database 14 (that is, service, user policy, and situation awareness information). And automatically configure the association between the information household appliances necessary for providing the home network service (automatically configure the power control shape) based on the stored information household appliances and power control element information for each function according to usage patterns.

In addition, the power control setting procedure generation unit 12 may include the association information between the configured information appliances and the power control resource information stored in the power control resource database 14 (that is, service, user policy, situation awareness information, usage pattern, etc.). Based on the information stored in the home appliance and the power control element for each function), an optimal power control procedure for minimizing the power consumption according to the home network service is generated and transmitted to the power control setting message generator 13. .

In this case, the power control setting procedure generation unit 12 may be implemented as a framework, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The power control setting message generation unit 13 automatically recognizes (gathers) the power control element for each function of the information household appliance according to the home network service, and according to the power control procedure transmitted from the power control setting procedure generation unit 12. A corresponding information household appliance requiring power control through the network matching unit 16 by generating a message (that is, a power control message) instructing power control of a power control element of each information household appliance. (I.e., power control client) 20.

In this case, when the power control setting message generation unit 13 requires its own power control, the power control setting message generation unit 13 automatically controls the power control according to the power control command of the power control message generated by automatically generating its own power control element information according to the home network service. The power for the power control element stored in the element storage unit 15 is controlled.

Here, the power control setting message generation unit 13 may be implemented as an EP-P (Energy-Aware Plug and Play), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The power control resource database 14 stores all information household appliances (ie, the power control client 20) and power control element information for each function connected to the home network according to service, user policy, context awareness information, usage pattern, and the like. .

In addition, the power control element storage unit 15 stores power control elements for independently controlling the power of each unit function of the power control server 10 (ie, the power control server 10).

The network matching unit 16 may be configured such that the power control server 10 connects Ethernet, IEEE1394, PLC (Power Line Communication), Wireless LAN (Wireless Local Area Network) with other information appliances in a home network, or It provides wired / wireless home network interface function for various wired / wireless communication such as ZigBee and Ultra Wideband (UWB).

Meanwhile, the power control client (power control terminal device) 20 according to the present invention includes a network matching unit 21, a power control management unit 22, a power control unit 23, and a power control element storage unit 24. do.

Here, the network matching unit 21 is a power control client 20, other information household appliances in the home network including the power control server 10, Ethernet (Ethernet), IEEE1394, PLC (Power Line Communication), wireless It provides wired / wireless home network interface function for various wired / wireless communication such as wireless local area network (ZLAN), ZigBee, or ultra wideband (UWB).

When the power is turned on, the power control manager 22 transmits the power control element information for each detailed unit function transmitted from the power controller 23 to the power control server 10 through the network matching unit 21. In addition, when the power control element information is requested from the power control server 10 through the network matching unit 21, the power control management unit 22 transmits the corresponding power control element information through the network matching unit 21 to the power control server ( 10) to pass.

In addition, the power control manager 22 analyzes the power control message transmitted from the power control server 10 through the network matching unit 21 and transmits a power control command for the corresponding power control element to the power controller 23. .

When the power is turned on, the power control unit 23 automatically configures a power control element for each detailed unit function and transmits the power control element information for each function to the power control manager 22, and the power control manager 22 transmits the power control element information for each function. According to the power control command, the power of the corresponding power control elements stored in the power control element storage unit 24 is controlled.

Here, the power control unit 23 may be implemented as an energy-aware plug and play (EPnP), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

In addition, the power control element storage unit 24 stores power control elements for independently controlling the power of each unit function of the power control client 20 (ie, the power control client 20).

2A and 2B are flowcharts of an embodiment of a power control method for reducing power consumption of a power control server according to the present invention.

First, when the power control server 10 is turned on (On) 201, the power control server 10 checks whether the power control element information is received from each information household appliance (ie, the power control client) 20 (202), each information When the power control element information is received from the home appliance (ie, the power control client) 20, the received power control elements for each information home appliance are stored according to service, user policy, context awareness information, usage pattern, etc. (ie, Build a power control resource database 14) (205).

Here, the power control server 10 also stores its own power control element information in the power control resource database 14, where the power control server 10 transmits its own power control element information for each information household appliance You can save it with the information or save it separately.

At this time, if the power control element information has not been received from each information household appliance (ie, the power control client) 20 as a result of the check 202, the power control server 10 is not received power control element information or necessary The power control element information may be requested to the corresponding power control client 20 (203) and received (204). After that, the process proceeds to step "205".

Here, the power control server 10 may generally be powering off all of its own power control elements (Power Off), or may have only power on the basic power control elements initially set by the user. In this case, when the power of the power control server 10 is turned on as described above, the home network service is requested in the state that the power of all the power control elements of the power control server 10 is turned off, or the user's physical setting, etc. And the like when the power is turned on. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

Subsequently, the power control server 10 checks whether the home network service is requested (206), analyzes the requested home network service when the home network service is requested, and minimizes power consumption when providing the home network service. In operation 207, power control information on the information household appliances and the power consumption control elements for each function required for providing the network service are generated.

Subsequently, the power control server 10 automatically configures an association between information home appliances required for providing a home network service based on the power control information generated in step 207, and provides the association information between the configured information appliances. In step 208, an optimal power control procedure is generated for the information home appliance and the power control element for each function of the information home appliance so as to minimize the power consumption according to the home network service.

In addition, the power control server 10 generates a power control message for each information household appliance and power control elements for each function according to the power control procedure generated in step “208”, and controls the power of the power control server according to the generated power control message. Control power to the element (if its own power control is required) or forward the generated power control message to other information household appliances (i.e., power control client) 20 required for providing home network services ( Power control of other information household appliances required to provide home network service) (209).

Here, when the information household appliances required to provide the home network service are both the power control server 10 and the power control client 20, the power control server 10 controls its own power according to the generated power control message. Both power control for the element and the process of delivering the generated power control message to the power control client 20 should be performed.

Subsequently, the power control server 10 receives a message indicating that power control for the power control elements has been completed from other information household appliances (ie, a power control client) 20 required for providing the home network service (power control completed). Message), and when the power control completion message is delivered, it is determined that power control for a power control element capable of minimizing power consumption according to home network service is completed, and then performs the corresponding home network service. (211).

Thereafter, the power control server 10 checks whether the home network service is completed (212), and when the home network service is completed, power control on the power control elements that are controlled to minimize power consumption according to the home network service. A message (power control release message) for releasing is generated (213).

Subsequently, the power control server 10 releases power control for its power control element according to the generated power control release message (when the power is controlled for its power control element in step 209). In operation 214, the generated power control release message is transmitted to another information household appliance (ie, a power control client) 20 required for providing the home network service.

Next, a message indicating that the power control server 10 has released power control for the power control elements from the other information household appliances (ie, the power control client) 20 required for providing the home network service (power control). Check whether the release completion message has been delivered (215), and if the power control release complete message has been received, determines that the power control for the power control element has been released; From step 216, it is checked whether power control element information has been received.

As a result of the check 216, if the power control element information is received from each information home appliance (i.e., the power control client) 20, the power control server 10 provides a service and a user with the received power control elements for each information appliance. Store according to policy, contextual awareness information, usage patterns, etc. (ie, build power control resource database 14) (217).

The power control server 10 then turns off all of its power control elements (Power Off) or only powers on the basic power control element initially set by the user.

Here, when the power control server 10 has turned off all of its power control elements, the process proceeds to "201" to wait for a new home network service request, and the power control server 10 is initially set. If only the power for the basic power control element is turned on, the process proceeds to step 206 to wait for a new home network service request.

On the other hand, if the power control element information has not been received from each information home appliance (ie, the power control client) 20, the power control server 10 proceeds to the "201" or "206" process. Proceed.

2 illustrates an example in which the power control server 10 turns off all of its functions when it waits to check whether the home network service is requested, or turns on only the initial basic functions. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a power control method for reducing power consumption of a power control client according to the present invention.

First, when the power control client 20 is turned on (On) (301), and automatically configures the power control element information of the information-specific home appliances for each function (302) and delivers it to the power control server 10 ( 303).

Thereafter, the power control client 20 checks the message transmitted from the power control server 10 (304).

As a result of the check 304, if the received message is a message for requesting power control element information (power control element information request message), the corresponding power control element information is transmitted to the power control server 10 (303).

On the other hand, if the check result 304, the received message is a power control message for the power control elements, the power control client 20 analyzes the received power control message to generate a power control command (305), The power for the corresponding power control element is controlled according to the power control command (306).

Subsequently, when the power control client 20 completes the power control on the power control element in the process “306”, the power control client 20 generates a message indicating the completion of power control (a power control completion message) and transmits it to the power control server 10. In operation 307, it is checked whether a power control release message is transmitted from the power control server 10 (308).

If the check result 308, the power control release message was not delivered from the power control server 10, the power control client 20 is the "306" until the power control release message from the power control server 10 is delivered. During the process, the power control state is maintained as it is and waits for the reception of the power control release message from the power control server 10.

On the other hand, if the check result 308, the power control release message received from the power control server 10, the power control client 20 releases the power control state controlled in the "306" process to complete the power control release. Transmits a message (power control release complete message) to the power control server 10 (309), powers off all of its own power control elements (Power Off), or a default power control element initially set by the user; Turn on power only.

Here, when the power control client 20 has turned off all power control elements of its own, the process proceeds to "301" to wait for provision of a new home network service, and the power control client 20 is initially set. If only the power for the basic power control element is turned on, the process proceeds to "304" to wait for a new home network service.

4 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a home network service process for reducing power consumption according to the present invention.

In this case, it is assumed that the power control server 10 and the power control client 20 are powered on.

First, the power control client 20 automatically configures power control element information of its own function-specific information home appliance (401), and transmits it to the power control server 10 (402).

In this case, the power control server 10 may request and receive power control element information that is not received or necessary power control element information from the power control client 20.

Thereafter, the power control server 10 stores the power control element information received from the power control client 20 according to a service, a user policy, context awareness information, a usage pattern, etc. (ie, constructs a power control resource database. (403).

When the home network service is requested, the power control server 10 analyzes the requested home network service to reduce the power consumption when providing the home network service. Generate power control information for power consumption control elements (404).

Subsequently, the power control server 10 generates an optimal power control procedure for each power control element capable of minimizing power consumption based on the generated power control information (405), and generates the power control procedure. Generate a power control message for each power control element in accordance with step 406.

Thereafter, the power control server 10 transmits the generated power control message to the power control client 20 (407).

Then, the power control client 20 analyzes the power control message transmitted from the power control server 10 to generate a power control command (408), and controls the power for the corresponding power control element according to the generated power control command. (409).

After completing the power control for the power control element, the power control client 20 generates a message (power control completion message) indicating that the power control is completed and transmits it to the power control server 10 (410).

Subsequently, when the power control server 10 receives a message (power control completion message) indicating that power control for the power control elements is completed, the power control server 10 performs the corresponding home network service (411).

Subsequently, after the power control server 10 finishes performing the home network service, the power control server 10 releases the power control on the power control elements that have been pre-controlled so as to minimize power consumption according to the home network service. Message) to the power control client 20 (412).

Subsequently, when the power control client 20 receives a message (power control release message) for releasing power control for the power control elements that have been controlled from the power control server 10, the power control client 20 releases the corresponding power control state (413). In operation 414, the power control server 10 transmits a message indicating that the power control release is completed (power control release completion message).

On the other hand, the method of the present invention as described above can be written in a computer program. And the code and code segments constituting the program can be easily inferred by a computer programmer in the art. In addition, the written program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium (information storage medium), and read and executed by a computer to implement the method of the present invention. The recording medium may include any type of computer readable recording medium.

The present invention described above is capable of various substitutions, modifications, and changes without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention for those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. It is not limited by the drawings.

The present invention can be used for all power control applications of a server client relationship in which various devices are connected to a home network system and a network and interoperate to provide a service.

1 is a configuration diagram of a power control server and a power control client for reducing power consumption based on a home network according to the present invention;

2A and 2B are flowcharts of an embodiment of a power control method for reducing power consumption of a power control server according to the present invention;

3 is a flowchart illustrating a power control method for reducing power consumption of a power control client according to the present invention;

4 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a home network service process for reducing power consumption according to the present invention.

* Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings

10: power control server 20: power control client

11: power control resource management unit 12: power control setting procedure generation unit

13: power control configuration message generation unit 14: power control resource database

15, 24: power control element storage unit 16, 21: network matching unit

22: power control management unit 23: power control unit

Claims (15)

In a power control system, Storage means for storing power control element information from a power control terminal device, and a power control element for power control for each detailed unit function of the power control system; Power control resource management means for receiving power control element information from the power control terminal device and storing it in the storage means and extracting power control target device and power control element information for each detailed function required for service provision; Power control command setting means for generating a power control procedure based on the power control element information extracted by the power control resource management means and the power control resource information stored in the storage means to set a power control command; And Network matching means for providing an interface for communication with the power control terminal apparatus Power control system comprising a. The method of claim 1, The power control command setting means, Generating a power control procedure by configuring an association between a power control target device required for service provision based on power control element information extracted by the power control resource management means and power control resource information stored in the storage means; A power control setting procedure generation unit; And A power control setting message generation unit for generating a power control message instructing power control for each power control element according to the power control procedure generated by the power control setting procedure generation unit and setting a power control command Power control system comprising a. The method of claim 2, The power control setting message generator, As the generated power control message is a power control command to the power control system, power for a power control element for power control for each unit function of the power control system stored in the storage means is controlled. Power control system. The method of claim 2, The power control setting message generator, And transmits the generated power control message to the corresponding power control terminal device through the network matching means as the generated power control message is a power control command to the power control terminal device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The storage means, Power control resource storage means for storing power control element information from the power control terminal device and power control element information of the power control system; And Power control element storage means for storing a power control element for independently controlling the power for each detailed unit function of the power control system Power control system comprising a. The method of claim 5, wherein The power control resource management means, And not receiving power control element information from the power control terminal device, requesting and receiving the corresponding power control element information from the power control terminal device through the network matching means. The method of claim 6, The power control resource management means, And storing the power control element information received from the power control terminal device and the power control element information of the power control system in the power control resource storage means according to service type, user policy, situation awareness information, and usage pattern. Power control system. In the power control terminal device, Power control element storage means for storing a power control element for controlling power for each sub function of the power control terminal device; Network matching means for providing an interface for communicating with a power control system; Power control management means for transmitting power control element information for each detailed unit function received from a power control means to the power control system, and analyzing a power control message received from the power control system to generate a power control command; And The power control for configuring a power control element for each sub-function of the power control terminal device and transferring the power control element to the power control management means and controlling power for the corresponding power control element according to a power control command from the power control management means; Way Power control terminal device comprising a. In the power control method in a power control system, A power control element information storage step of receiving and storing power control element information from the power control terminal device; A power control information generation step of generating power control information for setting power control for a power control target device and power control element for each detailed function required for providing a service; And A power control command setting step of setting a power control command by generating a power control procedure based on the power control element information stored in the power control element information storing step and the power control information generated in the power control information generating step Power control method in a power control system comprising a. The method of claim 9, Requesting and receiving the corresponding power control element information from the power control terminal device when power control element information is not received from the power control terminal device; Power control method in a power control system further comprising. The method according to claim 9 or 10, The power control command setting step, Generating a power control procedure by configuring an association between power control element information stored in the power control element information storage step and a power control target device required for service provision based on the power control element information stored in the power control element information storage step and the power control information generated in the power control information generation step; Generating a power control procedure; And A power control message generation step of generating a power control message instructing power control for each power control element according to the power control procedure generated in the power control procedure generation step and setting a power control command Power control method in a power control system comprising a. The method of claim 11, Generating the power control message, According to the generated power control message is a power control command for the power control system, the power control system for setting the power control for the power control element for power control for each sub-function of the power control system Power control method. The method of claim 11, Generating the power control message, And transmitting the generated power control message to a corresponding power control terminal device as the generated power control message is a power control command to the power control terminal device. The method of claim 11, The power control element information storage step, And storing the power control element information received from the power control terminal device and the power control system according to service type, user policy, situation awareness information, and usage pattern. In the power control method in a power control terminal device, A power control element information transmitting step of constructing power control element information for each detailed function of the power control terminal device and transmitting the power control element information to a power control system; A power control message analyzing step of analyzing a power control message received from the power control system to generate a power control command; And A power control step of controlling power for a corresponding power control element according to a power control command generated in the power control message analyzing step Power control method in a power control terminal device comprising a.

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