WO2014115286A1 - Power saving system in electric power line communication, power line communication device and power saving method - Google Patents

Power saving system in electric power line communication, power line communication device and power saving method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014115286A1
WO2014115286A1 PCT/JP2013/051476 JP2013051476W WO2014115286A1 WO 2014115286 A1 WO2014115286 A1 WO 2014115286A1 JP 2013051476 W JP2013051476 W JP 2013051476W WO 2014115286 A1 WO2014115286 A1 WO 2014115286A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
power line
line communication
power
activation signal
unit
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PCT/JP2013/051476
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
小川　誠
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イーエムシー株式会社
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Priority to PCT/JP2013/051476 priority Critical patent/WO2014115286A1/en
Publication of WO2014115286A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014115286A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B3/00—Line transmission systems
    • H04B3/54—Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
    • H04B3/544—Setting up communications; Call and signalling arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/02—Details
    • H04L12/12—Arrangements for remote connection or disconnection of substations or of equipment thereof
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02D—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES [ICT], I.E. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AIMING AT THE REDUCTION OF THEIR OWN ENERGY USE
    • Y02D30/00—Reducing energy consumption in communication networks
    • Y02D30/50—Reducing energy consumption in communication networks in wire-line communication networks, e.g. low power modes or reduced link rate

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a power saving system, a power line communication apparatus, and a power saving method capable of saving power during standby in power line communication.
  • Power line communication is a technology for performing communication between a plurality of power line communication devices connected via a power line.
  • it is generally necessary to activate the power line communication device even when power line communication is not being performed. For this reason, there is a problem that the power line communication device operates even when communication is not occurring and power is continuously consumed during the reception standby time.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses that a first communication mediating apparatus that communicates with an external network server pauses when all the stop states of all user terminals are detected by communication, and starts up instructions. The technology to be activated by is described.
  • a general power line communication device operates even when communication is not occurring, and there is a problem that power is continuously consumed.
  • the standby power consumption of the power line communication device is relatively non-negligible in the entire power saving system, and it is a big problem that the power saving device consumes power wastefully.
  • power line communication can be cut off in the hibernation state by using another communication means such as wireless or wake-on-run to return from the hibernation state.
  • another communication means such as wireless or wake-on-run to return from the hibernation state.
  • the merit of power line communication that the equipment investment can be minimized is lost.
  • these communication means consume standby power, they do not solve the fundamental problem of power saving.
  • the present invention provides a power saving system for power line communication, which can realize power saving by interrupting power line communication during standby without impairing the merit of power line communication that can minimize capital investment, and power line It is an object to provide a communication device and a power saving method.
  • the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is characterized by the following.
  • the power saving system in power line communication according to claim 1 is a power saving communication in power line communication that performs communication using a plurality of power line communication devices including a power line communication unit that performs transmission and reception of communication packets via the power line.
  • the power line communication device on the transmission side includes a start signal transmission unit that transmits a start signal using a frequency in a band not used by the power line communication unit to the power line
  • the power line communication device on the reception side includes: An activation signal receiving unit that receives an activation signal transmitted from the activation signal transmission unit from a power line, and the power line communication unit included in the power line communication device on the receiving side is in a power saving mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied.
  • the activation signal receiving unit receives the activation signal
  • the activation signal receiving unit returns from the power saving mode.
  • the invention described in claim 2 has the following features in addition to the features of the invention described in claim 1 described above. That is, the power line communication unit included in the power line communication device on the receiving side is in a power saving mode after performing processing based on a communication packet received by the power line communication unit.
  • the invention described in claim 3 is characterized by the following points in addition to the characteristics of the invention described in claim 1 or 2. That is, the power line communication unit included in the power line communication device on the receiving side is in a power saving mode when power line communication does not occur even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the reception of activation by the activation signal receiving unit is completed. It is characterized by.
  • (Claim 4) 5.
  • the power line communication device wherein a power line communication unit that performs transmission and reception of communication packets via a power line communication path, and an activation signal that uses a frequency in a band that is not used by the power line communication unit are received from the power line.
  • the power line communication unit enters a power saving mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and returns from the power saving mode when the activation signal receiving unit receives the activation signal. It is characterized by doing.
  • the power saving method in power line communication according to claim 5 is in power line communication in which communication is performed using a plurality of power line communication devices including a power line communication unit that performs transmission and reception of communication packets via a power line communication path.
  • a power-saving method wherein a transmission-side power line communication device transmits an activation signal using a frequency in a band not used by the power-line communication unit to a power line; and a reception-side power line communication device includes the transmission side Receiving the activation signal transmitted from the power line communication device from the power line, and the receiving power line communication device receiving the activation signal returning from the power saving mode.
  • the invention according to claim 1 is as described above, and the power line communication device on the transmission side includes an activation signal transmission unit that transmits an activation signal using a frequency in a band not used by the power line communication unit to the power line, and the reception side
  • the power line communication device includes a start signal receiving unit that receives the start signal transmitted from the start signal transmitting unit from a power line, and the power line communication unit included in the power line communication device on the receiving side satisfies a predetermined condition.
  • the activation signal receiving unit receives the activation signal, the power saving mode is restored. That is, since the power line communication unit can be set in the power saving mode, power saving can be realized.
  • a power line communication part should just be returned from a power saving mode by transmitting / receiving an activation signal. Moreover, since transmission / reception of the activation signal is performed using the power line, it is not necessary to provide a communication means different from the power line communication for transmission / reception of the activation signal, and power line communication that can minimize capital investment. No loss of merits.
  • the activation signal receiving unit can be composed of a transistor capable of filtering the frequency. That is, since the activation signal can be processed without using a computing device with high power consumption, standby power consumption for receiving the activation signal can be significantly reduced.
  • invention of Claim 2 is as above,
  • the said power line communication part with which the said power line communication apparatus of the receiving side is equipped with is a power saving mode after performing the process based on the communication packet which the said power line communication part received Therefore, when necessary processing is completed, it is possible to quickly enter a standby state, and to effectively save power.
  • the invention according to claim 3 is as described above, and the power line communication unit provided in the power line communication device on the receiving side has elapsed a predetermined time after the reception of the activation signal by the activation signal receiving unit is completed. Even if power line communication does not occur, the power saving mode is set.For example, even if the activation signal receiver malfunctions due to noise on the power line, it will enter a standby state after a certain period of time. Can be achieved.
  • the power line communication device that has received the activation signal performs power line communication
  • the power line communication device that does not perform power line communication is quickly put into a standby state, so that it is possible to effectively save power.
  • the invention of claim 4 is as described above, and a power line communication unit that performs transmission and reception of communication packets via a power line communication path, and activation using a frequency in a band that is not used by the power line communication unit
  • An activation signal receiving unit that receives a signal from a power line, and the power line communication unit enters a power saving mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the activation signal receiving unit receives the activation signal when the activation signal is received. Since returning from the power saving mode, the same effect as that of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.
  • the invention according to claim 5 is as described above, wherein the transmission-side power line communication apparatus transmits an activation signal using a frequency in a band not used by the power line communication unit to the power line; A power line communication device receiving the activation signal transmitted from the transmission side power line communication device from the power line; and a step of receiving the activation signal from the reception side power line communication device returning from the power saving mode.
  • the power line communication system is configured such that a plurality of power line communication devices 10 are connected via a power line 35, and the power line communication devices 10 can transmit and receive communication packets to each other. .
  • the power line communication device X on the transmission side and the power line communication device Y on the reception side are connected in a one-to-many relationship.
  • This system is applied to centralized management and remote control of home energy management systems, for example. That is, the transmission-side power line communication device X is connected to the operation terminal 31 such as a smartphone, and the reception-side power line communication device Y is connected to the controlled device 32 such as an illumination or an air conditioner. 32 can be managed and controlled. Specifically, the power to the controlled device 32 can be turned on / off as necessary while confirming the power consumption and operating status of the controlled device 32 with the operation terminal 31. According to such an aspect, it is possible to realize power saving by controlling the controlled devices 32 by power line communication and suppressing forgetting to turn off the controlled devices 32 and standby power consumption.
  • the power line communication system can communicate even when a plurality of power line systems are exceeded, and a relay device 20 is provided between different power line systems. Yes.
  • the relay device 20 amplifies communication packets exchanged over the power line system, and the relay device 20 is provided to ensure signal accuracy between different power line systems.
  • there are two power line systems, power line system A and power line system B but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to two power line systems, and there are three or more power line systems. You may do it. Even in this case, signal accuracy can be ensured by connecting each power line system via the relay device 20.
  • each power line system a plurality of power line communication devices 10 are arranged, and these power line communication devices 10 (reception-side power line communication devices Y) are managed by being divided into a plurality of groups as shown in FIG. Yes.
  • each group is assigned an activation signal having a different frequency, and is configured to return from a standby state when an activation signal assigned to the own group is transmitted.
  • the power line communication device 10 is a device that is connected to the power line 35 by being inserted into a power supply outlet and connected to the external device 30 later by various interfaces.
  • the power line communication device 10 includes a connection unit 11, a control unit 12, a power line communication unit 13, an activation signal transmission unit 14, an activation signal reception unit 15, a power supply control unit 16, and a coupling unit 17. It has.
  • the power line communication device 10 is classified into two types, that is, the transmission side power line communication device X (master unit) and the reception side power line communication device Y (slave unit). As shown in FIG. 3, the power line communication device X on the transmission side and the power line communication device Y on the reception side have basically the same configuration.
  • connection unit 11 includes a connection interface for connecting to the external device 30, and communicates with the external device 30 to transmit a request from the external device 30 to the control unit 12. Or an instruction from the control unit 12 is transmitted to the external device 30.
  • the connection unit 11 is configured to perform signal conversion as necessary so that signals can be exchanged between the control unit 12 and the external device 30.
  • connection unit 11 includes a connection interface corresponding to the external device 30 so as to be compatible with the external device 30 to which each power line communication device 10 is connected.
  • the transmission-side power line communication device X is connected to the operation terminal 31 as an external device 30, and the connection unit 11 of the transmission-side power line communication device X receives an operation instruction from the operation terminal 31. It is configured with a connection interface.
  • the operation terminal 31 various devices such as a dedicated operation panel, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, and a personal computer can be used.
  • the connection unit 11 includes a connection interface that can be connected to the operation terminal 31 by wire or wirelessly.
  • the connection unit 11 includes a connection terminal for the cable. Yes.
  • an interface for connecting to the Internet (connection interface such as Ethernet or wireless LAN) is provided.
  • the power line communication device Y on the reception side is connected to the controlled device 32 as the external device 30, and the connection unit 11 of the power line communication device Y on the reception side transmits a control signal to the controlled device 32.
  • a connection interface is provided.
  • the connection unit 11 includes a connection interface that can be connected to the controlled device 32 by wire or wirelessly. For example, when the controlled device 32 and the power line communication device 10 are connected by a cable, a connection terminal of the cable is provided. I have.
  • Control unit 12 Although not particularly illustrated, the control unit 12 is configured around a CPU, and controls the entire power line communication device 10 by reading a program stored in the ROM.
  • the control unit 12 has a power saving mode, and is configured to suppress power consumption by setting itself to the power saving mode. In the power saving mode, only some minimum functions can be operated, and power consumption is suppressed by deactivating some functions.
  • the power line communication unit 13 is for executing transmission and reception of communication packets via the power line 35. By flowing a high frequency electric signal on the power line 35, the power line communication unit 13 uses this electric signal. Data can be exchanged between 13.
  • the power line communication unit 13 includes an address database 13a that holds an address list of the power line communication device 10, a packet transmission unit 13b that transmits packets by power line communication, and a packet that is transmitted by power line communication. Is provided.
  • the address database 13a is a database that stores an address that is a destination of a communication packet transmitted by the packet transmission unit 13b.
  • the address stored in the address database 13a is assigned to each power line communication device 10, and a communication packet can be exchanged between the intended power line communication devices 10 by referring to this address.
  • the addresses may be different for all the power line communication devices 10, or a plurality of power line communication devices 10 may be grouped and assigned to each group.
  • the packet transmission unit 13 b transmits a communication packet to the power line 35 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 12.
  • the packet transmission unit 13b refers to the address database 13a, extracts an address assigned to the power line communication device 10 that is the destination of the communication packet, and creates packet data including the extracted address. Then, the created packet data is sent to the power line 35 as a communication packet.
  • the packet receiving unit 13c monitors the communication packet flowing on the power line 35 and filters the address included in the communication packet flowing on the power line 35, thereby filtering and receiving the communication packet addressed to itself. .
  • the control unit 22 receives the communication packet, the control unit 22 refers to the data included in the communication packet, calls a processing routine associated with the data from a plurality of processing routines registered in advance, and performs predetermined processing.
  • the communication packet flowing on the power line 35 is not a communication packet addressed to itself, the communication packet is discarded and not passed to the control unit 22.
  • the power line communication unit 13 configured as described above also includes a power saving mode.
  • the control unit 12 puts the power line communication device 10 into the power saving mode by cutting off the power supply to the power line communication unit 13 before putting itself into the power saving mode. Thereby, in the power saving mode, power line communication is cut off, and standby power consumption accompanying power line communication can be suppressed.
  • the activation signal transmitter 14 is for transmitting an activation signal for returning the counterpart power line communication device 10 that performs power line communication from the power saving mode.
  • the activation signal transmission unit 14 transmits an activation signal using a frequency in a band not used by the power line communication unit 23 to the power line 35 in accordance with a command from the control unit 12.
  • a predetermined frequency is assigned in advance for each group. That is, taking FIG. 1 as an example, a unique frequency is assigned in advance to each of group A1, group A2, group A3, group B1, group B2, and group B3.
  • the power line communication device 10 of each group performs a process of returning from the power saving mode when receiving an activation signal having a frequency assigned to the group. Thereby, since the return from the power saving mode can be executed in a limited form of groups, unnecessary power-on can be suppressed and power saving can be achieved.
  • a table for associating groups and frequencies is stored in a storage device in the power line communication device 10.
  • This table is referred to by the control unit 12 and is used for transmitting an activation signal. That is, the control unit 12 refers to this table, extracts the frequency of the group to which the other party of the power line communication belongs, and instructs the activation signal transmission unit 14 to transmit the activation signal of the frequency.
  • the activation signal transmitter 14 continuously transmits the activation signal at a specified frequency for a predetermined time (for example, about 0.5 sec). By such processing, the other party of the power line communication can return from the power saving mode and prepare for the start of power line communication.
  • the activation signal transmitter 14 may be provided at least in the power line communication device X on the transmission side, and may be omitted in the power line communication device Y on the reception side.
  • the activation signal receiving unit 15 is for receiving the activation signal transmitted from the activation signal transmitting unit 14 from the power line 35.
  • the activation signal receiving unit 15 is composed of, for example, a transistor that filters a specific range of frequencies. That is, it is configured to receive only the activation signal transmitted toward the group to which the user belongs by filtering and receiving only the unique frequency assigned to the group to which the user belongs.
  • the power supply control unit 16 described later is notified of the activation signal reception.
  • the activation signal receiving unit 15 only needs to be provided at least in the power line communication device Y on the reception side, and may be omitted in the power line communication device X on the transmission side.
  • the power supply control unit 16 is for controlling the control unit 12 and the power line communication unit 13 to return from the power saving mode.
  • the power supply control unit 16 returns the control unit 12 and the power line communication unit 13 from the power saving mode and makes a transition to a state where power line communication is possible.
  • control part 12 and the power line communication part 13 which returned from the power saving mode by the power supply control part 16 are formed so as to automatically enter the power saving mode again when a predetermined condition is satisfied.
  • the power line communication unit 13 is configured to automatically enter the power saving mode after executing processing based on the received communication packet.
  • the power saving mode is automatically set even when the power line communication does not occur even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception of the activation signal by the activation signal receiving unit 15 is completed.
  • the coupling unit 17 is an interface unit for connecting to the power line 35.
  • the coupling unit 17 includes a plug that can be plugged into a power supply outlet. By inserting the plug into the outlet, the power line communication device 10 is connected to the power line 35 to enable power line communication.
  • the relay device 20 includes a coupling unit 21, a control unit 22, a power line communication unit 23, an activation signal transmission unit 24, an activation signal reception unit 25, and a power supply control unit 26.
  • the coupling unit 21, the power line communication unit 23, the activation signal transmitting unit 24, and the activation signal receiving unit 25 are provided for each power line system.
  • the coupling unit 21 includes a connection interface for connecting to the power line 35, and monitors communication packets and start signals that flow on the power line 35. When the coupling unit 21 detects a communication packet or activation signal transmitted in the connected power line system, the coupling unit 21 or the activation signal is used to amplify and transmit the communication packet or activation signal to the other power line system. Notify the sending unit 24.
  • Control unit 22 Although not particularly illustrated, the control unit 22 is configured around a CPU, and is configured to control the entire relay device 20 by reading a program stored in the ROM.
  • the control unit 22 has a power saving mode, and is configured to suppress power consumption by setting itself to the power saving mode. In the power saving mode, only some minimum functions can be operated, and power consumption is suppressed by deactivating some functions.
  • the power line communication unit 23 transmits a communication packet transmitted in the connected power line system to the other power line system, and transmits a communication packet transmitted in the other power line system to the connected power line system. Is.
  • the communication packet is captured by the coupling unit 21A connected to the power line system A and passed to the power line communication unit 23A connected to the power line system A. It is.
  • the power line communication unit 23A that has received the communication packet amplifies the communication packet, clears it, and passes it to the power line communication unit 23B connected to the power line system B. Then, the power line communication unit 23B that has received the communication packet transmits the communication packet to the power line 35 of the power line system B.
  • the power line communication unit 23 has a power saving mode, and when the power supply is cut off by the control unit 22, the power line communication unit 23 transitions to the power saving mode. In the power saving mode, power line communication is disabled, but standby power consumption associated with power line communication can be suppressed.
  • the start signal transmission unit 24 sends a start signal sent in the connected power line system to the other power line system, and sends a start signal sent in the other power line system to the connected power line system. It is.
  • the activation signal when the activation signal is flowing on the power line 35 of the power line system A, the activation signal is captured by the coupling unit 21A connected to the power line system A and is sent to the activation signal transmission unit 24A connected to the power line system A. Passed.
  • the activation signal transmission unit 24A Upon receiving the activation signal, the activation signal transmission unit 24A amplifies the activation signal, clears it, and passes it to the activation signal transmission unit 24B connected to the power line system B. Then, the activation signal transmission unit 24B that has received the activation signal transmits the activation signal to the power line 35 of the power line system B.
  • the activation signal receiving unit 25 is for receiving an activation signal from the power line 35.
  • the activation signal receiving unit 25 is composed of, for example, a transistor that filters a specific range of frequencies.
  • the activation signal receiving unit 25 filters and receives only the activation signal transmitted from the connected power line system to the group belonging to the other power line system.
  • the activation signal receiving unit 25A connected to the power line system A filters and receives the frequencies assigned to the groups (group B1, group B2, group B3) belonging to the power line system B.
  • the activation signal receiving unit 25B connected to the power line system B filters and receives the frequencies assigned to the groups (group A1, group A2, group A3) belonging to the power line system A.
  • the power supply control unit 26 described later is notified of the activation signal reception.
  • the power supply control unit 26 controls the control unit 22 and the power line communication unit 23 to return from the power saving mode. Specifically, when the activation signal reception is notified from the activation signal receiving unit 25, the control unit 22 and the power line communication unit 23 are returned from the power saving mode, and are changed to a state in which power line communication is possible. Thereby, it will be in the state which can relay a communication packet beyond an electric power grid
  • control unit 22 and the power line communication unit 23 that have been returned from the power saving mode by the power supply control unit 26 are configured to automatically enter the power saving mode again when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Specifically, it is configured to automatically enter the power saving mode when a predetermined time has elapsed after the reception of the activation signal by the activation signal receiving unit 25 is completed.
  • the processing flow of power line communication according to the present embodiment is roughly divided into two processes: (1) processing of the power line communication device X on the transmission side and (2) processing of the power line communication device Y on the reception side. Since these two processes are executed in parallel, each will be described below.
  • a communication request is generated.
  • the communication request can be generated when there is an input from the operation terminal 31, for example. Specifically, when the user operates the operation terminal 31 and instructs the operation of the controlled device 32 or the execution of the status check, a communication request to the power line communication apparatus 10 to which the controlled device 32 is connected is generated. To do.
  • a communication request is also generated when a periodic processing request is described in the interrupt processing using the CPU timer of the control unit 12. For example, when it is desired to periodically check the state of the controlled device 32, the communication processing to the controlled device 32 is described in the interrupt handler, and the power line communication device 10 to which the controlled device 32 is connected is described. Requests for communication occur periodically. Then, the process proceeds to step S101.
  • step S101 when the control unit 12 and the power line communication unit 13 are in the power saving mode, the process returns from the power saving mode.
  • the control unit 12 that has returned from the power saving mode generates a communication packet based on the communication request. Then, the process proceeds to step S102.
  • step S102 an activation signal is transmitted using the activation signal transmitter 14.
  • the control unit 12 instructs the activation signal transmission unit 14 to extract the frequency of the activation signal of the group to which the power line communication device Y that is the transmission destination of the communication packet belongs, and to output the activation signal of the extracted frequency. To do.
  • the activation signal transmission unit 14 continuously transmits an activation signal of the frequency to the power line for 0.5 sec. Then, the process proceeds to step S103.
  • step S103 power line communication is executed immediately after the transmission of the activation signal is completed. Specifically, the control unit 12 instructs the power line communication unit 13 to transmit the communication packet generated in step S101. Receiving the command, the power line communication unit 13 sends the communication packet to the power line. Then, the process proceeds to step S104.
  • step S104 the control unit 12 and the power line communication unit 13 transition to the power saving mode and enter a standby state. And it will be in a standby state until the next communication request occurs.
  • step S200 shown in FIG. 6 the activation signal receiving unit 25 filters and receives the activation signal addressed to itself. Then, the process proceeds to step S201.
  • step S201 when the control unit 12 and the power line communication unit 13 are in the power saving mode, the process returns from the power saving mode. Then, the process proceeds to step S202.
  • step S202 the apparatus waits for a predetermined time until power line communication starts. Specifically, it waits until a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 sec) elapses after the activation signal receiving unit 25 finishes receiving the activation signal (after the activation signal is interrupted). If a communication packet addressed to itself is not transmitted within this time, the process proceeds to step S204, and the control unit 12 and the power line communication unit 13 are switched to the power saving mode. On the other hand, if a communication packet addressed to itself is transmitted within this time, the process proceeds to step S203.
  • a predetermined time for example, 0.1 sec
  • step S203 the content of the communication packet addressed to itself is referred to, and the process associated with this process code is executed based on the process code included in the communication packet. For example, the power of the controlled device 32 is turned on / off, or the state of the controlled device 32 is inspected.
  • step S204 the control unit 12 and the power line communication unit 13 are shifted to the power saving mode, and enter a standby state.
  • the transmission-side power line communication device X includes the activation signal transmission unit 14 that transmits the activation signal using the frequency of the band not used by the power line communication unit 13 to the power line 35.
  • the power line communication device Y on the reception side includes the activation signal reception unit 15 that receives the activation signal transmitted from the activation signal transmission unit 14 from the power line 35, and the power line communication unit 13 included in the power line communication device Y on the reception side. Enters a power saving mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and returns from the power saving mode when the activation signal receiving unit 15 receives the activation signal. That is, since the power line communication unit 13 can be set in the power saving mode, power saving can be realized.
  • the power line communication part 13 should just return from a power saving mode by transmitting / receiving an activation signal. Moreover, since transmission / reception of the activation signal is performed using the power line 35, it is not necessary to provide a communication means different from the power line communication for transmission / reception of the activation signal, and the power line can minimize capital investment. No loss of communication merit.
  • the activation signal receiving unit 15 can be composed of a transistor capable of filtering the frequency. That is, since the activation signal can be processed without using a computing device with high power consumption, standby power consumption for receiving the activation signal can be significantly reduced.
  • the power line communication unit 13 included in the power line communication device Y on the receiving side is in the power saving mode after executing the processing based on the communication packet received by the power line communication unit 13, as soon as necessary processing is completed. It is possible to enter a standby state and to effectively save power.
  • the power line communication unit 13 included in the power line communication device Y on the receiving side saves power when no power line communication occurs even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the start signal reception by the start signal receiving unit 15 is completed. Since the mode is set, for example, even when the activation signal receiving unit 15 malfunctions due to noise on the power line or the like, the standby state is entered after a certain period of time, so that power saving can be effectively achieved.
  • the power line communication device Y that has received the activation signal performs power line communication
  • the power line communication device Y that does not perform power line communication quickly enters a standby state, thereby effectively saving power. Can do.
  • the transmission-side power line communication device X and the reception-side power line communication device Y are connected in a one-to-many relationship. Good.
  • the transmission-side power line communication device X and the reception-side power line communication device Y have been described separately. However, when bidirectional communication is performed, it is necessary to conceptually separate them. Instead, one power line communication device 10 may be formed so that it can be the power line communication device X on the transmission side and the power line communication device Y on the reception side.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Cable Transmission Systems, Equalization Of Radio And Reduction Of Echo (AREA)

Abstract

In the present invention, without detracting from the merits of power line communication, i.e., being able to keep facilities investment to a minimum, in order to achieve power saving by cutting off power line communication during standby, a transmission-side power line communication device (X) is provided with a startup signal sending section (14) for transmitting to a power line (35) a startup signal that uses the frequency of a band not used by a power line communication section (13), and a reception-side power line communication device (Y) is provided with a startup signal receiving section (15) for receiving from the power line (35) a startup signal transmitted by the startup signal sending section (14). The power line communication section (13) provided to the reception-side power line communication device (Y) enters into a power saving mode when specific conditions are satisfied, and returns from the power saving mode when the startup signal receiving section (15) has received the startup signal.

Description

電力線通信における省電力化システム、電力線通信装置及び省電力方法Power saving system, power line communication apparatus and power saving method in power line communication
　この発明は、電力線通信における待機時の省電力を図ることができる省電力化システム、電力線通信装置及び省電力方法に関する。 The present invention relates to a power saving system, a power line communication apparatus, and a power saving method capable of saving power during standby in power line communication.
　電力線通信は、電力線を介して接続された複数の電力線通信装置の間で通信を行う技術である。電力線通信がアクティブな状態を保つためには、一般的には電力線通信が行われていないときでも電力線通信装置をアクティブとしなければならない。このため、通信が発生してないときでも電力線通信装置が稼働し、受信待機時間中も電力が消費され続けるという問題があった。 Power line communication is a technology for performing communication between a plurality of power line communication devices connected via a power line. In order to keep the power line communication active, it is generally necessary to activate the power line communication device even when power line communication is not being performed. For this reason, there is a problem that the power line communication device operates even when communication is not occurring and power is continuously consumed during the reception standby time.
　こうした問題を解決する技術として、特許文献１には、外部ネットワークサーバとの通信を行う第１の通信媒介装置が、全ユーザ端末の全停止状態を通信によって検出したときに休止するとともに、起動指示によって起動する技術が記載されている。 As a technique for solving such a problem, Patent Document 1 discloses that a first communication mediating apparatus that communicates with an external network server pauses when all the stop states of all user terminals are detected by communication, and starts up instructions. The technology to be activated by is described.
特開２０１０－１０３８９０号公報JP 2010-103890 A
　ところで、近年においては省電力への取り組みが重要視される傾向にある。このため、上記したような電力線通信をビル管理システムや家庭内エネルギー管理システムの集中管理や遠隔制御に応用することができれば、過大な設備投資をしなくても効果的に省電力化を実現することができる。 By the way, in recent years, efforts to save electricity have been regarded as important. Therefore, if power line communication as described above can be applied to centralized management and remote control of building management systems and home energy management systems, power saving can be effectively achieved without excessive capital investment. be able to.
　しかしながら、上記したように、一般的な電力線通信装置は通信が発生してないときでも稼働しており、電力が消費され続けるという問題がある。電力線通信装置の待機消費電力は、省電力のためのシステム全体で見て相対的に無視できないものであり、特に省電力のための装置が無駄に電力を消費することは大きな問題である。 However, as described above, a general power line communication device operates even when communication is not occurring, and there is a problem that power is continuously consumed. The standby power consumption of the power line communication device is relatively non-negligible in the entire power saving system, and it is a big problem that the power saving device consumes power wastefully.
　なお、上記した特許文献１には通信媒介装置を休止状態とする技術は記載されているが、この特許文献１記載の技術は電力線通信を遮断することができるものではなく、省電力化に限界があった。すなわち、特許文献１記載の技術は、休止状態から復帰して起動するためには電力線通信を使用した信号の送受信が必要であるため、電力線通信を遮断することはできず、電力消費の大きな部分を占める通信部を停止することはできなかった。 In addition, although the technique which makes a communication mediating apparatus dormant is described in above-mentioned patent document 1, the technique of this patent document 1 cannot interrupt | block power line communication, and is a limit in power saving. was there. That is, since the technology described in Patent Document 1 requires transmission / reception of a signal using power line communication in order to recover from the hibernation state and start up, the power line communication cannot be interrupted, and the power consumption is large. The communication department occupying was not able to be stopped.
　なお、無線やウェイク・オン・ランなどの別の通信手段を使用して休止状態から復帰するようにすれば、休止状態において電力線通信を遮断することはできる。しかしながら、これらの通信手段を設けるために余計な設備投資が必要となるので、設備投資を最小限に抑えることができるという電力線通信のメリットが失われてしまう。また、これらの通信手段も待機電力を消費するため、省電力化の根本的な問題解決とはならない。 Note that power line communication can be cut off in the hibernation state by using another communication means such as wireless or wake-on-run to return from the hibernation state. However, since an extra equipment investment is required to provide these communication means, the merit of power line communication that the equipment investment can be minimized is lost. In addition, since these communication means consume standby power, they do not solve the fundamental problem of power saving.
　そこで、本発明は、設備投資を最小限に抑えることができるという電力線通信のメリットを損なうことなく、待機時に電力線通信を遮断することで省電力化を実現できる電力線通信における省電力化システム、電力線通信装置及び省電力方法を提供することを課題とする。 Accordingly, the present invention provides a power saving system for power line communication, which can realize power saving by interrupting power line communication during standby without impairing the merit of power line communication that can minimize capital investment, and power line It is an object to provide a communication device and a power saving method.
　本発明は、上記した課題を解決するためになされたものであり、以下を特徴とする。
　（請求項１）
　請求項１に記載の電力線通信における省電力化システムは、電力線を介した通信パケットの送信及び受信を実行する電力線通信部を備えた複数の電力線通信装置を用いて通信を実行する電力線通信における省電力化システムであって、送信側の電力線通信装置は、前記電力線通信部が使用しない帯域の周波数を使用した起動信号を電力線に送信する起動信号発信部を備え、受信側の電力線通信装置は、前記起動信号発信部が送信した起動信号を電力線から受信する起動信号受信部を備え、前記受信側の電力線通信装置が備える前記電力線通信部は、所定の条件を満たしたときに省電力モードとなるとともに、前記起動信号受信部が起動信号を受信したときに前記省電力モードから復帰することを特徴とする。 The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is characterized by the following.
(Claim 1)
The power saving system in power line communication according to claim 1 is a power saving communication in power line communication that performs communication using a plurality of power line communication devices including a power line communication unit that performs transmission and reception of communication packets via the power line. In the power generation system, the power line communication device on the transmission side includes a start signal transmission unit that transmits a start signal using a frequency in a band not used by the power line communication unit to the power line, and the power line communication device on the reception side includes: An activation signal receiving unit that receives an activation signal transmitted from the activation signal transmission unit from a power line, and the power line communication unit included in the power line communication device on the receiving side is in a power saving mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In addition, when the activation signal receiving unit receives the activation signal, the activation signal receiving unit returns from the power saving mode.
　（請求項２）
　請求項２に記載の発明は、上記した請求項１記載の発明の特徴点に加え、以下の点を特徴とする。
　すなわち、前記受信側の電力線通信装置が備える前記電力線通信部は、前記電力線通信部が受信した通信パケットに基づく処理を実行した後に省電力モードとなることを特徴とする。 (Claim 2)
The invention described in claim 2 has the following features in addition to the features of the invention described in claim 1 described above.
That is, the power line communication unit included in the power line communication device on the receiving side is in a power saving mode after performing processing based on a communication packet received by the power line communication unit.
　（請求項３）
　請求項３に記載の発明は、上記した請求項１又は２記載の発明の特徴点に加え、以下の点を特徴とする。
　すなわち、前記受信側の電力線通信装置が備える前記電力線通信部は、前記起動信号受信部による起動の受信が終了してから所定時間経過しても電力線通信が発生しない場合に省電力モードとなることを特徴とする。 (Claim 3)
The invention described in claim 3 is characterized by the following points in addition to the characteristics of the invention described in claim 1 or 2.
That is, the power line communication unit included in the power line communication device on the receiving side is in a power saving mode when power line communication does not occur even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the reception of activation by the activation signal receiving unit is completed. It is characterized by.
　（請求項４）
　請求項４に記載の電力線通信装置は、電力線通信路を介した通信パケットの送信及び受信を実行する電力線通信部と、前記電力線通信部が使用しない帯域の周波数を使用した起動信号を電力線から受信する起動信号受信部と、を備え、前記電力線通信部は、所定の条件を満たしたときに省電力モードとなるとともに、前記起動信号受信部が起動信号を受信したときに前記省電力モードから復帰することを特徴とする。 (Claim 4)
5. The power line communication device according to claim 4, wherein a power line communication unit that performs transmission and reception of communication packets via a power line communication path, and an activation signal that uses a frequency in a band that is not used by the power line communication unit are received from the power line. The power line communication unit enters a power saving mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and returns from the power saving mode when the activation signal receiving unit receives the activation signal. It is characterized by doing.
　（請求項５）
　請求項５に記載の電力線通信における省電力方法は、電力線通信路を介した通信パケットの送信及び受信を実行する電力線通信部を備えた複数の電力線通信装置を用いて通信を実行する電力線通信における省電力化方法であって、送信側の電力線通信装置が、前記電力線通信部の使用しない帯域の周波数を使用した起動信号を電力線に送信するステップと、受信側の電力線通信装置が、前記送信側の電力線通信装置から送信された起動信号を電力線から受信するステップと、起動信号を受信した前記受信側の電力線通信装置が、省電力モードから復帰するステップと、を備えることを特徴とする。 (Claim 5)
The power saving method in power line communication according to claim 5 is in power line communication in which communication is performed using a plurality of power line communication devices including a power line communication unit that performs transmission and reception of communication packets via a power line communication path. A power-saving method, wherein a transmission-side power line communication device transmits an activation signal using a frequency in a band not used by the power-line communication unit to a power line; and a reception-side power line communication device includes the transmission side Receiving the activation signal transmitted from the power line communication device from the power line, and the receiving power line communication device receiving the activation signal returning from the power saving mode.
　請求項１に記載の発明は上記の通りであり、送信側の電力線通信装置は、電力線通信部が使用しない帯域の周波数を使用した起動信号を電力線に送信する起動信号発信部を備え、受信側の電力線通信装置は、前記起動信号発信部が送信した起動信号を電力線から受信する起動信号受信部を備え、前記受信側の電力線通信装置が備える前記電力線通信部は、所定の条件を満たしたときに省電力モードとなるとともに、前記起動信号受信部が起動信号を受信したときに前記省電力モードから復帰する。すなわち、電力線通信部を省電力モードとすることができるので、省電力化を実現することができる。そして、電力線通信を再開する際には、起動信号の送受信を行うことで電力線通信部を省電力モードから復帰すればよい。しかも、起動信号の送受信が電力線を使用して行われるため、起動信号の送受信のために電力線通信とは別の通信手段を設ける必要がなく、設備投資を最小限に抑えることができるという電力線通信のメリットを損なうことない。 The invention according to claim 1 is as described above, and the power line communication device on the transmission side includes an activation signal transmission unit that transmits an activation signal using a frequency in a band not used by the power line communication unit to the power line, and the reception side The power line communication device includes a start signal receiving unit that receives the start signal transmitted from the start signal transmitting unit from a power line, and the power line communication unit included in the power line communication device on the receiving side satisfies a predetermined condition. When the activation signal receiving unit receives the activation signal, the power saving mode is restored. That is, since the power line communication unit can be set in the power saving mode, power saving can be realized. And when restarting power line communication, a power line communication part should just be returned from a power saving mode by transmitting / receiving an activation signal. Moreover, since transmission / reception of the activation signal is performed using the power line, it is not necessary to provide a communication means different from the power line communication for transmission / reception of the activation signal, and power line communication that can minimize capital investment. No loss of merits.
　なお、起動信号受信部が受信する起動信号は所定の周波数の信号を一定時間送出するようなもので足りるため、起動信号受信部は周波数をフィルタできるトランジスタなどで構成することができる。すなわち、消費電力の高い演算装置を使用しなくても起動信号を処理することができるため、起動信号を受信するための待機消費電力を著しく低減することができる。 Note that since the activation signal received by the activation signal receiving unit is sufficient to send a signal having a predetermined frequency for a certain period of time, the activation signal receiving unit can be composed of a transistor capable of filtering the frequency. That is, since the activation signal can be processed without using a computing device with high power consumption, standby power consumption for receiving the activation signal can be significantly reduced.
　また、請求項２に記載の発明は上記の通りであり、前記受信側の電力線通信装置が備える前記電力線通信部は、前記電力線通信部が受信した通信パケットに基づく処理を実行した後に省電力モードとなるので、必要な処理が完了したら速やかに待機状態に入ることができ、効果的に省電力化を図ることができる。 Moreover, invention of Claim 2 is as above, The said power line communication part with which the said power line communication apparatus of the receiving side is equipped with is a power saving mode after performing the process based on the communication packet which the said power line communication part received Therefore, when necessary processing is completed, it is possible to quickly enter a standby state, and to effectively save power.
　また、請求項３に記載の発明は上記の通りであり、前記受信側の電力線通信装置が備える前記電力線通信部は、前記起動信号受信部による起動信号の受信が終了してから所定時間経過しても電力線通信が発生しない場合に省電力モードとなるので、例えば電力線に乗ったノイズなどにより起動信号受信部が誤動作した場合でも、一定時間経てば待機状態に入るので、効果的に省電力化を図ることができる。 Further, the invention according to claim 3 is as described above, and the power line communication unit provided in the power line communication device on the receiving side has elapsed a predetermined time after the reception of the activation signal by the activation signal receiving unit is completed. Even if power line communication does not occur, the power saving mode is set.For example, even if the activation signal receiver malfunctions due to noise on the power line, it will enter a standby state after a certain period of time. Can be achieved.
　また、起動信号を受け取った電力線通信装置の一部のみが電力線通信を行う場合でも、電力線通信を行わない電力線通信装置が速やかに待機状態となるので、効果的に省電力化を図ることができる。 In addition, even when only a part of the power line communication device that has received the activation signal performs power line communication, the power line communication device that does not perform power line communication is quickly put into a standby state, so that it is possible to effectively save power. .
　また、請求項４に記載の発明は上記の通りであり、電力線通信路を介した通信パケットの送信及び受信を実行する電力線通信部と、前記電力線通信部が使用しない帯域の周波数を使用した起動信号を電力線から受信する起動信号受信部と、を備え、前記電力線通信部は、所定の条件を満たしたときに省電力モードとなるとともに、前記起動信号受信部が起動信号を受信したときに前記省電力モードから復帰するので、請求項１記載の発明と同様の効果を得ることができる。 Moreover, the invention of claim 4 is as described above, and a power line communication unit that performs transmission and reception of communication packets via a power line communication path, and activation using a frequency in a band that is not used by the power line communication unit An activation signal receiving unit that receives a signal from a power line, and the power line communication unit enters a power saving mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the activation signal receiving unit receives the activation signal when the activation signal is received. Since returning from the power saving mode, the same effect as that of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.
　また、請求項５に記載の発明は上記の通りであり、送信側の電力線通信装置が、前記電力線通信部の使用しない帯域の周波数を使用した起動信号を電力線に送信するステップと、受信側の電力線通信装置が、前記送信側の電力線通信装置から送信された起動信号を電力線から受信するステップと、起動信号を受信した前記受信側の電力線通信装置が、省電力モードから復帰するステップと、を備えるので、請求項１記載の発明と同様の効果を得ることができる。 Further, the invention according to claim 5 is as described above, wherein the transmission-side power line communication apparatus transmits an activation signal using a frequency in a band not used by the power line communication unit to the power line; A power line communication device receiving the activation signal transmitted from the transmission side power line communication device from the power line; and a step of receiving the activation signal from the reception side power line communication device returning from the power saving mode. Thus, the same effect as that of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained.
省電力化システムのブロック図である。It is a block diagram of a power saving system. 送信側の電力線通信装置の構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the power line communication apparatus of a transmission side. 受信側の電力線通信装置の構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the power line communication apparatus of the receiving side. 中継装置の構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a relay apparatus. 送信側の電力線通信装置の処理フローを示すフロー図である。It is a flowchart which shows the processing flow of the power line communication apparatus of a transmission side. 受信側の電力線通信装置の処理フローを示すフロー図である。It is a flowchart which shows the processing flow of the power line communication apparatus of the receiving side.
　本発明の実施形態について、図を参照しながら説明する。
　本実施形態に係る電力線通信システムは、複数の電力線通信装置１０が電力線３５を介して接続されたものであり、電力線通信装置１０が互いに通信パケットの送信及び受信を実行できるように形成されている。この電力線通信システムにおいては、図１に示すように、送信側の電力線通信装置Ｘと受信側の電力線通信装置Ｙとが１対多の関係で接続されている。 Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The power line communication system according to the present embodiment is configured such that a plurality of power line communication devices 10 are connected via a power line 35, and the power line communication devices 10 can transmit and receive communication packets to each other. . In this power line communication system, as shown in FIG. 1, the power line communication device X on the transmission side and the power line communication device Y on the reception side are connected in a one-to-many relationship.
　本システムは、例えば家庭内エネルギー管理システムの集中管理や遠隔制御に応用される。すなわち、送信側の電力線通信装置Ｘをスマートフォンなどの操作端末３１に接続し、受信側の電力線通信装置Ｙを照明やエアコンなどの被制御機器３２に接続することで、操作端末３１から被制御機器３２を管理・制御できるようにすることができる。具体的には、被制御機器３２の消費電力や稼働状況などを操作端末３１で確認しつつ、必要に応じて被制御機器３２の電源をオン・オフしたりすることができる。このような態様によれば、電力線通信によって被制御機器３２を制御し、これら被制御機器３２の消し忘れや待機電力による消費を抑えることで省電力化を実現できる。 This system is applied to centralized management and remote control of home energy management systems, for example. That is, the transmission-side power line communication device X is connected to the operation terminal 31 such as a smartphone, and the reception-side power line communication device Y is connected to the controlled device 32 such as an illumination or an air conditioner. 32 can be managed and controlled. Specifically, the power to the controlled device 32 can be turned on / off as necessary while confirming the power consumption and operating status of the controlled device 32 with the operation terminal 31. According to such an aspect, it is possible to realize power saving by controlling the controlled devices 32 by power line communication and suppressing forgetting to turn off the controlled devices 32 and standby power consumption.
　なお、図１に示すように、本実施形態に係る電力線通信システムは、複数の電力線系統を超えても通信ができるようになっており、異なる電力線系統の間には中継装置２０が設けられている。中継装置２０は電力線系統を超えてやり取りされる通信パケットを増幅させるものであり、この中継装置２０が設けられることで異なる電力線系統の間での信号精度を担保することができる。なお、本実施形態においては電力線系統Ａと電力線系統Ｂの２つの電力線系統が存在することとしているが、本発明の実施形態としては２つの電力線系統に限らず、３つ以上の電力線系統が存在していてもよい。この場合でも、中継装置２０を介して各電力線系統を接続することで信号精度を担保することができる。 As shown in FIG. 1, the power line communication system according to the present embodiment can communicate even when a plurality of power line systems are exceeded, and a relay device 20 is provided between different power line systems. Yes. The relay device 20 amplifies communication packets exchanged over the power line system, and the relay device 20 is provided to ensure signal accuracy between different power line systems. In the present embodiment, there are two power line systems, power line system A and power line system B, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to two power line systems, and there are three or more power line systems. You may do it. Even in this case, signal accuracy can be ensured by connecting each power line system via the relay device 20.
　各電力線系統には、複数の電力線通信装置１０が配置されており、これらの電力線通信装置１０（受信側の電力線通信装置Ｙ）は、図１に示すように複数のグループに分けて管理されている。後述するが、各グループにはそれぞれ異なる周波数の起動信号が割り当てられており、自グループに割り当てられた起動信号が発信されたときに待機状態から復帰するように形成されている。 In each power line system, a plurality of power line communication devices 10 are arranged, and these power line communication devices 10 (reception-side power line communication devices Y) are managed by being divided into a plurality of groups as shown in FIG. Yes. As will be described later, each group is assigned an activation signal having a different frequency, and is configured to return from a standby state when an activation signal assigned to the own group is transmitted.
　（電力線通信装置１０）
　電力線通信装置１０は、電力供給のためのコンセントに差し込まれて電力線３５に接続されるとともに、各種のインターフェースにより後付けで外部機器３０に接続される装置である。 (Power line communication device 10)
The power line communication device 10 is a device that is connected to the power line 35 by being inserted into a power supply outlet and connected to the external device 30 later by various interfaces.
　この電力線通信装置１０は、図２及び図３に示すように、接続部１１、制御部１２、電力線通信部１３、起動信号発信部１４、起動信号受信部１５、電源制御部１６、結合部１７を備えている。本実施形態においては、電力線通信装置１０を送信側の電力線通信装置Ｘ（親機）と受信側の電力線通信装置Ｙ（子機）との２種類に分類しているが、この図２及び図３に示すように、送信側の電力線通信装置Ｘと受信側の電力線通信装置Ｙとは基本的には同じ構成となっている。 As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the power line communication device 10 includes a connection unit 11, a control unit 12, a power line communication unit 13, an activation signal transmission unit 14, an activation signal reception unit 15, a power supply control unit 16, and a coupling unit 17. It has. In the present embodiment, the power line communication device 10 is classified into two types, that is, the transmission side power line communication device X (master unit) and the reception side power line communication device Y (slave unit). As shown in FIG. 3, the power line communication device X on the transmission side and the power line communication device Y on the reception side have basically the same configuration.
　（接続部１１）
　接続部１１は、上記したように、外部機器３０に接続するための接続インターフェースを備えた部分であり、外部機器３０との通信を行うことで外部機器３０からの要求を制御部１２に伝達したり、制御部１２からの指示を外部機器３０に送信したりするものである。この接続部１１は、制御部１２と外部機器３０との間で信号のやり取りが可能となるように必要に応じて信号の変換を行うように形成されている。 (Connection 11)
As described above, the connection unit 11 includes a connection interface for connecting to the external device 30, and communicates with the external device 30 to transmit a request from the external device 30 to the control unit 12. Or an instruction from the control unit 12 is transmitted to the external device 30. The connection unit 11 is configured to perform signal conversion as necessary so that signals can be exchanged between the control unit 12 and the external device 30.
　この接続部１１は、それぞれの電力線通信装置１０が接続される外部機器３０に適合するように、外部機器３０に応じた接続インターフェースを備えて構成されている。 The connection unit 11 includes a connection interface corresponding to the external device 30 so as to be compatible with the external device 30 to which each power line communication device 10 is connected.
　本実施形態においては、送信側の電力線通信装置Ｘは外部機器３０として操作端末３１に接続されており、この送信側の電力線通信装置Ｘの接続部１１は、操作端末３１からの操作指示を受け取るための接続インターフェースを備えて構成される。なお、操作端末３１としては、専用の操作パネルや、タブレット端末、スマートフォン、パソコンなどの各種機器類が使用可能である。接続部１１は、これらの操作端末３１に有線又は無線で接続可能な接続インターフェースを備えており、例えば操作端末３１と電力線通信装置１０とをケーブルで接続する場合にはケーブルの接続端子を備えている。また、例えば操作端末３１と電力線通信装置１０とをインターネットで接続する場合には、インターネット接続用のインターフェース（イーサネットや無線ＬＡＮなどの接続インターフェース）を備えている。 In the present embodiment, the transmission-side power line communication device X is connected to the operation terminal 31 as an external device 30, and the connection unit 11 of the transmission-side power line communication device X receives an operation instruction from the operation terminal 31. It is configured with a connection interface. As the operation terminal 31, various devices such as a dedicated operation panel, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, and a personal computer can be used. The connection unit 11 includes a connection interface that can be connected to the operation terminal 31 by wire or wirelessly. For example, when the operation terminal 31 and the power line communication device 10 are connected by a cable, the connection unit 11 includes a connection terminal for the cable. Yes. In addition, for example, when the operation terminal 31 and the power line communication device 10 are connected via the Internet, an interface for connecting to the Internet (connection interface such as Ethernet or wireless LAN) is provided.
　また、受信側の電力線通信装置Ｙは外部機器３０として被制御機器３２に接続されており、この受信側の電力線通信装置Ｙの接続部１１は、被制御機器３２に対して制御信号を送信するための接続インターフェースを備えている。接続部１１は、これらの被制御機器３２に有線又は無線で接続可能な接続インターフェースを備えており、例えば被制御機器３２と電力線通信装置１０とをケーブルで接続する場合にはケーブルの接続端子を備えている。 The power line communication device Y on the reception side is connected to the controlled device 32 as the external device 30, and the connection unit 11 of the power line communication device Y on the reception side transmits a control signal to the controlled device 32. A connection interface is provided. The connection unit 11 includes a connection interface that can be connected to the controlled device 32 by wire or wirelessly. For example, when the controlled device 32 and the power line communication device 10 are connected by a cable, a connection terminal of the cable is provided. I have.
　（制御部１２）
　制御部１２は、特に図示しないが、ＣＰＵを中心に構成され、ＲＯＭに記憶されたプログラムを読み込むことで電力線通信装置１０全体を制御するものである。この制御部１２は、省電力モードを備えており、自らを省電力モードとすることで消費電力を抑えるように形成されている。省電力モードにおいては、一部の最低限の機能のみが稼働できるようになっており、一部の機能をあえて無効化することで消費電力を抑えている。 (Control unit 12)
Although not particularly illustrated, the control unit 12 is configured around a CPU, and controls the entire power line communication device 10 by reading a program stored in the ROM. The control unit 12 has a power saving mode, and is configured to suppress power consumption by setting itself to the power saving mode. In the power saving mode, only some minimum functions can be operated, and power consumption is suppressed by deactivating some functions.
　（電力線通信部１３）
　電力線通信部１３は、電力線３５を介した通信パケットの送信及び受信を実行するためのものであり、電力線３５上に高い周波数の電気信号を流すことで、この電気信号を使用して電力線通信部１３の間でデータのやり取りを可能とするものである。 (Power line communication unit 13)
The power line communication unit 13 is for executing transmission and reception of communication packets via the power line 35. By flowing a high frequency electric signal on the power line 35, the power line communication unit 13 uses this electric signal. Data can be exchanged between 13.
　この電力線通信部１３は、図２及び図３に示すように、電力線通信装置１０のアドレスリストを保持するアドレスデータベース１３ａ、電力線通信によりパケットを送信するパケット送信部１３ｂ、電力線通信により送信されたパケットを受信するパケット受信部１３ｃを備えている。 2 and 3, the power line communication unit 13 includes an address database 13a that holds an address list of the power line communication device 10, a packet transmission unit 13b that transmits packets by power line communication, and a packet that is transmitted by power line communication. Is provided.
　アドレスデータベース１３ａは、パケット送信部１３ｂにより送信される通信パケットの宛先となるアドレスを格納するデータベースである。アドレスデータベース１３ａに格納されたアドレスは、各電力線通信装置１０に割り当てられており、このアドレスを参照することで通信パケットを意図した電力線通信装置１０の間でやり取りすることができる。なお、アドレスはすべての電力線通信装置１０で異なるものとしてもよいし、複数の電力線通信装置１０をグループ分けしてグループごとにアドレスを割り当ててもよい。 The address database 13a is a database that stores an address that is a destination of a communication packet transmitted by the packet transmission unit 13b. The address stored in the address database 13a is assigned to each power line communication device 10, and a communication packet can be exchanged between the intended power line communication devices 10 by referring to this address. Note that the addresses may be different for all the power line communication devices 10, or a plurality of power line communication devices 10 may be grouped and assigned to each group.
　パケット送信部１３ｂは、制御部１２の指示に従い電力線３５へと通信パケットを送信するものである。このパケット送信部１３ｂは、アドレスデータベース１３ａを参照して通信パケットの送り先の電力線通信装置１０に割り当てられたアドレスを抽出し、この抽出したアドレスを含めてパケットデータを作成する。そして、作成したパケットデータを通信パケットとして電力線３５に送出する。 The packet transmission unit 13 b transmits a communication packet to the power line 35 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 12. The packet transmission unit 13b refers to the address database 13a, extracts an address assigned to the power line communication device 10 that is the destination of the communication packet, and creates packet data including the extracted address. Then, the created packet data is sent to the power line 35 as a communication packet.
　パケット受信部１３ｃは、電力線３５上を流れる通信パケットを監視し、電力線３５上を流れてきた通信パケットに含まれるアドレスをフィルタすることで、自分宛の通信パケットをフィルタして受信するものである。 The packet receiving unit 13c monitors the communication packet flowing on the power line 35 and filters the address included in the communication packet flowing on the power line 35, thereby filtering and receiving the communication packet addressed to itself. .
　自分宛の通信パケットであった場合には、当該通信パケットに含まれるデータを制御部２２に渡す。通信パケットを受け取った制御部２２は、通信パケットに含まれるデータを参照することで、予め登録された複数の処理ルーチンから当該データと関連付けられた処理ルーチンを呼び出し、所定の処理を行う。 If the communication packet is addressed to itself, the data included in the communication packet is transferred to the control unit 22. Receiving the communication packet, the control unit 22 refers to the data included in the communication packet, calls a processing routine associated with the data from a plurality of processing routines registered in advance, and performs predetermined processing.
　なお、電力線３５上を流れる通信パケットが自分宛の通信パケットでなかった場合には、その通信パケットは破棄され、制御部２２へは渡されない。 If the communication packet flowing on the power line 35 is not a communication packet addressed to itself, the communication packet is discarded and not passed to the control unit 22.
　上記したような構成の電力線通信部１３も、制御部１２と同様に省電力モードを備えている。制御部１２は、自らを省電力モードとする前に電力線通信部１３への電力供給を遮断することで電力線通信装置１０を省電力モードとする。これにより、省電力モードにおいては電力線通信が遮断され、電力線通信に伴う待機消費電力を抑制できるように形成されている。 Similarly to the control unit 12, the power line communication unit 13 configured as described above also includes a power saving mode. The control unit 12 puts the power line communication device 10 into the power saving mode by cutting off the power supply to the power line communication unit 13 before putting itself into the power saving mode. Thereby, in the power saving mode, power line communication is cut off, and standby power consumption accompanying power line communication can be suppressed.
　（起動信号発信部１４）
　起動信号発信部１４は、電力線通信を行う相手方の電力線通信装置１０を省電力モードから復帰させるための起動信号を送信するためのものである。この起動信号発信部１４は、制御部１２からの命令に従い、電力線通信部２３が使用しない帯域の周波数を使用した起動信号を電力線３５に送信する。 (Startup signal transmitter 14)
The activation signal transmitter 14 is for transmitting an activation signal for returning the counterpart power line communication device 10 that performs power line communication from the power saving mode. The activation signal transmission unit 14 transmits an activation signal using a frequency in a band not used by the power line communication unit 23 to the power line 35 in accordance with a command from the control unit 12.
　なお、本実施形態においては、グループごとに所定の周波数が予め割り当てられている。すなわち、図１を例にすれば、グループＡ１、グループＡ２、グループＡ３、グループＢ１、グループＢ２、グループＢ３にそれぞれ固有の周波数が予め割り当てられている。各グループの電力線通信装置１０は、自グループに割り当てられた周波数の起動信号を受信したときに省電力モードから復帰する処理を行う。これにより、グループを限定した形で省電力モードからの復帰を実行できるので、不必要な電源投入を抑制することができ、省電力化につなげることができる。 In the present embodiment, a predetermined frequency is assigned in advance for each group. That is, taking FIG. 1 as an example, a unique frequency is assigned in advance to each of group A1, group A2, group A3, group B1, group B2, and group B3. The power line communication device 10 of each group performs a process of returning from the power saving mode when receiving an activation signal having a frequency assigned to the group. Thereby, since the return from the power saving mode can be executed in a limited form of groups, unnecessary power-on can be suppressed and power saving can be achieved.
　なお、グループと周波数とを紐づけるテーブルは電力線通信装置１０内の記憶装置に格納されている。このテーブルは制御部１２によって参照され、起動信号の送信に使用される。すなわち、制御部１２は、このテーブルを参照して電力線通信の相手方が属するグループの周波数を抽出し、当該周波数の起動信号を送信するように起動信号発信部１４に命令する。命令を受けた起動信号発信部１４は、指定された周波数で所定時間（例えば０．５seｃ程度）継続して起動信号を送信する。このような処理により、電力線通信の相手方が省電力モードから復帰し、電力線通信の開始準備を整えることができる。 It should be noted that a table for associating groups and frequencies is stored in a storage device in the power line communication device 10. This table is referred to by the control unit 12 and is used for transmitting an activation signal. That is, the control unit 12 refers to this table, extracts the frequency of the group to which the other party of the power line communication belongs, and instructs the activation signal transmission unit 14 to transmit the activation signal of the frequency. Upon receiving the command, the activation signal transmitter 14 continuously transmits the activation signal at a specified frequency for a predetermined time (for example, about 0.5 sec). By such processing, the other party of the power line communication can return from the power saving mode and prepare for the start of power line communication.
　なお、この起動信号発信部１４は、少なくとも送信側の電力線通信装置Ｘが備えていればよく、受信側の電力線通信装置Ｙにおいては省略することも可能である。 The activation signal transmitter 14 may be provided at least in the power line communication device X on the transmission side, and may be omitted in the power line communication device Y on the reception side.
　（起動信号受信部１５）
　起動信号受信部１５は、起動信号発信部１４が送信した起動信号を電力線３５から受信するためのものである。この起動信号受信部１５は、例えば特定範囲の周波数をフィルタするトランジスタなどで構成されている。すなわち、自分が属するグループに割り当てられた固有の周波数のみをフィルタして受信することで、自分が属するグループに向けて送信された起動信号のみを受信できるように形成されている。起動信号受信部１５が起動信号を受信すると、後述する電源制御部１６に起動信号受信が通知される。 (Startup signal receiver 15)
The activation signal receiving unit 15 is for receiving the activation signal transmitted from the activation signal transmitting unit 14 from the power line 35. The activation signal receiving unit 15 is composed of, for example, a transistor that filters a specific range of frequencies. That is, it is configured to receive only the activation signal transmitted toward the group to which the user belongs by filtering and receiving only the unique frequency assigned to the group to which the user belongs. When the activation signal receiving unit 15 receives the activation signal, the power supply control unit 16 described later is notified of the activation signal reception.
　なお、この起動信号受信部１５は、少なくとも受信側の電力線通信装置Ｙが備えていればよく、送信側の電力線通信装置Ｘにおいては省略することも可能である。 Note that the activation signal receiving unit 15 only needs to be provided at least in the power line communication device Y on the reception side, and may be omitted in the power line communication device X on the transmission side.
　（電源制御部１６）
　電源制御部１６は、制御部１２及び電力線通信部１３が省電力モードからの復帰するように制御するためのものである。この電源制御部１６は、起動信号受信部１５から起動信号受信が通知されたときに、制御部１２及び電力線通信部１３を省電力モードから復帰させ、電力線通信が可能な状態に遷移させる。 (Power control unit 16)
The power supply control unit 16 is for controlling the control unit 12 and the power line communication unit 13 to return from the power saving mode. When the activation signal reception is notified from the activation signal receiving unit 15, the power supply control unit 16 returns the control unit 12 and the power line communication unit 13 from the power saving mode and makes a transition to a state where power line communication is possible.
　なお、電源制御部１６によって省電力モードから復帰した制御部１２及び電力線通信部１３は、所定の条件を満たしたときに自動的に再び省電力モードとなるように形成されている。具体的には、電力線通信部１３が受信した通信パケットに基づく処理を実行した後に自動的に省電力モードとなるように形成されている。また、起動信号受信部１５による起動信号の受信が終了してから所定時間経過しても電力線通信が発生しない場合にも、自動的に省電力モードとなるように形成されている。 In addition, the control part 12 and the power line communication part 13 which returned from the power saving mode by the power supply control part 16 are formed so as to automatically enter the power saving mode again when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Specifically, the power line communication unit 13 is configured to automatically enter the power saving mode after executing processing based on the received communication packet. In addition, the power saving mode is automatically set even when the power line communication does not occur even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the reception of the activation signal by the activation signal receiving unit 15 is completed.
　（結合部１７）
　結合部１７は、電力線３５と接続するためのインターフェース部である。この結合部１７は、電力供給用のコンセントに差し込み可能なプラグを備えており、このプラグがコンセントに差し込まれることで電力線通信装置１０が電力線３５と接続され、電力線通信が可能となる。 (Coupling part 17)
The coupling unit 17 is an interface unit for connecting to the power line 35. The coupling unit 17 includes a plug that can be plugged into a power supply outlet. By inserting the plug into the outlet, the power line communication device 10 is connected to the power line 35 to enable power line communication.
　（中継装置２０）
　次に、中継装置２０について説明する。
　中継装置２０は、図４に示すように、結合部２１、制御部２２、電力線通信部２３、起動信号発信部２４、起動信号受信部２５、電源制御部２６、を備えている。 (Relay device 20)
Next, the relay device 20 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, the relay device 20 includes a coupling unit 21, a control unit 22, a power line communication unit 23, an activation signal transmission unit 24, an activation signal reception unit 25, and a power supply control unit 26.
　なお、この図４に示すように、結合部２１、電力線通信部２３、起動信号発信部２４、起動信号受信部２５は、電力線系統ごとに重複して設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 4, the coupling unit 21, the power line communication unit 23, the activation signal transmitting unit 24, and the activation signal receiving unit 25 are provided for each power line system.
　（結合部２１）
　結合部２１は、電力線３５に接続するための接続インターフェースを備えた部分であり、電力線３５の上を流れる通信パケットや起動信号を監視している。この結合部２１は、接続された電力線系統において送出された通信パケットや起動信号を検知すると、その通信パケットや起動信号を他方の電力線系統に増幅して送信すべく、電力線通信部２３や起動信号発信部２４に通知する。 (Coupling unit 21)
The coupling unit 21 includes a connection interface for connecting to the power line 35, and monitors communication packets and start signals that flow on the power line 35. When the coupling unit 21 detects a communication packet or activation signal transmitted in the connected power line system, the coupling unit 21 or the activation signal is used to amplify and transmit the communication packet or activation signal to the other power line system. Notify the sending unit 24.
　（制御部２２）
　制御部２２は、特に図示しないが、ＣＰＵを中心に構成され、ＲＯＭに記憶されたプログラムを読み込むことで中継装置２０全体を制御するように構成されている。この制御部２２は、省電力モードを備えており、自らを省電力モードとすることで消費電力を抑えるように形成されている。省電力モードにおいては、一部の最低限の機能のみが稼働できるようになっており、一部の機能をあえて無効化することで消費電力を抑えている。 (Control unit 22)
Although not particularly illustrated, the control unit 22 is configured around a CPU, and is configured to control the entire relay device 20 by reading a program stored in the ROM. The control unit 22 has a power saving mode, and is configured to suppress power consumption by setting itself to the power saving mode. In the power saving mode, only some minimum functions can be operated, and power consumption is suppressed by deactivating some functions.
　（電力線通信部２３）
　電力線通信部２３は、接続された電力線系統において送出された通信パケットを他方の電力線系統に送出し、また、他方の電力線系統において送出された通信パケットを接続された電力線系統へと送出するためのものである。 (Power line communication unit 23)
The power line communication unit 23 transmits a communication packet transmitted in the connected power line system to the other power line system, and transmits a communication packet transmitted in the other power line system to the connected power line system. Is.
　例えば、電力線系統Ａの電力線３５の上を通信パケットが流れている場合、この通信パケットは電力線系統Ａに接続された結合部２１Ａによって捕捉され、電力線系統Ａに接続された電力線通信部２３Ａに渡される。通信パケットを受け取った電力線通信部２３Ａは、この通信パケットを増幅させてクリアにし、電力線系統Ｂに接続された電力線通信部２３Ｂに渡す。そして、通信パケットを受け取った電力線通信部２３Ｂが電力線系統Ｂの電力線３５に通信パケットを送出する。 For example, when a communication packet is flowing on the power line 35 of the power line system A, the communication packet is captured by the coupling unit 21A connected to the power line system A and passed to the power line communication unit 23A connected to the power line system A. It is. The power line communication unit 23A that has received the communication packet amplifies the communication packet, clears it, and passes it to the power line communication unit 23B connected to the power line system B. Then, the power line communication unit 23B that has received the communication packet transmits the communication packet to the power line 35 of the power line system B.
　この電力線通信部２３は、省電力モードを備えており、制御部２２によって電力供給が遮断されることで省電力モードに遷移する。省電力モードにおいては、電力線通信が無効となるものの、電力線通信に伴う待機消費電力を抑制できるように形成されている。 The power line communication unit 23 has a power saving mode, and when the power supply is cut off by the control unit 22, the power line communication unit 23 transitions to the power saving mode. In the power saving mode, power line communication is disabled, but standby power consumption associated with power line communication can be suppressed.
　（起動信号発信部２４）
　起動信号発信部２４は、接続された電力線系統において送出された起動信号を他方の電力線系統に送出し、また、他方の電力線系統において送出された起動信号を接続された電力線系統へと送出するものである。 (Startup signal transmitter 24)
The start signal transmission unit 24 sends a start signal sent in the connected power line system to the other power line system, and sends a start signal sent in the other power line system to the connected power line system. It is.
　例えば、電力線系統Ａの電力線３５の上を起動信号が流れている場合、この起動信号は電力線系統Ａに接続された結合部２１Ａによって捕捉され、電力線系統Ａに接続された起動信号発信部２４Ａに渡される。起動信号を受け取った起動信号発信部２４Ａは、この起動信号を増幅させてクリアにし、電力線系統Ｂに接続された起動信号発信部２４Ｂに渡す。そして、起動信号を受け取った起動信号発信部２４Ｂが電力線系統Ｂの電力線３５に起動信号を送出する。 For example, when the activation signal is flowing on the power line 35 of the power line system A, the activation signal is captured by the coupling unit 21A connected to the power line system A and is sent to the activation signal transmission unit 24A connected to the power line system A. Passed. Upon receiving the activation signal, the activation signal transmission unit 24A amplifies the activation signal, clears it, and passes it to the activation signal transmission unit 24B connected to the power line system B. Then, the activation signal transmission unit 24B that has received the activation signal transmits the activation signal to the power line 35 of the power line system B.
　（起動信号受信部２５）
　起動信号受信部２５は、起動信号を電力線３５から受信するためのものである。この起動信号受信部２５は、例えば特定範囲の周波数をフィルタするトランジスタなどで構成されている。 (Startup signal receiver 25)
The activation signal receiving unit 25 is for receiving an activation signal from the power line 35. The activation signal receiving unit 25 is composed of, for example, a transistor that filters a specific range of frequencies.
　この起動信号受信部２５は、接続された電力線系統から他方の電力線系統に属するグループに向けて送出された起動信号のみをフィルタして受信する。例えば、電力線系統Ａに接続された起動信号受信部２５Ａは、電力線系統Ｂに属するグループ（グループＢ１、グループＢ２、グループＢ３）に割り当てられた周波数をフィルタして受信する。また、電力線系統Ｂに接続された起動信号受信部２５Ｂは、電力線系統Ａに属するグループ（グループＡ１、グループＡ２、グループＡ３）に割り当てられた周波数をフィルタして受信する The activation signal receiving unit 25 filters and receives only the activation signal transmitted from the connected power line system to the group belonging to the other power line system. For example, the activation signal receiving unit 25A connected to the power line system A filters and receives the frequencies assigned to the groups (group B1, group B2, group B3) belonging to the power line system B. The activation signal receiving unit 25B connected to the power line system B filters and receives the frequencies assigned to the groups (group A1, group A2, group A3) belonging to the power line system A.
　この起動信号受信部２５が起動信号を受信すると、後述する電源制御部２６に起動信号受信が通知される。 When the activation signal receiving unit 25 receives the activation signal, the power supply control unit 26 described later is notified of the activation signal reception.
　（電源制御部２６）
　電源制御部２６は、制御部２２及び電力線通信部２３が省電力モードからの復帰するように制御する。具体的には、起動信号受信部２５から起動信号受信が通知されたときに制御部２２及び電力線通信部２３を省電力モードから復帰させ、電力線通信が可能な状態に遷移させる。これにより、電力系統を超えて通信パケットを中継することが可能な状態となる。 (Power control unit 26)
The power supply control unit 26 controls the control unit 22 and the power line communication unit 23 to return from the power saving mode. Specifically, when the activation signal reception is notified from the activation signal receiving unit 25, the control unit 22 and the power line communication unit 23 are returned from the power saving mode, and are changed to a state in which power line communication is possible. Thereby, it will be in the state which can relay a communication packet beyond an electric power grid | system.
　なお、電源制御部２６によって省電力モードから復帰した制御部２２及び電力線通信部２３は、所定の条件を満たしたときに自動的に再び省電力モードとなるように形成されている。具体的には、起動信号受信部２５による起動信号の受信が終了してから一定時間が経過すると、自動的に省電力モードとなるように形成されている。 Note that the control unit 22 and the power line communication unit 23 that have been returned from the power saving mode by the power supply control unit 26 are configured to automatically enter the power saving mode again when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Specifically, it is configured to automatically enter the power saving mode when a predetermined time has elapsed after the reception of the activation signal by the activation signal receiving unit 25 is completed.
　（処理フローについて）
　次に、本実施形態に係る電力線通信の処理フローについて説明する。
　なお、本実施形態に係る電力線通信の処理フローは、大きく分けて、（１）送信側の電力線通信装置Ｘの処理、（２）受信側の電力線通信装置Ｙの処理、の２つの処理が存在し、この２つの処理が同時並行的に実行されるため、以下それぞれについて説明する。 (About processing flow)
Next, a processing flow of power line communication according to the present embodiment will be described.
The processing flow of power line communication according to the present embodiment is roughly divided into two processes: (1) processing of the power line communication device X on the transmission side and (2) processing of the power line communication device Y on the reception side. Since these two processes are executed in parallel, each will be described below.
　（送信側の電力線通信装置Ｘの処理）
　まず、送信側の電力線通信装置Ｘの処理について、図５のフローを参照しながら説明する。
　まず、図５に示すステップＳ１００において、通信要求が発生する。
　通信要求は、例えば操作端末３１からの入力があった場合に発生させることができる。具体的には、ユーザが操作端末３１を操作し、被制御機器３２の操作や状態確認の実行を指示した場合に、当該被制御機器３２が接続された電力線通信装置１０への通信要求が発生する。 (Processing of power line communication device X on transmission side)
First, processing of the power line communication device X on the transmission side will be described with reference to the flow of FIG.
First, in step S100 shown in FIG. 5, a communication request is generated.
The communication request can be generated when there is an input from the operation terminal 31, for example. Specifically, when the user operates the operation terminal 31 and instructs the operation of the controlled device 32 or the execution of the status check, a communication request to the power line communication apparatus 10 to which the controlled device 32 is connected is generated. To do.
　また、制御部１２のＣＰＵタイマを利用した割り込み処理に定期的な処理要求が記述されていた場合にも、通信要求が発生する。例えば、定期的に被制御機器３２の状態を確認したい場合には、割り込みハンドラに当該被制御機器３２への通信処理を記述しておけば、当該被制御機器３２が接続された電力線通信装置１０への通信要求が定期的に発生する。
　そして、ステップＳ１０１に進む。 A communication request is also generated when a periodic processing request is described in the interrupt processing using the CPU timer of the control unit 12. For example, when it is desired to periodically check the state of the controlled device 32, the communication processing to the controlled device 32 is described in the interrupt handler, and the power line communication device 10 to which the controlled device 32 is connected is described. Requests for communication occur periodically.
Then, the process proceeds to step S101.
　ステップＳ１０１では、制御部１２及び電力線通信部１３が省電力モードであった場合には、省電力モードから復帰する。省電力モードから復帰した制御部１２は、通信要求を基に通信パケットを生成する。そして、ステップＳ１０２に進む。 In step S101, when the control unit 12 and the power line communication unit 13 are in the power saving mode, the process returns from the power saving mode. The control unit 12 that has returned from the power saving mode generates a communication packet based on the communication request. Then, the process proceeds to step S102.
　ステップＳ１０２では、起動信号発信部１４を使用して起動信号を送信する。具体的には、制御部１２が、通信パケットの送信先の電力線通信装置Ｙが属するグループの起動信号の周波数を抽出し、抽出した周波数の起動信号を出力するように起動信号発信部１４に命令する。命令を受けた起動信号発信部１４は、当該周波数の起動信号を０．５ｓｅｃ継続して電力線に送出する。そして、ステップＳ１０３に進む。 In step S102, an activation signal is transmitted using the activation signal transmitter 14. Specifically, the control unit 12 instructs the activation signal transmission unit 14 to extract the frequency of the activation signal of the group to which the power line communication device Y that is the transmission destination of the communication packet belongs, and to output the activation signal of the extracted frequency. To do. Upon receiving the command, the activation signal transmission unit 14 continuously transmits an activation signal of the frequency to the power line for 0.5 sec. Then, the process proceeds to step S103.
　ステップＳ１０３では、起動信号の送信が終了した直後に電力線通信が実行される。具体的には、制御部１２が、ステップＳ１０１で生成した通信パケットを送信するように電力線通信部１３に命令する。命令を受けた電力線通信部１３は、当該通信パケットを電力線に送出する。そして、ステップＳ１０４に進む。 In step S103, power line communication is executed immediately after the transmission of the activation signal is completed. Specifically, the control unit 12 instructs the power line communication unit 13 to transmit the communication packet generated in step S101. Receiving the command, the power line communication unit 13 sends the communication packet to the power line. Then, the process proceeds to step S104.
　ステップＳ１０４では、制御部１２及び電力線通信部１３が省電力モードに遷移し、待機状態となる。そして、次の通信要求が発生するまで待機状態となる。 In step S104, the control unit 12 and the power line communication unit 13 transition to the power saving mode and enter a standby state. And it will be in a standby state until the next communication request occurs.
　（受信側の電力線通信装置Ｙの処理）
　次に、受信側の電力線通信装置Ｙの処理の処理について、図６のフローを参照しながら説明する。
　まず、図６に示すステップＳ２００において、起動信号受信部２５が自分宛の起動信号をフィルタして受信する。そして、ステップＳ２０１に進む。 (Processing of the power line communication device Y on the receiving side)
Next, processing of the receiving side power line communication apparatus Y will be described with reference to the flow of FIG.
First, in step S200 shown in FIG. 6, the activation signal receiving unit 25 filters and receives the activation signal addressed to itself. Then, the process proceeds to step S201.
　ステップＳ２０１では、制御部１２及び電力線通信部１３が省電力モードであった場合には、省電力モードから復帰する。そして、ステップＳ２０２に進む。 In step S201, when the control unit 12 and the power line communication unit 13 are in the power saving mode, the process returns from the power saving mode. Then, the process proceeds to step S202.
　ステップＳ２０２では、電力線通信が開始するまで一定時間待機する。具体的には、起動信号受信部２５が起動信号の受信を終了してから（起動信号が途絶えてから）所定時間（例えば０．１ｓｅｃ）経過するまで待機する。もし、この時間内に自分宛の通信パケットが送信されてこない場合には、ステップＳ２０４に進み、制御部１２及び電力線通信部１３を省電力モードに遷移させる。一方、この時間内に自分宛の通信パケットが送信されてきた場合には、ステップＳ２０３に進む。 In step S202, the apparatus waits for a predetermined time until power line communication starts. Specifically, it waits until a predetermined time (for example, 0.1 sec) elapses after the activation signal receiving unit 25 finishes receiving the activation signal (after the activation signal is interrupted). If a communication packet addressed to itself is not transmitted within this time, the process proceeds to step S204, and the control unit 12 and the power line communication unit 13 are switched to the power saving mode. On the other hand, if a communication packet addressed to itself is transmitted within this time, the process proceeds to step S203.
　ステップＳ２０３では、自分宛の通信パケットの内容を参照し、通信パケットに含まれる処理コードなどを基に、この処理コードに紐づけられた処理を実行する。例えば、被制御機器３２の電源をオン・オフしたり、被制御機器３２の状態を検査したりする。 In step S203, the content of the communication packet addressed to itself is referred to, and the process associated with this process code is executed based on the process code included in the communication packet. For example, the power of the controlled device 32 is turned on / off, or the state of the controlled device 32 is inspected.
　このとき、必要に応じて送信側の電力線通信装置Ｘにリプライを行ってもよい。例えば、検査した被制御機器３２の状態を通信パケットにより返送してもよい。この場合、送信側の電力線通信装置Ｘが省電力モードである可能性もあるので、まずは起動信号発信部１４により起動信号を送信した後に、電力線通信部１３によって通信パケットを送信する。
　そして、ステップＳ２０４に進む。
　ステップＳ２０４では、制御部１２及び電力線通信部１３を省電力モードに遷移させ、待機状態となる。 At this time, you may reply to the power line communication apparatus X of a transmission side as needed. For example, the state of the inspected controlled device 32 may be returned by a communication packet. In this case, since there is a possibility that the power line communication device X on the transmission side is in the power saving mode, first, the activation signal transmission unit 14 transmits an activation signal, and then the power line communication unit 13 transmits a communication packet.
Then, the process proceeds to step S204.
In step S204, the control unit 12 and the power line communication unit 13 are shifted to the power saving mode, and enter a standby state.
　（まとめ）
　以上説明したように、本実施形態によれば、送信側の電力線通信装置Ｘは、電力線通信部１３が使用しない帯域の周波数を使用した起動信号を電力線３５に送信する起動信号発信部１４を備え、受信側の電力線通信装置Ｙは、前記起動信号発信部１４が送信した起動信号を電力線３５から受信する起動信号受信部１５を備え、前記受信側の電力線通信装置Ｙが備える前記電力線通信部１３は、所定の条件を満たしたときに省電力モードとなるとともに、前記起動信号受信部１５が起動信号を受信したときに前記省電力モードから復帰する。すなわち、電力線通信部１３を省電力モードとすることができるので、省電力化を実現することができる。そして、電力線通信を再開する際には、起動信号の送受信を行うことで電力線通信部１３を省電力モードから復帰すればよい。しかも、起動信号の送受信が電力線３５を使用して行われるため、起動信号の送受信のために電力線通信とは別の通信手段を設ける必要がなく、設備投資を最小限に抑えることができるという電力線通信のメリットを損なうことない。 (Summary)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the transmission-side power line communication device X includes the activation signal transmission unit 14 that transmits the activation signal using the frequency of the band not used by the power line communication unit 13 to the power line 35. The power line communication device Y on the reception side includes the activation signal reception unit 15 that receives the activation signal transmitted from the activation signal transmission unit 14 from the power line 35, and the power line communication unit 13 included in the power line communication device Y on the reception side. Enters a power saving mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and returns from the power saving mode when the activation signal receiving unit 15 receives the activation signal. That is, since the power line communication unit 13 can be set in the power saving mode, power saving can be realized. And when restarting power line communication, the power line communication part 13 should just return from a power saving mode by transmitting / receiving an activation signal. Moreover, since transmission / reception of the activation signal is performed using the power line 35, it is not necessary to provide a communication means different from the power line communication for transmission / reception of the activation signal, and the power line can minimize capital investment. No loss of communication merit.
　なお、起動信号受信部１５が受信する起動信号は所定の周波数の信号を一定時間送出するようなもので足りるため、起動信号受信部１５は周波数をフィルタできるトランジスタなどで構成することができる。すなわち、消費電力の高い演算装置を使用しなくても起動信号を処理することができるため、起動信号を受信するための待機消費電力を著しく低減することができる。 Since the activation signal received by the activation signal receiving unit 15 is sufficient to send a signal having a predetermined frequency for a certain period of time, the activation signal receiving unit 15 can be composed of a transistor capable of filtering the frequency. That is, since the activation signal can be processed without using a computing device with high power consumption, standby power consumption for receiving the activation signal can be significantly reduced.
　また、前記受信側の電力線通信装置Ｙが備える前記電力線通信部１３は、前記電力線通信部１３が受信した通信パケットに基づく処理を実行した後に省電力モードとなるので、必要な処理が完了したらすぐに待機状態に入ることができ、効果的に省電力化を図ることができる。 Moreover, since the power line communication unit 13 included in the power line communication device Y on the receiving side is in the power saving mode after executing the processing based on the communication packet received by the power line communication unit 13, as soon as necessary processing is completed. It is possible to enter a standby state and to effectively save power.
　また、前記受信側の電力線通信装置Ｙが備える前記電力線通信部１３は、前記起動信号受信部１５による起動信号の受信が終了してから所定時間経過しても電力線通信が発生しない場合に省電力モードとなるので、例えば電力線に乗ったノイズなどにより起動信号受信部１５が誤動作した場合でも、一定時間経てば待機状態に入るので、効果的に省電力化を図ることができる。 The power line communication unit 13 included in the power line communication device Y on the receiving side saves power when no power line communication occurs even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the start signal reception by the start signal receiving unit 15 is completed. Since the mode is set, for example, even when the activation signal receiving unit 15 malfunctions due to noise on the power line or the like, the standby state is entered after a certain period of time, so that power saving can be effectively achieved.
　また、起動信号を受け取った電力線通信装置Ｙの一部のみが電力線通信を行う場合でも、電力線通信を行わない電力線通信装置Ｙが速やかに待機状態となるので、効果的に省電力化を図ることができる。 In addition, even when only a part of the power line communication device Y that has received the activation signal performs power line communication, the power line communication device Y that does not perform power line communication quickly enters a standby state, thereby effectively saving power. Can do.
　なお、上記した実施形態においては、送信側の電力線通信装置Ｘと受信側の電力線通信装置Ｙとが１対多の関係で接続したが、これに限らず、両者を多対多の関係としてもよい。 In the above-described embodiment, the transmission-side power line communication device X and the reception-side power line communication device Y are connected in a one-to-many relationship. Good.
　また、上記した実施形態においては、送信側の電力線通信装置Ｘと受信側の電力線通信装置Ｙとを分けて説明したが、双方向で通信が行われる場合にはこれらを概念的に分ける必要はなく、１つの電力線通信装置１０が送信側の電力線通信装置Ｘにも受信側の電力線通信装置Ｙにもなり得るように形成すればよい。 In the above-described embodiment, the transmission-side power line communication device X and the reception-side power line communication device Y have been described separately. However, when bidirectional communication is performed, it is necessary to conceptually separate them. Instead, one power line communication device 10 may be formed so that it can be the power line communication device X on the transmission side and the power line communication device Y on the reception side.
　１０　電力線通信装置
　１１　接続部
　１２　制御部
　１３　電力線通信部
　１３ａ　アドレスデータベース
　１３ｂ　パケット送信部
　１３ｃ　パケット受信部
　１４　起動信号発信部
　１５　起動信号受信部
　１６　電源制御部
　１７　結合部
　２０　中継装置
　２１　結合部
　２２　制御部
　２３　電力線通信部
　２４　起動信号発信部
　２５　起動信号受信部
　２６　電源制御部
　３０　外部機器
　３１　操作端末
　３２　被制御機器
　３５　電力線
　Ｘ　送信側の電力線通信装置
　Ｙ　受信側の電力線通信装置 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Power line communication apparatus 11 Connection part 12 Control part 13 Power line communication part 13a Address database 13b Packet transmission part 13c Packet reception part 14 Activation signal transmission part 15 Activation signal reception part 16 Power supply control part 17 Connection part 20 Relay apparatus 21 Connection part 22 Control Unit 23 power line communication unit 24 activation signal transmission unit 25 activation signal reception unit 26 power supply control unit 30 external device 31 operation terminal 32 controlled device 35 power line X transmission side power line communication device Y reception side power line communication device

Claims (5)

  1. 　電力線を介した通信パケットの送信及び受信を実行する電力線通信部を備えた複数の電力線通信装置を用いて通信を実行する電力線通信における省電力化システムであって、
    　送信側の電力線通信装置は、前記電力線通信部が使用しない帯域の周波数を使用した起動信号を電力線に送信する起動信号発信部を備え、
    　受信側の電力線通信装置は、前記起動信号発信部が送信した起動信号を電力線から受信する起動信号受信部を備え、
    　前記受信側の電力線通信装置が備える前記電力線通信部は、所定の条件を満たしたときに省電力モードとなるとともに、前記起動信号受信部が起動信号を受信したときに前記省電力モードから復帰することを特徴とする、電力線通信における省電力化システム。     A power saving system in power line communication that performs communication using a plurality of power line communication devices including a power line communication unit that performs transmission and reception of communication packets via a power line,
    The power line communication device on the transmission side includes an activation signal transmission unit that transmits an activation signal using a frequency in a band not used by the power line communication unit to the power line,
    The power line communication device on the receiving side includes an activation signal receiving unit that receives the activation signal transmitted from the activation signal transmitting unit from the power line,
    The power line communication unit included in the power line communication device on the receiving side enters a power saving mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and returns from the power saving mode when the activation signal receiving unit receives an activation signal. A power-saving system for power line communication.
  2. 　前記受信側の電力線通信装置が備える前記電力線通信部は、前記電力線通信部が受信した通信パケットに基づく処理を実行した後に省電力モードとなることを特徴とする、請求項１記載の電力線通信における省電力化システム。 2. The power line communication according to claim 1, wherein the power line communication unit included in the power line communication device on the receiving side is in a power saving mode after executing processing based on a communication packet received by the power line communication unit. Power saving system.
  3. 　前記受信側の電力線通信装置が備える前記電力線通信部は、前記起動信号受信部による起動信号の受信が終了してから所定時間経過しても電力線通信が発生しない場合に省電力モードとなることを特徴とする、請求項１又は２記載の電力線通信における省電力化システム。 The power line communication unit included in the power line communication device on the receiving side is set to a power saving mode when power line communication does not occur even after a predetermined time has elapsed after reception of the activation signal by the activation signal receiving unit is completed. The power saving system in power line communication according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that
  4. 　電力線通信路を介した通信パケットの送信及び受信を実行する電力線通信部と、
    　前記電力線通信部が使用しない帯域の周波数を使用した起動信号を電力線から受信する起動信号受信部と、
    　を備え、
    　前記電力線通信部は、所定の条件を満たしたときに省電力モードとなるとともに、前記起動信号受信部が起動信号を受信したときに前記省電力モードから復帰することを特徴とする、電力線通信装置。     A power line communication unit that performs transmission and reception of communication packets via the power line communication path;
    An activation signal receiving unit that receives an activation signal from a power line using a frequency in a band not used by the power line communication unit;
    With
    The power line communication unit is in a power saving mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and returns from the power saving mode when the activation signal receiving unit receives the activation signal. .
  5. 　電力線通信路を介した通信パケットの送信及び受信を実行する電力線通信部を備えた複数の電力線通信装置を用いて通信を実行する電力線通信における省電力化方法であって、
    　送信側の電力線通信装置が、前記電力線通信部の使用しない帯域の周波数を使用した起動信号を電力線に送信するステップと、
    　受信側の電力線通信装置が、前記送信側の電力線通信装置から送信された起動信号を電力線から受信するステップと、
    　起動信号を受信した前記受信側の電力線通信装置が、省電力モードから復帰するステップと、
    　を備えることを特徴とする、電力線通信における省電力方法。     A power saving method in power line communication that performs communication using a plurality of power line communication devices including a power line communication unit that performs transmission and reception of communication packets via a power line communication path,
    The power line communication device on the transmission side transmits an activation signal using a frequency in a band not used by the power line communication unit to the power line; and
    A power-side communication device on the receiving side receives an activation signal transmitted from the power-line communication device on the transmitting side from the power line;
    The receiving-side power line communication device that has received the activation signal returns from the power saving mode; and
    A power saving method in power line communication, comprising:
PCT/JP2013/051476 2013-01-24 2013-01-24 Power saving system in electric power line communication, power line communication device and power saving method WO2014115286A1 (en)

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