TW201310935A - Communication device, communication processing program, monitoring system, data logger - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are a communication device, a communication processing program, and a monitoring system whereby a monitoring system using various data loggers can be more easily implemented and constructed. The system comprises a first communication part (58) for communicating with a data logger group (14) composed of a plurality of data loggers (16, 18, 20, 22) installed in a predetermined management range (12), a second communication part (60) connected to a server (28) via a network (26), and an automatic recognition part (64) having a storage part (66) that stores communication protocol information of the data loggers (16, 18, 20, 22). The system is characterized in that communication protocol of the data loggers (16, 18, 20, 22) is automatically recognized, measurement data stored in the data loggers (16, 18, 20, 22) is downloaded, and the measurement data is uploaded to the server (28).

Description

Communication device, communication processing program, monitoring system

The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication processing program, and a monitoring system, and is particularly suitable for use in a monitoring system that acquires weather information or the like in a remote location.

In a system for obtaining environmental information such as weather information including a management area of a large-scale farm or mountain, a monitoring system using a field server has been disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1). The field server is configured to transmit measurement data obtained by a sensor group composed of a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor to a client PC through a network such as the Internet. . Thereby, the client PC can instantly obtain the environmental information obtained by using the sensors provided in the field server.

However, since the field server is not provided with a memory device, if the communication state is unstable, measurement data is missing, and there is a problem that it is necessary to ensure a high-quality communication state.

In contrast, in recent years, a data recorder including a sensor group, a memory device for storing environmental information acquired by the sensor group, and a communication device connected to the network has been used.

(previous technical literature) (Patent Literature)

(Patent Document 1) Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2008-64591

However, the monitoring system using the above data logger is not easy to use in the operation and construction of the system. That is, from the point of view of the characteristics or price of the product, the data logger generally uses data loggers of different manufacturers in one management scope, but the specifications of the communication protocol and the measurement method are determined by each manufacturer. different. Therefore, the user must prepare a program for each manufacturer's data logger to communicate with each data logger. In addition, the data logger directly uses the network such as the Internet to obtain the remote location. When the measurement data of the data logger is memorized, there is a problem that it is necessary to set a communication machine connected to the network by each data logger.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication device, a communication processing program, and a monitoring system that can more easily use and construct a monitoring system using various data loggers.

A communication device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first communication unit that communicates with a data recorder group constituted by a plurality of data recorders set in a predetermined management range; and a second communication unit that transmits through the network And the automatic identification unit, wherein the automatic identification unit has a memory unit that memorizes the communication protocol information of the data recorder, automatically identifies the communication protocol of the data recorder, and downloads the measurement recorded in the data recorder. data, And uploading the measurement data to the server.

Further, in another aspect of the communication device of the present invention, the memory unit has function information of each of the data loggers, and the automatic identification unit responds to an instruction transmitted to the data logger group and the function information. For comparison, the aforementioned data logger is specified.

Further, a communication device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a timer that turns the main power source ON at a predetermined timing.

The communication device of the present invention includes a display unit that displays the acquired status of the measurement data after the data recorder starts downloading the measurement data.

The communication processing program of the present invention is characterized in that the computer performs the following steps: automatically recognizing a communication protocol with a data logger group constituted by a plurality of data loggers set in a predetermined management range; a step of connecting the server; and downloading the measurement data memorized in the data logger and uploading the measurement data to the server.

Further, in another aspect of the communication processing program of the present invention, the step of automatically identifying the communication protocol of the data logger is to compare the response to the command transmitted to the data logger group and the pre-memorized function information. To specify the aforementioned data logger.

The monitoring system of the present invention is characterized by comprising a communication device having: a first communication unit that communicates with a data logger group constituted by a plurality of data loggers set in a predetermined management range; a communication unit connected to the server via the network; and an automatic identification unit having a memory in which the communication protocol information of the data logger is memorized The part automatically recognizes the communication protocol of the data logger, downloads the measurement data stored in the data logger, and uploads the measurement data to the server.

According to the present invention, the communication protocol is sequentially switched in cooperation with the data logger to determine communication with the data logger, whereby the trouble of communication for each data logger can be omitted, so that the monitoring system can be more easily used. In addition, according to the present invention, the measurement data downloaded by the data recorder group is uploaded to the server through the network, thereby eliminating the need to set the communication connected to the network by each data recorder as in the prior art. Therefore, the monitoring system can be easily constructed.

(all components)

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The monitoring system 10 shown in Fig. 1 is composed of a data logger group 14, a field router 24, a server 28, and a personal computer 30.

The data logger group 14 is composed of a plurality of large-scale farms 12 that are set as predetermined management ranges, and is composed of four first to fourth data loggers 16, 18, 20, and 22 in the present embodiment. Each of the data loggers 16, 18, 20, 22 can be configured to be wirelessly connected to the field router 24. The first to fourth data recorders 16, 18, 20, and 22 acquire environmental information such as temperature and humidity in the large-scale farm 12 and store them.

The communication between the data loggers 16, 18, 20, and 22 and the field router 24 is performed in accordance with Bluetooth (Bluetooth: SIG (Special Interest Group) registered trademark) according to the short-range wireless communication standard. In Bluetooth (registered trademark), if the communication protocols of the devices are the same, they recognize each other and become communicable.

In the case of this embodiment, each of the data loggers 16, 18, 20, and 22 sets different communication protocols in accordance with the acquired environmental information. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a plurality of data recorders having different communication protocols are mixed in the large-scale farm 12 system.

The field router 24 is connected to the server 28 via the Internet 26 as a network. The personal computer 30 is installed in a university or research institution remote from the large-scale farm 12, and is connected to the server 28 via the Internet 26.

At this time, the on-site router 24 downloads the environmental information stored in the data loggers 16, 18, 20, 22, and uploads it to the server 28 via the Internet 26. Thereby, the user can access the server 28 from the personal computer 30, thereby obtaining environmental information of the large-scale farm 12.

The environmental information is composed of meteorological information or soil information. For weather information, temperature, humidity, rainfall, sunlight, and ultraviolet light are listed. In addition, in terms of soil information, water content, temperature, electrical conductivity, and the like are listed. In addition, in terms of environmental information, the amount of radiation can also be included.

The first to fourth data recorders 16, 18, 20, and 22 have no difference in configuration except for the sensor group. Therefore, the second figure will be described with reference to FIG. 1 data logger 16. The first data recorder 16 is connected to the control unit 32, the sensor group 34, the memory unit 36, and the communication unit 38 that collectively control various functions of the first data recorder 16 through the control bus 40.

The control unit 32 reads various programs such as a basic program or an environmental information acquisition program stored in advance, and controls the entire first data recorder 16 in accordance with the various programs.

The sensor group 34 is composed of one or more sensors, for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or the like. Thereby, the sensor group 34 converts the environmental information acquired by the sensor into measurement data. In the second to fourth data recorders 18 to 22, the sensor group 34 is configured to be different from the acquired environmental information.

The control unit 32 acquires various environmental information at a predetermined timing in the sensor group 34, and converts the environmental information into measurement data. Next, the control unit 32 receives the measurement data through the control bus 40 and stores the measurement data in the storage unit 36. Among them, the measurement data is individually memorized for each sensor constituting the sensor group 34. That is, the measurement data is composed of the same amount of individual data as the number of sensors. The individual data contains information indicating the size of the data.

The control unit 32 can transmit the measurement data stored in the memory unit 36 to the field router 24 via the communication unit 38 and the antenna ANT1. Actually, the control unit 32 first transmits one individual data among the measurement data, and transmits the next individual data after the transmission of the individual data. Further, the control unit 32 transmits a capacity display signal indicating the total capacity of the measurement data to the field router 24.

As shown in FIG. 3, the field router 24 is connected to the control unit 42, the power supply unit 44, the LED 52, the timer 54, the camera 56, the first communication unit 58, the second communication unit 60, and the display unit 62 via the control bus 68. The automatic identification unit 64.

The control unit 42 reads various programs such as a basic program stored in advance and a data transmission and reception processing program, and controls the entire field router 24 in accordance with the various programs.

The power supply unit 44 includes a solar panel 46, a battery 48, and a charge controller 50. The charge controller 50 is configured to monitor the charge/discharge amount of the battery 48, thereby preventing overcharge and overdischarge. When the LED 52 receives a power-on signal indicating an ON state of the power source, a network connection signal indicating a state in which the Internet connection 26 is connected, and the like, the LED 52 is appropriately lit, and the ON state of the power source or the connection state to the Internet 26 can be displayed. . The timer 54 generates a start signal at a predetermined timing and transmits it to the control unit 42 through the control bus 68. Thereby, the control unit 42 can be started at a predetermined timing. For example, the control unit 42 may be configured to start up once every 30 days. The camera 56 photographs the periphery of the field router 24 at the time of startup. The display unit 62 displays the data logger of the download source or the remaining amount of the measurement data when the measurement data is downloaded from the data loggers 16, 18, 20, and 22.

The first communication unit 58 is configured to be capable of wirelessly communicating with the communication unit 38 of the material recorders 16, 18, 20, 22 via the antenna ANT2. The second communication unit 60 is constituted by a USB data device, and is configured to be connected to the Internet 26 by a dial-up connection.

The automatic identification unit 64 is configured to perform pre-stored automatic identification. Processing program. In the present specification, automatic identification refers to a communication protocol in which the field router 24 specifically identifies the unknown data loggers 16, 18, 20, 22, and is formed in a state in which communication with the data logger is possible. The automatic identification unit 64 includes a storage unit 66, and the storage unit 66 stores communication protocol information including a plurality of communication protocols that can be set in the data loggers 16, 18, 20, and 22, and data logger specific information.

In the case of the present embodiment, the communication protocol used in the first to fourth data recorders 16, 18, 20, and 22 is included in the communication protocol information, and the communication protocol other than the above is not included. Although the present invention is not limited thereto, it is a matter of course that other communication protocols that are not used in the first to fourth data recorders 16, 18, 20, and 22 may be included. Further, the data logger specific information includes functional information such as the respective data loggers 16, 18, 20, 22.

The automatic identification unit 64 sequentially reads one of the plurality of communication protocols by the storage unit 66, and performs connection request processing for transmitting the connection request signal to the data recorder group 14 through the first communication unit 58 and the antenna ANT2. Further, the automatic identification unit 64 is an instruction confirmation process that is transmitted to the data recorder group 14 when the connection request is not responded by any of the data loggers, that is, the summary complex instruction is executed. The command transmitted here is a command for executing a function that is characterized by a data logger that is stored in the memory unit 66 as function information, for example, a "getver command" for investigating a version of a data logger manufactured by Decagon, or "TEST command" for connection confirmation with Davis company data logger.

The automatic identification unit 64 transmits the antenna ANT2 and the respective processes described above. The first communication unit 58 receives the response signal from the data logger group 14, and specifies the data logger based on the response signal. As described above, the automatic identification unit 64 specifies the data logger, whereby the control unit 42 performs wireless communication with the data logger using the same communication protocol as the data logger.

(Measurement data acquisition processing order)

Next, the processing data acquisition processing procedure of the field router 24 will be described. The control unit 42 acquires the processing program in accordance with the measurement data, and the process proceeds from the start of the measurement data acquisition processing sequence RT1 shown in FIG. 4 to the step SP1. The control unit 42 is first provided around the field router 24 to retrieve a data logger that can communicate with the field router 24. Actually, the control unit 42 causes the automatic recognition unit 64 to execute the automatic recognition processing program in step SP1. The automatic identification unit 64 starts the automatic identification processing sequence in accordance with the automatic identification processing program, selects one communication protocol from the communication protocol information, transmits a connection request signal to the data recorder group 14, and proceeds to step SP2.

In step SP2, the automatic identification unit 64 determines whether or not there is a response to the connection request signal by each of the data loggers 16, 18, 20, and 22.

If a negative result is obtained in step SP2, this means that although the communication between any of the first to fourth data recorders 16, 18, 20, 22 and the field router 24 has been determined, the field router 24 has not yet been The data logger whose communication has been determined can be specified, and the automatic identification unit 64 moves to step SP3.

In step SP3, the automatic identification unit 64 is not required to connect to the connection. In response, it is judged whether or not the predetermined time for starting the executed instruction confirmation processing has elapsed.

If a negative result is obtained in step SP3, this is indicated as a period of waiting for response signals from the data loggers 16, 18, 20, and 22, at which time the automatic identification unit 64 returns to step SP2. Then, in a period from the predetermined time for starting the command confirmation processing to the affirmative result in step SP3, the processing loops of step SP2 and step SP3 are repeated to wait for the data recorders 16, 18, 20, 22 from the data recorders 16, 18, 20, 22 response.

Next, when the automatic identification unit 64 obtains an affirmative result in step SP3, the process proceeds to step SP4, and the take-up complex command is transmitted to the material recorder group 14, and the process proceeds to step SP5.

In step SP5, the automatic identification unit 64 specifies the data logger based on the response signal from the data loggers 16, 18, 20, 22 to the transmitted command, ends the automatic identification processing sequence, and proceeds to step SP6.

In fact, the data logger transmits the correct event signal for the functions included in the received command itself. In contrast, the function transmits an error signal for functions not included by itself, so by using the event signal And the error signal, compared with the data logger specific information, can be specific data logger.

On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step SP2, this means that the data logger responds, and only the data logger can be specified in the connection request processing. At this time, the automatic identification unit 64 ends the automatic identification processing sequence and shifts. Go to step SP6.

In step SP6, the control unit 42 acquires the processing according to the measurement data. Then, the download command is transmitted to the specific data logger, and the process moves to step SP7.

At this time, the control unit 42 performs communication using the predetermined communication protocol with respect to the material recorder specified by the automatic identification unit 64. The control unit 42 transmits a download command requesting transmission of the measurement data to the data recorder via the first communication unit 58 and the antenna ANT2.

In step SP7, the control unit 42 downloads the measurement data transmitted by the specific material recorder based on the download command, and proceeds to step SP8.

In step SP8, the control unit 42 determines whether or not the download of the measurement data has ended.

If a negative result is obtained in step SP8, this indicates that the measurement data download has not been completed, and the control unit 42 returns to step SP7.

Next, when the control unit 42 obtains an affirmative result in step SP8, the process proceeds to step SP9, and the confirmation message signal is transmitted to the material recorder, and the process proceeds to step SP10.

In step SP10, the control unit 42 determines whether there is any subsequent material that has not been downloaded to the material recorder.

If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP10, this indicates that there is any subsequent data that has not been downloaded to the data logger, and the control unit 42 returns to step SP7.

If a negative result is obtained in step SP10, this means that the download of the measurement data has been completed in the data recorder, and the control unit 42 proceeds to step SP12.

Actually, the control unit 42 receives the measurement money transmitted by the data recorder via the antenna ANT2 and the first communication unit 58 based on the download command. material. One individual data is transmitted by the data logger. On the other hand, the control unit 42 determines whether or not the download of one individual material has ended by the information indicating the size of the data included in the individual data. If the download of one individual data has been completed, the control unit 42 transmits a confirmation message signal to the data logger to request the next individual data. In the order as described above, the control unit 42 downloads the individual data stored in the data recorder by one. At this time, the control unit 42 determines whether or not the download of the measurement data has ended based on the capacity display signal transmitted by the data logger. Further, the control unit 42 calculates the difference between the capacity display signal and the capacity of the already-measured measurement data, and transmits the data remaining amount display signal generated by the difference to the display unit 62, and causes the display unit 62 to display the data remaining amount.

In step SP12, the control unit 42 determines whether or not the download of the measurement data has been completed for all of the first to fourth data loggers.

In the case where the plurality of data loggers having the common communication protocol are specified in step SP5, the control unit repeats the processing of steps SP6 to SP10 for each data logger in an arbitrary order.

If a negative result is obtained in step SP12, this means that the data logger that has not yet downloaded the measurement data remains, and the control unit 42 moves to step SP13.

In step SP13, the control unit 42 selects the communication protocol that has not been selected by the communication protocol information, and returns to step SP1.

When an affirmative result is obtained in step SP12, this means that in all of the first to fourth data recorders 16, 18, 20, and 22, the download of the measurement data has been completed, and the control unit 42 moves to step SP14. And end the measurement The data is obtained in the processing order.

(action and effect)

Next, the operation and effects of the field router 24 configured as described above will be described.

The field router 24 of the present embodiment is not always started, but is set to start at a predetermined timing for a predetermined period of time, for example, once every 30 minutes. When the control unit 42 receives the start signal from the timer 54, the field router 24 turns on the main power, first starts the basic program, and then turns on the power of all the devices connected to the control bus 68. When the power is turned ON in each machine, the start confirmation signal is transmitted to the control unit 42. When receiving the start confirmation signal of all the devices, the control unit 42 generates a power-on signal and transmits it to the LED 52. Thereby, the LED 52 is turned on so as to indicate the ON state of the power source. Among them, the charge controller 50 is normally activated independently of the control unit 42 in monitoring the charge/discharge amount of the battery.

The field router 24 is then connected to the Internet 26 via the dial-up connection via the second communication unit 60. When the connection to the Internet is completed, the control unit 42 generates a network connection signal and transmits it to the LED 52. Thereby, the LED 52 is illuminated in such a manner as to indicate the connection state of the Internet.

Next, the field router 24 photographs the surrounding photos by the camera 56, and uploads the captured image data to the server 28 through the second communication unit 60 and the Internet 26. Thereby, the user can download the image data through the personal computer 30 that can be accessed by the server 28.

Next, the on-site router 24 is composed of data loggers disposed at the periphery. 16, 18, 20, 22 to download measurement data. First, the field router 24 automatically identifies a communication protocol of one data logger by a data logger group in which a plurality of data loggers having different communication protocols are mixed, to specify a data logger. Thereby, the field router 24 starts wireless communication with the one data logger, and then transmits a download command to the data logger, and the data logger downloads the measurement data.

Next, the field router 24 automatically identifies the communication protocols of other data loggers in the data logger group 14 in order to sequentially specify other data loggers. Thereby, the field router 24 sequentially starts wireless communication with the other data loggers, and sequentially downloads the measurement data. Thereby, the field router 24 can communicate with all of the data loggers 16, 18, 20, 22 included in the data logger group 14, and download the measurement data.

As described above, the on-site router 24 automatically identifies the unknown communication protocols of the data loggers 16, 18, 20, 22 in sequence, thereby enabling communication with the data logger. Therefore, the field router 24 can omit the trouble of the user communicating with each of the data loggers 16, 18, 20, 22 as in the prior art, so that the monitoring system 10 can be more easily used.

Further, the field router 24 of the present embodiment is configured such that the data loggers 16, 18, 20, and 22 do not respond when the communication is determined, and the data logger is specified by the command confirmation processing. Thereby, even if the data logger that does not respond at the stage where the communication has been determined can be specified, the communication can be started more surely. Further, the field router 24 can specify the data logger by the command confirmation process even in the case where there are a plurality of data loggers having the same communication protocol.

In addition, the on-site router 24 uploads the measurement data downloaded by the data logger group 14 to the server 28 via the Internet 26. Thereby, the field router 24 does not need to be connected to the communication unit of the Internet 26 by the data loggers 16, 18, 20, 22 as in the prior art, so that the monitoring system 10 can be easily constructed.

(Modification)

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be appropriately modified within the gist of the invention. For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the data recorders 16, 18, 20, 22 and the field router 24 are provided as a management range on a large-scale farm is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be Data recorders and field routers are installed in mountains or factories and sewer pipes.

Further, the data logger group 14 is described with respect to the case of the first to fourth four data loggers. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be formed to be less than four or five or more.

10‧‧‧Monitoring system

12‧‧‧ Large-scale farms (administrative scope)

14‧‧‧ Data Logger Group

16, 18, 20, 22‧‧‧ data logger

24‧‧‧Field router (communication device)

26‧‧‧Internet (network)

28‧‧‧Server

30‧‧‧Personal Computer

32‧‧‧Control Department

34‧‧‧Sensor group

36‧‧‧Memory Department

38‧‧‧Communication Department

40‧‧‧Control bus

42‧‧‧Control Department

44‧‧‧Power Supply Department

46‧‧‧ solar panels

48‧‧‧Battery

50‧‧‧Charging controller

52‧‧‧LED

54‧‧‧Timer

56‧‧‧ camera

58‧‧‧1st Communication Department

60‧‧‧2nd Communications Department

62‧‧‧Display Department

64‧‧‧Automatic Identification Department

66‧‧‧Memory Department

68‧‧‧Control bus

ANT1, ANT2‧‧‧ antenna

Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing the overall configuration of a monitoring system using a field router according to the present embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a data logger of the embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the field router of the embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the measurement data acquisition processing in the field router of the embodiment.

10‧‧‧Monitoring system

12‧‧‧ Large-scale farms (administrative scope)

14‧‧‧ Data Logger Group

16, 18, 20, 22‧‧‧ data logger

24‧‧‧Field router (communication device)

26‧‧‧Internet (network)

28‧‧‧Server

30‧‧‧Personal Computer

Claims (11)

A communication device comprising: a first communication unit that communicates with a data recorder group composed of a plurality of data recorders disposed within a predetermined management range; and a second communication unit that transmits through the network And an automatic identification unit, which has a memory unit that memorizes the communication protocol information of the data logger, automatically identifies the communication protocol of the data logger, and downloads the measurement data memorized in the data logger. And uploading the measurement data to the aforementioned server. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the memory unit has function information of each of the data loggers, and the automatic identification unit responds to an instruction transmitted to the data logger group. The foregoing functional information is compared to specify the aforementioned data logger. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is configured to turn on the main power source at a predetermined timing. The communication device according to claim 2, further comprising a timer that turns on the main power source at a predetermined timing. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays the acquired status of the measurement data after the data recorder starts downloading the measurement data. The communication device according to claim 2, further comprising a display unit that starts downloading the measurement data by the data logger After that, the acquisition status of the measurement data is displayed. The communication device according to claim 3, further comprising a display unit that displays the acquired status of the measurement data after the data recorder starts downloading the measurement data. The communication device according to claim 4, further comprising a display unit that displays the acquired status of the measurement data after the data recorder starts downloading the measurement data. A communication processing program, characterized in that the computer performs the following steps: automatically recognizing a communication protocol with a data logger group constituted by a plurality of data loggers set in a predetermined management range; a step of connecting the devices; and downloading the measurement data memorized in the data logger and uploading the measurement data to the server. The communication processing program of claim 9, wherein the step of automatically identifying the communication protocol of the data logger is: a response to an instruction transmitted to the data logger group, and a function information pre-memorized For comparison, the aforementioned data logger is specified. A monitoring system comprising: a communication device having: a first communication unit that communicates with a data logger group constituted by a plurality of data loggers set in a predetermined management range; a communication unit connected to the server via a network; and an automatic identification unit having communication in which the data recorder is stored The memory unit of the agreement information automatically recognizes the communication protocol of the data logger, downloads the measurement data stored in the data logger, and uploads the measurement data to the server.